Q: In VA, is it legal for a person 18-20 years old to conceal carry a pistol/handgun in this specific situation?
I understand that in Virginia, a person must be 21yo to obtain a Concealed Carry Permit. However, if someone over 21yo with a VA Concealed Carry Permit gifts a pistol to their wife/girlfriend who is 18-21yo, can the wife legally conceal carry that pistol at her place of business if the property that she works at is privately owned and she has permission from her boss (the property owner) to conceal carry on the property where business is conducted?
Would this be treated by the law the same as concealed carrying in your own house? I know that you can legally carry anything however you want on your own private property. If it is someone else's property and you have the permission of the property owner, the same applies, but what if this is a place of business like a store and the owner of the company owns the land and building (not leasing)?
A:
In Virginia, the law regarding concealed carry is clear that individuals must be at least 21 years old to obtain a Concealed Carry Permit. Without such a permit, a person aged 18-20 cannot legally carry a concealed handgun in public places or at their place of employment, even if it's private property.
The fact that the pistol is a gift and the property owner (or employer) grants permission does not exempt the individual from the legal age requirement for concealed carry. Virginia law does allow individuals to openly carry a handgun in certain places at 18 years of age, but concealed carry has stricter age requirements.
Carrying a concealed weapon at a place of business is not treated the same as carrying on one's own private property. While Virginia law is more permissive about carrying weapons on one's private property, this flexibility does not extend to carrying at a place of business, even if the business is privately owned and the owner consents.
It's important to note that violating these laws can result in serious legal consequences. Therefore, it is advisable for anyone under 21 to refrain from carrying a concealed handgun at their workplace, regardless of the owner's permission, to avoid legal issues.
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