The Virginia Concealed Carry Weapon Law

As a general rule, citizens of the State of Virginia are permitted to carry a loaded or unloaded firearm, as long as the firearm is not hidden from plain sight. Carrying a concealed weapon, however, is generally prohibited. Join Stefan Tahmassebi, Deputy General Counsel of the National Rifle Association of America, as he elucidates Virginia’s Concealed Carry Weapon Law, which is set forth in VA Code 18.2-308.  

Mr. Tahmassebi begins this informative presentation with a general overview of Virginia’s constitutional right to bear arms before delving into the specifics of the Virginia statute and case law that govern concealed carry weapons.  Mr. Tahmassebi explains what firearms are protected, examines the definitions of “firearm” and “carrying,” and explores a number of statutory exceptions to the law. In addition, he discusses the application process for obtaining a concealed weapon permit, and expounds upon restrictions on carrying a concealed weapon while in possession of a concealed carry permit. By viewing this highly detailed presentation, Virginia attorneys will learn everything they need to know about this important and complicated statute.

Learning Objectives:

I.   Understand the Virginia state constitutional Right to Keep and Bear Arms

II.  Recognize the difference between open carrying and concealed carrying and the prohibition on concealed carrying under Virginia law

III. Grasp the application process to obtain a concealed carry permit, the parameters of the concealed carry permit, and its legal effects (including disqualification and restrictions)

IV. Define “firearms-prohibited” places in Virginia

V.  Identify the other Virginia statutes that restrict or regulate the carrying of firearms in Virginia