Reagan Airport Gun Lawyer • Arlington VA Defense Attorneys
Traveling can be hectic. There are countless things on your mind and your checklist. You may even be running late or behind schedule to catch your flight at the Reagan Airport. That is when it happens. All of the sudden you realize you left your concealed carry firearm in a carry-on bag while passing through the TSA security checkpoint. It is unlawful according to Va. Code § 18.2-287.01 to possess or transport a firearm or other dangerous weapon into any air carrier airport terminal. This is a misdemeanor criminal offense. Checking a firearm with luggage or retrieving a firearm from the baggage claim area are exceptions.
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Firearm Violations in Reagan National Airport Result in Gun Charges
Transportation Security Administration officials are specially trained and are on alert for bags that may contain a firearm that pass through their security screeners. TSA will notify the Reagan Airport Police. An investigation will begin. Any suspect will be detained for questioning. A traveler may even miss their flight. The firearm will be seized by airport police. The police have the authority to make a full arrest and transport the suspect to jail. In some cases, the traveler is released on a Virginia Uniform Summons with an arraignment date to appear in the Arlington County General District Court. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is located in Arlington Virginia.
Most Rated Reagan Airport Gun Attorney
Experienced Arlington VA Lawyers Defending Reagan Airport Gun Charges
Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law is an established Arlington County criminal defense firm with over 60 years of combined trial experience. We are a recognized “Best Law Firm” according to U.S. News & World Report. Our lawyers know how to defend criminal airport gun charges successfully. We understand that sometimes bad things happen to good people. We will help you navigate this stressful time. Retain an experienced professional with a proven track record of success. Our goal is to protect your freedom and your future. Avoiding a permanent criminal conviction and a jail sentence are important.
Free Consultation with Top Rated Reagan Washington Defense Lawyers
Our Arlington County criminal defense lawyers offer a free no obligation consultation for those individuals who have found themselves in the unfortunate position of having to defend a Reagan airport gun case. The biggest issues for most are the lack of experience and legal knowledge. The average person does not understand how to best defend an airport firearm case. Our top Arlington County attorneys specialize in defending airport firearm charges know the best tactics for obtaining the best results. We spend hours in the Arlington County Courts every week and are familiar with the habits of the different judges who preside over these cases. This specialized knowledge is invaluable in order to best defend your Reagan Airport gun charge.
Reagan Gun in Airport and Concealed Weapon Charges Nolle Prosequi
Our Reagan Airport gun attorney represented a client who was travelling through the Washington Metro area. The client routinely carried a handgun for self defense and possessed a concealed carry permit. Our client made a terrible mistake and forgot his pistol was in his carry-on bag. The client was traveling without his state issued concealed handgun permit. The client was apprehended by Reagan Airport police when attempting to pass through the TSA security checkpoint. Our attorneys were able to convince the prosecution to drop the charges. NOTE: Convincing either the prosecution to drop or the Court to dismiss weapon in an airport charges is extremely difficult.
TSA Civil Penalties: Notice of Violation and Civil Penalty Assessment Order
In addition to the Arlington County criminal case for carrying a firearm through a security checkpoint, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will attempt to impose a civil penalty according to federal law. If this happens, the TSA will send a letter with a “Notice of Violation” that advises the TSA is assessing a civil penalty for a violation of its regulations. Civil penalties can be as high as $15,000 depending on the circumstances. It is not mandatory that a civil penalty be imposed. Some violations will trigger only a “warning notice” or “letter of correction” or “no action” but this is rare. The TSA often negotiate the civil penalty if you are represented.
Firearms Must Be Declared & Properly Stored with Checked Luggage
It is permissible to travel on a commercial flight with a firearm but there are specific rules and regulations. All firearms must be checked with your checked luggage. Firearms are not allowed to be placed in carry-on luggage. It is crucial to declare your gun to the airline when checking your luggage and comply with airline policy. The firearm must be unloaded and securely stored in a locked, hard-sided container. Any ammunition must also be stored in a separate container and cannot be in the firearm’s chamber, cylinder or magazine. Both the firearm and the ammunition containers should meet specific TSA guidelines. NOTE: It is also important to be aware of the firearms laws of your destination location.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reagan Airport Gun Charges
Is bringing a firearm into the Reagan Airport terminal a criminal offense?
Yes. The current Reagan Airport gun page explains that it is unlawful under Virginia law to possess or transport a firearm or other dangerous weapon into an air carrier airport terminal, and that this is a misdemeanor criminal offense. The page also notes that checking a firearm with luggage or retrieving a firearm from baggage claim are exceptions. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
What usually happens if TSA finds a gun in a carry-on bag at Reagan National Airport?
According to the live page, TSA officials may notify Reagan Airport Police, an investigation may begin, the traveler may be detained for questioning, the firearm may be seized, and the person may either be arrested or released on a Virginia Uniform Summons with a court date in Arlington County General District Court. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Can I still face a TSA civil penalty even if there is also a criminal case?
Yes. The Reagan Airport gun page states that, in addition to the Arlington County criminal case, TSA may attempt to impose a civil penalty under federal law. The page explains that TSA may send a Notice of Violation and that civil penalties can be substantial depending on the circumstances. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Are firearms allowed on commercial flights if they are properly checked?
Yes. The current page explains that it is permissible to travel on a commercial flight with a firearm if it is declared to the airline, unloaded, and securely stored in a locked, hard-sided container in checked luggage, with ammunition stored in compliance with TSA rules. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Will a Reagan Airport gun case be heard in Arlington County?
Yes. The live page explains that Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is located in Arlington Virginia and states that some travelers are released on a Virginia Uniform Summons with an arraignment date in Arlington County General District Court. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Can a Reagan Airport gun charge ever be dropped?
Sometimes, but the result depends on the facts and circumstances of the case. The current page includes an example where the prosecution dropped the charge, while also noting that convincing the prosecution or the court to dismiss airport weapon charges is extremely difficult. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
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11/12/2024 | Updated 4/4/2026