A proposed bill to increase the punishment imposed upon a conviction for domestic violence and stalking in Virginia has been stopped in its tracks. Senate Bill 510 was sponsored by a Democratic senator from Arlington. The sponsor viewed the bill as a protection against future violence by individuals who had been convicted of a misdemeanor charge.
Under the proposed legislation, anyone convicted of a domestic violence or stalking charge in Virginia would be prohibited from possessing a firearm for 5 years. At the conclusion of that 5 year period their rights would be restored automatically. As it stands now, convicted Felons already lose their rights to possess a firearm. There has been a push in the last few years to expand the prohibition to some misdemeanor charges. Under the proposed legislation, a person possessing a firearm within that 5 year period would be subject to a class 1 misdemeanor, a 12 month jail sentence and/or a fine of up to $2500.
The bill died in committed, however members agreed to ask the Virginia State Crime Commission to study the issue and the bill’s ramifications.
