{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/18.2-53.1.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/18.2-53.1.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/18.2-53.1.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/18.2-53.1.html"}],"law_id":76539,"edition_id":1,"section_id":76539,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-53.1","catch_line":"Use or display of firearm in committing felony","history":"1975, cc. 624, 628; 1976, c. 371; 1980, c. 333; 1982, c. 654; 1991, c. 506; 1992, cc. 191, 726; 1993, cc. 549, 835; 1994, c. 950; 2004, c. 461.","full_text":"It shall be unlawful for any person to use or attempt to use any pistol, shotgun, rifle, or other firearm or display such weapon in a threatening manner while committing or attempting to commit murder, rape, forcible sodomy, inanimate or animate object sexual penetration as defined in \u00a7 18.2-67.2, robbery, carjacking, burglary, malicious wounding as defined in \u00a7 18.2-51, malicious bodily injury to a law-enforcement officer as defined in \u00a7 18.2-51.1, aggravated malicious wounding as defined in \u00a7 18.2-51.2, malicious wounding by mob as defined in \u00a7 18.2-41 or abduction. Violation of this section shall constitute a separate and distinct felony and any person found guilty thereof shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of three years for a first conviction, and to a mandatory minimum term of five years for a second or subsequent conviction under the provisions of this section. Such punishment shall be separate and apart from, and shall be made to run consecutively with, any punishment received for the commission of the primary felony.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":274780,"text":"It shall be unlawful for any person to use or attempt to use any pistol, shotgun, rifle, or other firearm or display such weapon in a threatening manner while committing or attempting to commit murder, rape, forcible sodomy, inanimate or animate object sexual penetration as defined in \u00a7 18.2-67.2, robbery, carjacking, burglary, malicious wounding as defined in \u00a7 18.2-51, malicious bodily injury to a law-enforcement officer as defined in \u00a7 18.2-51.1, aggravated malicious wounding as defined in \u00a7 18.2-51.2, malicious wounding by mob as defined in \u00a7 18.2-41 or abduction. Violation of this section shall constitute a separate and distinct felony and any person found guilty thereof shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of three years for a first conviction, and to a mandatory minimum term of five years for a second or subsequent conviction under the provisions of this section. Such punishment shall be separate and apart from, and shall be made to run consecutively with, any punishment received for the commission of the primary felony.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":13717,"edition_id":1,"name":"Assaults and Bodily Woundings","identifier":"4","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13100,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:39","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:39","permalink":{"id":164963,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13717,"identifier":"4","token":"18.2\/4\/4","url":"\/18.2\/4\/4\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13100,"edition_id":1,"name":"Crimes Against the Person","identifier":"4","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12972,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:17","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:17","permalink":{"id":164763,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13100,"identifier":"4","token":"18.2\/4","url":"\/18.2\/4\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12972,"edition_id":1,"name":"Crimes and Offenses Generally","identifier":"18.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:05","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:05","permalink":{"id":164139,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12972,"identifier":"18.2","token":"18.2","url":"\/18.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":72243,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-51","catch_line":"Shooting, stabbing, etc., with intent to maim, kill, etc","url":"\/18.2-51\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-51","metadata":false},{"id":72165,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-51.1","catch_line":"Malicious bodily injury to law-enforcement officers, firefighters, search and rescue personnel, or emergency medical services personnel; penalty; lesser-included offense","url":"\/18.2-51.1\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-51.1","metadata":false},{"id":68812,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-51.2","catch_line":"Aggravated malicious wounding; penalty","url":"\/18.2-51.2\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-51.2","metadata":false},{"id":78289,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-51.3","catch_line":"Prohibition against reckless endangerment of others by throwing objects from places higher than one story; penalty","url":"\/18.2-51.3\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-51.3","metadata":false},{"id":54708,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-51.4","catch_line":"Maiming, etc., of another resulting from driving while intoxicated","url":"\/18.2-51.4\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-51.4","metadata":false},{"id":71114,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-51.5","catch_line":"Maiming, etc., of another resulting from operating a watercraft while intoxicated; penalty","url":"\/18.2-51.5\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-51.5","metadata":false},{"id":75920,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-51.6","catch_line":"Strangulation or suffocation of another; penalty","url":"\/18.2-51.6\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-51.6","metadata":false},{"id":87497,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-51.7","catch_line":"Female genital