Va. Code » Title 18.2. Crimes and Offenses Generally » Chapter 4. Crimes Against the Person » Article 4. Assaults and Bodily Woundings
Virginia Code

Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-56.2 (2026)

Allowing access to firearms by children; penalty

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A. It shall be unlawful for any person to recklessly leave a loaded, unsecured firearm in such a manner as to endanger the life or limb of any child under the age of fourteen. Any person violating the provisions of this subsection shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

B. It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to authorize a child under the age of twelve to use a firearm except when the child is under the supervision of an adult. Any person violating this subsection shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. For purposes of this subsection, "adult" shall mean a parent, guardian, person standing in loco parentis to the child or a person twenty-one years or over who has the permission of the parent, guardian, or person standing in loco parentis to supervise the child in the use of a firearm.

1991, c. 537; 1994, c. 832; 2020, c. 742.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 2 cases, 2002–2004 · leading case: Mangano v. Commonwealth, 604 S.E.2d 118 (Va. Ct. App. 2004).
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Mangano v. Commonwealth, 604 S.E.2d 118 (Va. Ct. App. 2004). · cites it 10× “The defendant also challenges the sufficiency of the evidence of recklessly leaving a loaded firearm unsecured, Code § 18.2-56.2. The Commonwealth had to prove: the defendant recklessly left; a loaded firearm; unsecured; and in a manner to endanger a child under fourteen.”
People v. Heber, 192 Misc. 2d 412 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. 2002). “13 (West 1994, 2000 Supp); Va Code Ann § 18.2-56.2 (Michie 1996); Wis Stat Ann § 948.”
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-56.2(A): 1 case
Mangano v. Commonwealth, 604 S.E.2d 118 (Va. Ct. App. 2004). “The defendant also challenges the sufficiency of the evidence of recklessly leaving a loaded firearm unsecured, Code § 18.2-56.2. The Commonwealth had to prove: the defendant recklessly left; a loaded firearm; unsecured; and in a manner to endanger a child under fourteen.”
Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-56.2(B): 1 case
Mangano v. Commonwealth, 604 S.E.2d 118 (Va. Ct. App. 2004). “The defendant also challenges the sufficiency of the evidence of recklessly leaving a loaded firearm unsecured, Code § 18.2-56.2. The Commonwealth had to prove: the defendant recklessly left; a loaded firearm; unsecured; and in a manner to endanger a child under fourteen.”
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