Richmond VA Airport Gun Lawyer | Henrico County Defense Attorneys
Traveling can be hectic. There are countless things on your checklist. You may even be running behind schedule to catch your flight at the Richmond VA Airport. That is when it happens. All of the sudden you realize you left your handgun in a carry-on bag while passing through the TSA security checkpoint. Va. Code § 18.2-287.01 makes it unlawful to possess or transport a firearm or other dangerous weapon into any 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 the Richmond Airport Result in Gun Charges
TSA officials are specially trained and are on alert for bags containing a firearm that pass through their security screeners. TSA will notify the Richmond 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 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 Henrico County General District Court. Richmond International Airport is located in Henrico County.
Top Rated Richmond VA Airport Gun Attorney
Experienced Henrico VA Trial Lawyers Defending Airport Firearm Charges
Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law is an established local Henrico County criminal defense law 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.
Richmond Gun in Airport and Concealed Weapon Charges Nolle Prosequi
Our Richmond VA airport gun attorney represented a client who was travelling through the Richmond Metro area. The client 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 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 charges or the Court to dismiss them is extremely difficult. Click on Case Result Image for actual court record
TSA Civil Penalties: Notice of Violation and Civil Penalty Assessment Order
In addition to the Henrico County criminal case for carrying a firearm through a security checkpoint, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will likely attempt to impose a civil penalty according to federal law. If this happens, an individual will receive a letter from the TSA with a “Notice of Violation” that advises the TSA may assess 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 will often negotiate the civil penalty if you are represented.
Firearms Must Be Declared and Properly Stored with Checked Luggage
Firearms can be transported on commercial flights, but there are specific rules and regulations. Firearms must be checked in with your checked luggage. Firearms are not allowed to be placed in carry-on luggage. It is crucial to declare your firearm 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 magazine or chamber. 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.
Richmond Airport Gun Case DISMISSED
The Richmond Airport is located in Henrico County. If you have an encounter with law enforcement at the airport and are accused of a criminal law violation then your case will be set before the Henrico Courts. In this case, our client carries a handgun for self defense and possesses a concealed carry permit. Our client was in a rush and simply forgot his pistol was in his carry-on bag. The client was apprehended by Airport police when attempting to pass through the TSA security checkpoint. Our attorneys were able to convince the Judge to DISMISS the case. NOTE: Convincing the Court to dismiss this kind of case is extremely difficult. Click on Case Result Image for actual court record
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5/30/2021 | Updated 4/14/2024