Category Archives: Weapons Offenses
Breaking Down Virginia’s Illegal Discharge Law
Most states prohibit the unauthorized discharge of firearms, and most states don’t strictly enforce these prohibitions. Virginia is different. Local authorities aggressively enforce Section 18.2-280 violations. Officers usually respond to shots-fired calls, investigators usually follow up, and prosecutors usually file charges. Obviously, these cases have a lot of moving parts. Police officers can only… Read More »
Overview Of Four Types Of People Who Cannot Own Firearms In Virginia
Even though the Second Amendment grants the right to bear arms, it is a weapon crime in Virginia for certain individuals to purchase, possess, or transport firearms. Effectively, these individuals do not have the necessary capacity to appreciate the danger that firearms pose. Accordingly, Virginia law prohibits these individuals from purchasing, possessing, or transporting… Read More »
Overview of Three Firearm Weapon Crimes in Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia features laws against weapon crimes, including various restrictions on the ability to possess or use firearms. For example, it is a crime to display or brandish a firearm in certain circumstances. It is also illegal to discharge a firearm in public or at occupied buildings or residences. Pointing, Holding or… Read More »
Exploring Four Virginia Laws Involving Dangerous Weapons
Owing to the dangerousness of firearms and similar weapons, the Commonwealth of Virginia has strict laws against various weapon crimes. Often referred to generally as dangerous weapons, there are state laws against possession or use in various places and settings, such as churches, courthouses, and airports. There are also laws against using dangerous weapons… Read More »
Ashburn Man Charged with Reckless Handling of a Firearm in Virginia
A 24-year-old man from Ashburn, Virginia, now faces criminal charges for the weapon crime of reckless handling of a firearm, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office responded to this incident on September 9th in Hamilton. The Ashburn man apparently discharged a firearm and injured a woman in… Read More »
Virginia Laws Against Aggressive or Violent Machine Gun Use
Referred to as machine guns, automatic firearms and similar weapons are highly regulated in Virginia. This stems from the potential danger that these weapons pose to the general public. Armed with a machine gun, a single assailant has the power to harm large groups of people at the same time. To minimize the impact… Read More »
Will a Hamilton Gun Store be Able to Sell Coffee or Food?
The Town Council of Hamilton, Virginia, is considering whether to allow a gun store to sell coffee, reported Loudoun Now. On October 15th, the Hamilton Council will vote on a six-month trial period for coffee sales at the gun store. This decision arose after the Hamilton Council met for one hour on September 25th…. Read More »
What is the Virginia Uniform Machine Gun Act?
The Uniform Machine Gun Act regulates the possession and use of machine guns within the Commonwealth of Virginia. The following sections will provide an overview of several important components of the Uniform Machine Gun Act in Virginia. Definition of Machine Guns Under Code of Virginia § 18.2-288, a machine gun is any weapon that:… Read More »
Police Charge 44 People in Virginia for Drug and Gun Crimes
Several law enforcement organizations combined forces over the course eight months to bust an illegal drug operation, according to an article by The Virginian-Pilot. This combined police effort led to criminal charges against 44 people, including drug and weapon offenses. Overall, law enforcement agents were able to seize illegal drugs and weapons as well… Read More »
Survey of Concealed Weapon Laws in Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia employs a number of restrictions on carrying concealed weapons. In order to gain a full appreciation of this legal topic, the following sections will explore concealed carry definitions, exceptions, and penalties. What are Virginia’s Laws Concerning Concealed Weapons? As established in Code of Virginia 18.2-308, it is unlawful to carry… Read More »
