Transporting Firearms in Colonial Heights
Any individual who owns or is looking to own a firearm in Virginia should be aware of the state-specific laws. While the steps to legally purchase, register, and carry a gun are specific and unique on their own, it is also important to understand how and when someone may legally transport firearms within the state.
If you are wondering about your legal rights regarding firearms, call a lawyer to discuss safely transporting firearms in Colonial Heights. By speaking with a knowledgeable gun attorney, you could understand when and where you may transport a gun to avoid violating state laws and statutes. If you have already violated a statute, however, an attorney could help to explain your legal options and help to protect your future rights.
Legally and Safely Transporting Guns in Colonial Heights
Generally, a person may transport a firearm for a number of reasons, such as to have it in their car for protection or when going from place to place. However, there are steps a person needs to take before they can legally and safely transport a firearm in Colonial Heights, or anywhere.
For example, a person may not conceal their firearm from common observation, unless they have it in a specific kind of case or compartment. While this compartment does not have to be locked, it is usually a good safety measure. Otherwise, without these measures in place, a gun may not be concealed during transportation. There are many nuances around the specifics of these statutes, however, and a person looking to understand their rights to try and avoid an infraction may benefit from speaking with a well-versed attorney.
Firearms and Public Transportation
In Colonial Heights, a person may use public transportation to transport their firearm — so long as it is not concealed, as is mentioned above. As long as the firearm is not concealed, an individual could do anything with it other than shoot it or brandish it. They could carry it around either in their hand or in a holster, but to save themselves from trouble, they should put it in a holster or lock it in a box.
What are Exceptions to Legally Transporting Firearms?
Instances, where the transportation of a firearm is considered unlawful, are when the firearm is concealed from common observation. Additionally, some individuals may never be allowed to transport a gun within Colonial Heights.
For example, anyone with a criminal record that marks them as a felon may not own, carry, or otherwise transport a firearm under any circumstances. Furthermore, anyone legally considered a minor is also prohibited from the ownership, possession, or transportation of a firearm.
The penalties for the unlawful transportation of a gun on a first offense is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. On a second or subsequent offense, however, this charge is elevated to a Class 6 felony. A Class 6 felony is punishable by no less than one year in prison — and up to five years — as well as a fine of no more than $2,500.
Call an Attorney to Understand Legally Transporting Firearms in Colonial Heights
Violating any law regarding firearms can result in severe punishments, including hefty fines and jail time. Furthermore, a mark on a criminal record could have a negative impact on a person’s personal, financial, and professional endeavors.
If you have a legally purchased firearm or are looking to buy, a lawyer could help to explain the laws regarding gun ownership and safely transporting firearms in Colonial Heights. To discuss your legal rights further, call today.