mutilation; penalty","url":"\/18.2-51.7\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-51.7","metadata":false},{"id":60388,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-52","catch_line":"Malicious bodily injury by means of any caustic substance or agent or use of any explosive or fire","url":"\/18.2-52\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-52","metadata":false},{"id":65361,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-52.1","catch_line":"Possession of infectious biological substances or radiological agents; penalties","url":"\/18.2-52.1\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-52.1","metadata":false},{"id":66384,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-52.2","catch_line":"Animal attack resulting from owner's disregard for human life; penalty","url":"\/18.2-52.2\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-52.2","metadata":false},{"id":63001,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-53","catch_line":"Shooting, etc., in committing or attempting a felony","url":"\/18.2-53\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-53","metadata":false},{"id":76539,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-53.1","catch_line":"Use or display of firearm in committing felony","url":"\/18.2-53.1\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-53.1","metadata":false},{"id":64209,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-54","catch_line":"Conviction of lesser offenses under certain indictments","url":"\/18.2-54\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-54","metadata":false},{"id":58105,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-54.1","catch_line":"Attempts to poison","url":"\/18.2-54.1\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-54.1","metadata":false},{"id":66847,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-54.2","catch_line":"Adulteration of food, drink, drugs, cosmetics, etc.; penalty","url":"\/18.2-54.2\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-54.2","metadata":false},{"id":82347,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-55","catch_line":"Bodily injuries caused by prisoners, state juvenile probationers and state and local adult probationers or adult parolees","url":"\/18.2-55\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-55","metadata":false},{"id":69835,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-55.1","catch_line":"Hazing of youth gang members unlawful; criminal liability","url":"\/18.2-55.1\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-55.1","metadata":false},{"id":86902,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-56","catch_line":"Hazing unlawful; civil and criminal liability; duty of school, etc., officials; penalty","url":"\/18.2-56\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-56","metadata":false},{"id":75271,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-56.1","catch_line":"Reckless handling of firearms; reckless handling while hunting","url":"\/18.2-56.1\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-56.1","metadata":false},{"id":57206,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-56.2","catch_line":"Allowing access to firearms by children; penalty","url":"\/18.2-56.2\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-56.2","metadata":false},{"id":64628,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-57","catch_line":"Assault and battery; penalty","url":"\/18.2-57\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-57","metadata":false},{"id":58241,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-57.01","catch_line":"Pointing laser at law-enforcement officer unlawful; penalty","url":"\/18.2-57.01\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-57.01","metadata":false},{"id":67857,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-57.02","catch_line":"Disarming a law-enforcement or correctional officer; penalty","url":"\/18.2-57.02\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-57.02","metadata":false},{"id":65560,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-57.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/18.2-57.1\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-57.1","metadata":false},{"id":72208,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-57.2","catch_line":"Assault and battery against a family or household member; penalty","url":"\/18.2-57.2\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-57.2","metadata":false},{"id":59318,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-57.3","catch_line":"Persons charged with first offense of assault and battery against a family or household member may be placed on local community-based probation; conditions; education and treatment programs; costs and fees; violations; discharge","url":"\/18.2-57.3\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-57.3","metadata":false},{"id":66795,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-57.4","catch_line":"Reporting findings of assault and battery to military family advocacy representatives","url":"\/18.2-57.4\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-57.4","metadata":false},{"id":70823,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-57.5","catch_line":"Certain matters not to constitute defenses","url":"\/18.2-57.5\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-57.5","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":63001,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-53","catch_line":"Shooting, etc., in committing or attempting a felony","url":"\/18.2-53\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-53","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":64209,"structure_id":13717,"section_number":"18.2-54","catch_line":"Conviction of lesser offenses under certain indictments","url":"\/18.2-54\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-54","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/18.2-53.1\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 1975. