Virginia is known for having relatively strict gun laws, including regulations for carrying a concealed weapon. Although doing so is allowed in the Commonwealth, you must have the proper permit. Having a hidden firearm without authorization can bring serious consequences.
If you have been accused of concealed carry violations in Chesapeake, now is the time to talk to a lawyer. A seasoned gun attorney can review the allegations against you, advise you of your rights, and answer any questions regarding the charges.
Who Can Carry a Concealed Weapon?
Under state law, an individual may openly carry a firearm in most places. The right to have a gun is far more restricted when the weapon is concealed in a vehicle or on a person’s body.
Most adults are eligible for a concealed weapons permit. The only exclusions are those with criminal convictions for felonies or certain misdemeanors, like domestic assault.
Anyone seeking a permit must first take and complete a gun safety course. Once this is done, the next step is to submit an application to the local circuit court. If all the requirements are met, the permit will be issued in short order.
Even when someone in Chesapeake has a permit, they are still at risk of criminal prosecution if they have a concealed gun in a location where they are not allowed. For example, it is impermissible to bring a weapon into a bar or restaurant that serves alcohol. Private property owners also have the right to ban firearms on their premises. Having a permit is not a defense in these situations.
What Weapons Are Regulated?
Having a hidden weapon is against the law without proper authorization, and these restrictions are not limited to firearms. While most people choose to conceal handguns, many other options could ultimately violate the law if they are concealed in public.
In addition to guns, this law applies to a number of blades, including machetes, razors, ballistic knives, and switchblades. The law also applies to flailing weapons with two or more rigid parts connected by chains, including nun-chucks.
Certain thrown weapons are also regulated. Some common examples include throwing stars, darts, or any disc with two or more blades designed to be thrown or launched. Hiding any of these weapons can lead to concealed carry violations in Chesapeake.
Penalties for Concealed Carry Violations
The first time a person in Chesapeake is convicted of having a hidden weapon without authorization, they are charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor. This is a serious offense that can carry as much as one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
The penalties get steeper when a person has a prior conviction on their record. For a second offense, the accused faces a Class 6 felony. A conviction can lead to between one and five years in prison on top of a fine. Third and subsequent offenses are Class 5 felonies that bring a prison term between one and ten years.
Talk to an Attorney in Chesapeake About Concealed Carry Violations
If you have been accused of concealed carry violations in Chesapeake, it is important that you seek out legal counsel right away. Convictions in these cases can lead to jail time, fines, and the loss of certain rights if your charge is treated as a felony. Call Parks Zeigler right away for a private consultation.
