Gun Charges in Virginia

There are many different laws that regulate weapons in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The most common weapon-related offense involves the possession of a concealed weapon. This charge is not limited to firearms. It also includes many different kinds of weapons, such as revolvers, razors, bowie knives, switchblades, pistols, machetes, slingshots, and even nunchucks.

Because the laws can be so strict regarding weapons possession, it is important that anyone looking to purchase or carry such weapons obtain, and maintain, the proper licenses.

Should this not happen, the consequences could be severe, including criminal charges, potential felony conviction, and revocation of your Second Amendment right to bear arms. If you have been charged with a weapons offense in Virginia, whether it is for not having the proper licensure for carrying concealed, or for some other charge, contact an experienced Virginia gun lawyer as soon as possible.

An attorney well-versed in the laws surrounding guns and other weapons in Virginia will be able to determine what consequences you are facing, what the potential outcome of your case may be, and what rights are available to you. Additionally, they will be able to prevent any of your Constitutional rights from being violated.

Concealed Weapons

The concealed weapons statute covers different types of weapons that you cannot conceal without a permit. In Virginia, you can petition the Circuit Court to receive a permit to carry concealed weapons. If you do carry concealed weapons without a valid permit, then it is a criminal offense. There are exceptions. Certain people are allowed to carry a concealed weapon, but in general, you cannot carry a concealed weapon without a permit.

It is not illegal to open carry, which means that you can carry a firearm in a holster so long as everybody can see it. That is not illegal, unless you are a convicted felon. If you are a convicted felon, you cannot possess a firearm in Virginia. A first offense for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit is a Class 1 misdemeanor and a second offense is a felony.

Weapon Offense Prosecution in Virginia

If a person is alleged to have violated a weapons offense that is part of a federal statute or they use a firearm illegally while violating a federal statute, then they will be prosecuted in federal court. There are other ways for a person to be prosecuted in a federal court for illegally possessing a firearm in Virginia. For instance, if a person is a convicted felon and they were convicted of a felony within the past ten years, the federal government could prosecute them. They are provided the jurisdiction to do that if the gun has been transferred over state lines, therefore making it part of interstate commerce.

Weapons Offense Consequences in the Commonwealth?

If a person has a weapons offense conviction, they will not be able to get a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Depending on the charge, the person will be a convicted felon, which will affect the person’s Constitutional rights and forever prohibit the person from possessing a firearm in Virginia. If a person does so, they will face serious consequences.