Shooting in or Across Street: Va. Code 18.2-286

What is Virginia’s law on Shooting in or Across a Street?

Virginia’s Law on Shooting in or Across a Street is Va. Code 18.2-286, which says:

If any person discharges a firearm, crossbow, slingbow, arrowgun, or bow and arrow in or across any road, or within the right-of-way thereof, or in a street of any city or town, he shall, for each offense, be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.The provisions of this section shall not apply to firing ranges or shooting matches maintained, and supervised or approved, by law-enforcement officers and military personnel in performance of their lawful duties.

A Class 4 misdemeanor charge for Shooting in or Across a Street carries a penalty of a $250 fine, and no jail time. However, for a charge like this, there is a possibility of other firearms related charges, or charges related to any possible injuries, and charges or civil lawsuits related to property damage. For this reason, it is important to talk to an attorney before speaking with police about any charge involving a firearm. Local municipalities are also likely to have their own ordinances regarding firearm use or discharge in public.

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