Some prosecutors won't enforce Virginia's incoming assault weapons ban, citing constitutional concerns

Virginia Revolt: Multiple Prosecutors Refuse To Enforce New Assault Weapons Ban

A major constitutional crisis is brewing across Virginia as top elected prosecutors from at least four counties have formally announced they will refuse to prosecute violations of the state's upcoming "assault weapons" ban. Citing the supremacy of the Second Amendment and their own inherent prosecutorial discretion, the Commonwealth's Attorneys for Spotsylvania, Powhatan, Pulaski, and Smyth counties have stated they will reject criminal charges …

Spanberger's Statement on New Virginia Assault Weapons Ban Could Fuel Lawsuits Challenging Its Legality, Experts Say

Virginia governor Abigail Spanberger (D.) may have shot herself in the foot: Her comment that the state's new "assault weapons" ban affects "frequently used" firearms could undercut the state's defense in lawsuits challenging the prohibition, according to legal experts. The law bans the sale, manufacture, transfer, and import of semiautomatic firearms that can hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition starting July 1. After Spanberger signed the le…

Some prosecutors won't enforce Virginia's incoming assault weapons ban, citing constitutional concerns

RICHMOND, Va. At least five Virginia commonwealth's attorneys have said they will not enforce or prosecute a new state law banning the sale and transfer of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, which takes effect July 1, over concerns it is unconstitutional.The law bans the sale and transfer of what Virginia defines as assault weapons and magazines that carry over 15 rounds, with some exceptions. Violations are a Class 1 misdemeanor.The p…

Virginia assault weapons ban faces resistance from prosecutors, ahead of July 1 effective date

Some conservative prosecutors in Virginia argue they cannot uphold the assault weapons ban because it violates Constitutional rights.