Recklessly Leaving Loaded Firearm Endangering Child
Recklessly Leaving a Loaded Firearm in a Manner that Endangers a Child Under 14 in Virginia is a Crime
Virginia criminalizes a number of different acts involving firearms, including possession offenses, transfer offenses, shooting offenses, crimes related to hunting, and crimes related to reckless use or handling of firearms. Additionally, Virginia specifically criminalizes certain acts and omissions involving children and children’s safety. One such crime is Recklessly Leaving a Loaded Firearm in a Manner that Endangers a Child Under 14 (Va. Code §18.2-56.2).
Recklessly Leaving a Loaded Firearm in a Manner that Endangers a Child Under 14
It is a crime in Virginia to allow children access to firearms under Va. Code §18.2-56.2. The statute prohibits recklessly leaving a loaded and unsecured firearm in a manner to endanger the life or limb of a child under the age of 14.
The statute also prohibits allowing a child under 12 to use a firearm without adult supervision. For more information on Allowing a Child Under 12 to Use a Firearm without Adult Supervision in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-56.2(B)), click here.
Penalty for Recklessly Leaving a Loaded Firearm in a Manner that Endangers a Child Under 14
Recklessly Leaving a Loaded Firearm in a Manner that Endangers a Child Under 14 in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-56.2) is a Class 1 misdemeanor. It is punished with up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500.
For more information on crimes involving minors and firearms in Virginia, click here.
For more information on what is considered a firearm in Virginia, click here.
For more general information on firearm crimes in Virginia, click here.