Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

What violation can be charged for leaving a loaded firearm accessible to a toddler?

1. Type 1 violation of "Allowing access to firearms by children"

2. Type 2 violation of "Negligent storage of a firearm"

3. Class 3 violation "Child endangerment"

4. No violation

The correct answer is: Type 1 violation of "Allowing access to firearms by children"

The choice that addresses leaving a loaded firearm accessible to a toddler is accurately identified as a Type 1 violation of "Allowing access to firearms by children." This particular violation highlights the serious concern regarding the safety and well-being of minors in relation to firearm access. It emphasizes the responsibility of adults to ensure that firearms are stored in a manner that prevents children from reaching them. When a loaded firearm is left within reach of a toddler, it demonstrates negligence in securely storing the weapon, thereby creating a hazardous situation that could lead to accidental injury or death. The law aims to protect children from the dangers posed by firearms, and this violation serves as a legal framework to hold individuals accountable when they fail to take necessary precautions. The other options, while they touch on related themes of firearm safety and child protection, do not precisely capture the specific violation described in the scenario. This distinction reinforces the importance of understanding the nuances in firearm legislation and child safety laws.