Accidental discharge of my husband’s Glock 19 - Your help needed

[clydes1961]

Directed bank to send funds yesterday - will try to do so periodically.

I accept that her problem is my problem - as she is harmed, so am I. I will not let her stand alone.

No man (or woman) is an island, entire of itself.

Agreed. Sent funds via bank this evening. If I can scrape up some cash for Ed's raffles, I can surely help her out

[user]

Now quoting Frank Oz' character from "Trading Places", "It's an OP-era."

Anyway, I've started getting antiquated forms of paper-based currency transfer in the post office box. It's a good start (sorta like the old joke, "What do you call ten thousand lawyers at the bottom of the ocean?").

I am going to be doing this under the auspices of the new nonprofit law firm I'm setting up, "Citizens' Defense Rights Institute". That doesn't make contributions tax-deductible, as there has been no application to the IRS for tax-exempt status yet.

It won't matter how the checks are written, whether to "Virginia Legal Defense" or to "Citizens' Defense Rights Institute" (either may be abbreviated as long as the bank can tell who the payee is supposed to be).

I'm pretty confident in the legal aspects of the young lady's case. It is my personal opinion, based on recent cases I've been asked to work on or consult about, that some police departments are using existing laws to enforce de-facto policies against gun ownership; I think this is one of those cases. They use any excuse they can (and all they need is probable cause, not actual guilt) to confiscate guns. I think this is a violation of the much-discussed section 15.2-915. I'm about to file such a case in Richmond; we'll see how that works, but this may be the follow-on.

Thanks, again, for all your support.

[1911 Enthusiast]

"What do you call ten thousand lawyers at the bottom of the ocean?"

A darn good start?

[ryan7068]

Ten thousand lawyers at the bottom of the ocean are called Sea Lawyers

[luv_jeeps]

I just sent 50 to VCDL today, so I'll have to wait a couple of weeks.....so the Wifey doesn't get on me too much. LOL.
I'll send something along soon, though.

[ed]

Wifey doesn't get on me too much. LOL.

LOL indeed.

[swrichmond]

I would be curious to learn if the reason you were clearing the firearm was that the store policy required it. I have a pet pieve that any place requires anyone to unload a gun before bringing it into a store. The more you handle/cycle a gun the more opportunity for something to go wrong. If it was left properly holstered this AD/ND never would have happened. On the other hand if the gun was being brought in for maintenance, to sell, or trying on holsters, clearing it would have been propper etiquette.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you "Colonial Shooting Academy," where their policy as it was explained to me is that all firearms, including those being carried concealed, must be unloaded before being brought into the shop. So as far as I can tell this means, quite literally, that one is offered a choice: be known to be carrying valuables in the parking lot which you are also known to not be able to defend, OR risk a clearing incident inside the vestibule of the shop or further inside the shop in their "clearing area," OR not go to the place at all. Requests for written clarification of this policy and a specific detailed entry procedure have been sought to no avail.

When one is walking across the parking lot of the place with a bag, it's fairly obvious what one is carrying, isn't it?

If an accidental discharge is likely to result in a criminal charge, then the choice is being made for us.

[mk4]

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you "Colonial Shooting Academy," where their policy as it was explained to me is that all firearms, including those being carried concealed, must be unloaded before being brought into the shop. So as far as I can tell this means, quite literally, that one is offered a choice: be known to be carrying valuables in the parking lot which you are also known to not be able to defend, OR risk a clearing incident inside the vestibule of the shop or further inside the shop in their "clearing area," OR not go to the place at all. Requests for written clarification of this policy and a specific detailed entry procedure have been sought to no avail.

When one is walking across the parking lot of the place with a bag, it's fairly obvious what one is carrying, isn't it?

If an accidental discharge is likely to result in a criminal charge, then the choice is being made for us.

welcome to ocdo va, sw.

you might like to check out: http://forum.opencarry.org/forums/sh...ge-in-Richmond
lots of good discussion on csa and their "odd" policies. even some csa reps joining in attempting to clarify.

