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The following is a video transcript. Can I protect a third person from harm? Defense of others is an affirmative defense just like self-defense. In Virginia, you may defend another person—even a stranger. The amount of force used to defend another must not be excessive and must be reasonable in relation to the harm threatened.... [Read More]

The post Attention Good Samaritans: Be Careful Who You Save | Virginia appeared first on U.S. & Texas LawShield.

The following is a video transcript. New Year’s Eve is right around the corner. As we celebrate this special time of year, there are a few things to keep in mind that do not mix: drinking, driving, fireworks, and firearms. Celebrating with Firearms We often hear of people firing their guns off in the air... [Read More]

The post How NOT to Fire Off the New Year | Virginia appeared first on U.S. & Texas LawShield.

The following is a video transcript. With the approaching holidays, we all like to spend time with friends and family. But, what is your legal responsibility to secure your firearms on your property from people such as family members and/or visitors who are felons, intoxicated, mentally unstable or under a protective order? In the criminal... [Read More]

The post Be Careful Around These Guests During the Holidays | Virginia appeared first on U.S. & Texas LawShield.

The following is a video transcript. Hi, Ed Riley, U.S. LawShield Independent Program Attorney for Virginia. Can I defend myself in the mall parking lot? Virginia is a Stand Your Ground State, which means that if you did not start the fight or provoke the incident in any way, then you can stand your ground... [Read More]

The post Can I Defend Myself In a Virginia Mall Parking Lot? appeared first on U.S. & Texas LawShield.

The following is a video transcript. Hi, Ed Riley, U.S. LawShield Independent Program Attorney for Virginia. What is the Good Samaritan Law? The purpose of the Good Samaritan Law is to encourage citizens to help one another in times of crisis or emergency when there is not sufficient time for emergency personnel to arrive. Virginia... [Read More]

The post Can I Be Sued For Choosing to Help? | Virginia appeared first on U.S. & Texas LawShield.

The following is a video transcript. Hi. Ed Riley, U.S. LawShield Independent Program Attorney for Virginia. Can I trick-or-treat and carry my firearm? Here are a few tips on how to be ready and stay safe for Halloween. Tip one: Don’t be startled if trick-or-treaters come onto your property and/or knock on your door this... [Read More]

The post Virginia Night Terrors: Defending Against Criminal Mischief appeared first on U.S. & Texas LawShield.

Video Transcript. Legalization of medical and recreational marijuana have been spreading across the states, leading to increased struggles between state and federal legislation. But what does this mean for responsible gun owners? U.S. LawShield Independent Program Attorney, Ed Riley, breaks down the latest in Virginia law for marijuana use in regards to possessing and owning... [Read More]

The post Firearms and Medical Marijuana: What is the law in Virginia? appeared first on U.S. & Texas LawShield.

There are three things you need to know when inheriting a firearm: First, does my inherited firearm have to be registered? In Virginia, the answer is no, unless the firearm is regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Second, can I retrieve my inherited firearm from another state? 18, United States Code, 922,... [Read More]

The post Rules You Must Know When Inheriting Firearms in Virginia appeared first on U.S. & Texas LawShield.

Can deadly force be used to protect yourself against an animal attack? The law of self-defense and the defense of others applies when you are faced with an animal attack. Virginia is a Stand Your Ground state. This means that if you did not start the fight or provoke the incident in any way, then... [Read More]

The post Can I Be Arrested for Shooting an Attacking Dog in Virginia appeared first on U.S. & Texas LawShield.

Under federal law the person must be at least 18 years of age in order to possess a handgun or ammunition for a handgun. A violation of this section is a misdemeanor punishable by no more than one year in prison. There is no federal age requirement for the possession of long guns, such as... [Read More]

The post What is the Legal Age to Purchase & Possess Firearms in Virginia? appeared first on U.S. & Texas LawShield.

Under federal law, armor-piercing ammunition is illegal. Under Virginia law, restricted firearm ammunition is determined to be illegal. So, what is armor-piercing ammunition? The federal law defines it as a projectile or a projectile core, which may be used in a handgun, and which is constructed entirely from one or a combination of tungsten alloys,... [Read More]

The post Can My Choice of Ammo Land Me in a Virginia Jail Cell? appeared first on U.S. & Texas LawShield.

In 2018, there were upwards of 70 bills proposing changes to Virginia’s gun laws, but only one was passed into law. This new law change was made in Virginia Code section 18.2-308.1:3. This statute makes it illegal for any person who has been involuntarily admitted or ordered into outpatient treatment to purchase, possess, or transport... [Read More]

The post Important Change to Gun Law Impacting Minor Children appeared first on U.S. & Texas LawShield.