Virginia Code § 18.2-287.01 prohibits carrying a weapon in an airport:
It shall be unlawful for any person to possess or transport into any air carrier airport terminal in the Commonwealth any (i) gun or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile or projectile of any kind, (ii) frame, receiver, muffler, silencer, missile, projectile or ammunition designed for use with a dangerous weapon, and (iii) any other dangerous weapon, including explosives, stun weapons as defined in § 18.2-308.1, and those weapons specified in subsection A of § 18.2-308. Any such weapon shall be subject to seizure by a law-enforcement officer. A violation of this section is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any weapon possessed or transported in violation of this section shall be forfeited to the Commonwealth and disposed of as provided in § 19.2-386.28.
If you reside in Northern Virginia, chances are that you live near Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Dulles International Airport (IAD). As a result, you may visit these airports frequently to travel or drop off and pick up your loved ones.
It shall be unlawful for any person to possess or transport into any air carrier airport terminal in the Commonwealth any (i) gun or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile or projectile of any kind, (ii) frame, receiver, muffler, silencer, missile, projectile or ammunition designed for use with a dangerous weapon, and (iii) any other dangerous weapon, including explosives, stun weapons as defined in § 18.2-308.1, and those weapons specified in subsection A of § 18.2-308. Any such weapon shall be subject to seizure by a law-enforcement officer. A violation of this section is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any weapon possessed or transported in violation of this section shall be forfeited to the Commonwealth and disposed of as provided in § 19.2-386.28.
If you reside in Northern Virginia, chances are that you live near Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Dulles International Airport (IAD). As a result, you may visit these airports frequently to travel or drop off and pick up your loved ones.
It’s possible that you might make a simple yet significant mistake. For instance, as a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) holder, you might carry your friend’s baggage or wait in the lobby, forgetting that weapons are prohibited even in these areas. Alternatively, you might accidentally pack a firearm in a bag you inadvertently carry through a TSA checkpoint. If this is discovered by airport personnel or police, you may be summoned to appear in court on a concealed weapon misdemeanor charge.
The statute prohibiting such weapons applies to functional or loaded firearms. It includes accessories or parts, such as a lower receiver, a suppressor, a silencer, or a single round of ammunition, which could be stuck in the bottom corner of a bag. This law extends beyond firearms and encompasses weapons like stun guns, certain knives, and more. It’s possible to be charged with this offense even if you have not passed security or were not at the airport to board a flight for yourself.
If you plan to travel and need to transport your firearms legally and safely, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides a brief guide.
This offense is a Class 1 Misdemeanor, which is the most serious misdemeanor charge. That might result in a fine of up to $2,500 and a jail sentence of up to one year. However, such penalties would rarely arise from a first offense absent aggravating circumstances. There are also defenses to this charge that you can discuss with your attorney.
Having a concealed carry on airport property attorney represent you when you are charged with concealed carry on airport property is always advisable. This severe charge cannot be expunged from your record if convicted. As a result, it may not be immediately apparent to a third party, such as an employer, whether this was an accidental oversight or a more serious infraction. A competent attorney can assist you through the process and explore your options. You may contact Bississo Law, P.C., to further discuss this charge and your choices.
