Virginia criminal charge
Reckless handling of firearms in Virginia
Reckless handling of firearms is a criminal offense under Virginia law, defined by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-56.1. Its classification is not fixed: Virginia assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-56.1.
What is the penalty for reckless handling of firearms in Virginia?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 12 months (Reckless handling of firearms — A person recklessly handles any firearm so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person.) | discretionary | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-11 |
| Fine | up to $2,500 (Reckless handling of firearms — A person recklessly handles any firearm so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person.; either or both with confinement (§ 18.2-11(a))) | discretionary | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-11 |
| Jail / prison | 1 years to 5 years (Reckless handling causing serious bodily injury — A person handles a firearm in a manner so gross, wanton, and culpable as to show reckless disregard for human life and causes serious bodily injury resulting in permanent and significant physical impairment to another person.; or, at the discretion of the jury or the court trying the case without a jury, confinement in jail for not more than 12 months and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both (§ 18.2-10(f))) | discretionary | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-10 |
| Fine | up to $2,500 (Reckless handling causing serious bodily injury — A person handles a firearm in a manner so gross, wanton, and culpable as to show reckless disregard for human life and causes serious bodily injury resulting in permanent and significant physical impairment to another person.; with the jail-confinement alternative under § 18.2-10(f)) | discretionary | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-10 |
| Jail / prison | up to 12 months (Hunting or trapping while firearm privileges revoked — A person whose hunting or trapping license or privilege to possess a firearm while hunting or trapping has been revoked under this section thereafter hunts or traps while in possession of a firearm.) | discretionary | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-11 |
| Fine | up to $2,500 (Hunting or trapping while firearm privileges revoked — A person whose hunting or trapping license or privilege to possess a firearm while hunting or trapping has been revoked under this section thereafter hunts or traps while in possession of a firearm.; either or both with confinement (§ 18.2-11(a))) | discretionary | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-11 |
Applies to current.
How is reckless handling of firearms classified in Virginia?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reckless handling of firearms | Class 1 Misdemeanor | A person recklessly handles any firearm so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person. | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-56.1A |
| Reckless handling causing serious bodily injury | Class 6 Felony | A person handles a firearm in a manner so gross, wanton, and culpable as to show reckless disregard for human life and causes serious bodily injury resulting in permanent and significant physical impairment to another person. | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-56.1A |
| Hunting or trapping while firearm privileges revoked | Class 1 Misdemeanor | A person whose hunting or trapping license or privilege to possess a firearm while hunting or trapping has been revoked under this section thereafter hunts or traps while in possession of a firearm. | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-56.1D |
Common questions about reckless handling of firearms in Virginia
Is reckless handling of firearms a felony or a misdemeanor in Virginia?
It depends on the circumstances: reckless handling of firearms ranges from a class 1 misdemeanor to a class 6 felony in Virginia under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-56.1.
Reckless handling of firearms: class 1 misdemeanor (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-56.1A) · Reckless handling causing serious bodily injury: class 6 felony (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-56.1A) · Hunting or trapping while firearm privileges revoked: class 1 misdemeanor (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-56.1D)
What are the penalties for reckless handling of firearms in Virginia?
Which Virginia statute covers reckless handling of firearms?
Reckless handling of firearms is governed by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-56.1 (Reckless handling of firearms; reckless handling while hunting).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.