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 624 and 628 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1975 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 8 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1976, chapter 371; in 1980, chapter 333; in 1982, chapter 654; in 1991, chapter 506; in 1992, chapters 191 and 726; in 1993, chapters 549 and 835; in 1994, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?941+ful+CHAP0950\">950<\/a>; in 2004, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?041+ful+CHAP0461\">461<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":80246,"section_number":"17.1-805","catch_line":"Adoption of initial discretionary sentencing guideline midpoints","order_by":null,"url":"\/17.1-805\/"},{"id":70367,"section_number":"18.2-311.2","catch_line":"Third conviction of firearm offenses; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-311.2\/"},{"id":61280,"section_number":"19.2-392.02","catch_line":"National criminal background checks by businesses and organizations regarding employees or volunteers providing care to children or the elderly or disabled","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-392.02\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":69785,"section_number":"18.2-41","catch_line":"Shooting, stabbing, etc., with intent to maim, kill, etc., by mob","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-41\/"},{"id":72243,"section_number":"18.2-51","catch_line":"Shooting, stabbing, etc., with intent to maim, kill, etc","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-51\/"},{"id":72165,"section_number":"18.2-51.1","catch_line":"Malicious bodily injury to law-enforcement officers, firefighters, search and rescue personnel, or emergency medical services personnel; penalty; lesser-included offense","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-51.1\/"},{"id":68812,"section_number":"18.2-51.2","catch_line":"Aggravated malicious wounding; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-51.2\/"},{"id":73072,"section_number":"18.2-67.2","catch_line":"Object sexual penetration; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-67.2\/"}],"permalink":{"id":165013,"object_type":"law","relational_id":76539,"identifier":"18.2-53.1","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-53.1","url":"\/18.2-53.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/18.2-53.1\/","token":"18.2\/4\/4\/18.2-53.1","dublin_core":{"Title":"Use or display of firearm in committing felony","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 18.2-53.1","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>It shall be unlawful for any person to use or attempt to use any pistol, shotgun, rifle, or other firearm or display such weapon in a threatening manner while committing or attempting to commit <span class=\"dictionary\">murder<\/span>, <span class=\"dictionary\">rape<\/span>, forcible sodomy, inanimate or animate <span class=\"dictionary\">object<\/span> sexual penetration as defined in \u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"Object sexual penetration; penalty\" href=\"\/18.2-67.2\/\">18.2-67.2<\/a>, <span class=\"dictionary\">robbery<\/span>, carjacking, <span class=\"dictionary\">burglary<\/span>, <span class=\"dictionary\">malicious<\/span> wounding as defined in \u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"Shooting, stabbing, etc., with intent to maim, kill, etc\" href=\"\/18.2-51\/\">18.2-51<\/a>, <span class=\"dictionary\">malicious<\/span> bodily injury to a <span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span>-enforcement officer as defined in \u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"Malicious bodily injury to law-enforcement officers, firefighters, search and rescue personnel, or emergency medical services personnel; penalty; lesser-included offense\" href=\"\/18.2-51.1\/\">18.2-51.1<\/a>, aggravated <span class=\"dictionary\">malicious<\/span> wounding as defined in \u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"Aggravated malicious wounding; penalty\" href=\"\/18.2-51.2\/\">18.2-51.2<\/a>, <span class=\"dictionary\">malicious<\/span> wounding by mob as defined in \u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"Shooting, stabbing, etc., with intent to maim, kill, etc., by mob\" href=\"\/18.2-41\/\">18.2-41<\/a> or abduction. Violation of this section shall constitute a separate and distinct <span class=\"dictionary\">felony<\/span> and any person found guilty thereof shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of three years for a first <span class=\"dictionary\">conviction<\/span>, and to a mandatory minimum term of five years for a second or subsequent <span class=\"dictionary\">conviction<\/span> under the provisions of this section. Such punishment shall be separate and apart from, and shall be made to run consecutively with, any punishment received for the commission of the primary <span class=\"dictionary\">felony<\/span>.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nUSE OR DISPLAY OF FIREARM IN COMMITTING FELONY (\u00a7 18.2-53.1)\n\nIt shall be unlawful for any person to use or attempt to use any pistol,\nshotgun, rifle, or other firearm or display such weapon in a threatening manner\nwhile committing or attempting to commit murder, rape, forcible sodomy,\ninanimate or animate object sexual penetration as defined in \u00a7 18.2-67.2,\nrobbery, carjacking, burglary, malicious wounding as defined in \u00a7 18.2-51,\nmalicious bodily injury to a law-enforcement officer as defined in \u00a7 18.2-51.1,\naggravated malicious wounding as defined in \u00a7 18.2-51.2, malicious wounding by\nmob as defined in \u00a7 18.2-41 or abduction. Violation of this section shall\nconstitute a separate and distinct felony and any person found guilty thereof\nshall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of three years\nfor a first conviction, and to a mandatory minimum term of five years for a\nsecond or subsequent conviction under the provisions of this section. Such\npunishment shall be separate and apart from, and shall be made to run\nconsecutively with, any punishment received for the commission of the primary\nfelony.\n\nHISTORY: 1975, cc. 624, 628; 1976, c. 371; 1980, c. 333; 1982, c. 654; 1991, c.\n506; 1992, cc. 191, 726; 1993, cc. 549, 835; 1994, c. 950; 2004, c. 461.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}