[45acpForMe]

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you "Colonial Shooting Academy," where their policy as it was explained to me is that all firearms, including those being carried concealed, must be unloaded before being brought into the shop. So as far as I can tell this means, quite literally, that one is offered a choice: be known to be carrying valuables in the parking lot which you are also known to not be able to defend, OR risk a clearing incident inside the vestibule of the shop or further inside the shop in their "clearing area," OR not go to the place at all. Requests for written clarification of this policy and a specific detailed entry procedure have been sought to no avail.

When one is walking across the parking lot of the place with a bag, it's fairly obvious what one is carrying, isn't it?

If an accidental discharge is likely to result in a criminal charge, then the choice is being made for us.

My choice is in red.

[PWC_Glock]

I would be curious to learn if the reason you were clearing the firearm was that the store policy required it. I have a pet pieve that any place requires anyone to unload a gun before bringing it into a store. The more you handle/cycle a gun the more opportunity for something to go wrong. If it was left properly holstered this AD/ND never would have happened. On the other hand if the gun was being brought in for maintenance, to sell, or trying on holsters, clearing it would have been propper etiquette.

I will not speak about VA Arms Management Policy since my only ties to VA ARMS is as a customer since 2000.

That said the only time I was asked to unload/clear my weapon at VA ARMS is when I purchased some night sights from them, and they offered to install them at the time of purchase which I did not expect but agreed to have done.

The owner (Bernie) escorted me to a back room so I could clear my weapon and turn it over to the gunsmith to have the new sights installed. That was about 5 years ago and the only time I was asked (in this case completely understandable) to clear my weapon at VA ARMS.

75% of my firearms have been purchased from VA ARMS and can not recommend them enough.

Back on topic...I will send a donation to User in the near future.

[PWC_Glock]

There ladies and gentlemen is the gold seal of approval


May I suggest a couple of days of brown bagging or delaying an ammo purchase - kick in what you can, the whole family will benefit....6 kids, wow!

I am in once the obligation with MKEgal is finalized.

[Accidental2012]

I would like to say Thank You for all the comments and contributions that everyone has made on my behalf so far. Please understand that I would really like to openly explain what happened, but I was informed that it would not be in my best interest to do so at this time. With my deepest sincerity please continue with all that you can do to help.

[Grapeshot]

Translation is clear - they're falling short of funds.

Once more into the breach ladies and gentleman. This could have happened to any of us - she deserves a fair hearing and Dan Haws will ensure that if humanly possible, but there are expenses beyond Dan's control too. We are talking about a Virginian here - someone in our own backyard.

Shake your piggy banks, look under the sofa cushions, skip one box of ammo, but send something - United we stand, divided we.......can't let that be an option.

Anyone wishing to help with this legal defense fund may send a contribution directly to Dan Hawes, PO Box 100, Broad Run, VA 20137-0100, please reference "Minnie".

By the way, I thought I should add that I have personally met with the defendant and her husband and we chatted for some hours. I can't answer all the questions that have been raised here, obviously, however I can say that, because of a number of personal financial and health-related problems, as well as having six kids to take care of, I have satisfied myself that these folks need financial help. I also believe that the lady is genuinely not guilty of the crime with which she has been charged. Otherwise, I would not have suggested that they ask for help.

[skidmark]

Thank goodness again for electronic bill paying. Put "Virginia Legal Defense" as the payee, enter the address (my bank wants the phone number also - no problem giving it to them), make sure there is a note saying "Minnie", and click <ENTER>.

Bank automatically looks to see if there is an electronic account it can send money to. No such beast. OK, we'll send a paper check, my bank says. I don't have to find the checkbook, a pen, an envelope, a blank sheet of paper to tuck the check in so it can't be seen through the envelope, and a stamp.

Heck, it took less time to do the payment than it did to write all this.

stay safe.

[Grapeshot]

Incoming Dan - just clicked on "send it"

May not have a lot, but will gladly share some of what I have.

[optiksguy]

Another pittance coming your way. Bank says it should be there in about a week.

[ed]

I will pile on too.

[PWC_Glock]

Donation on the way.

PWC_Glock

[thebigsd]

Just found this thread again. I will send a donation as soon as possible.

Congrats on getting the best lawyer in VA!

[Blk97F150]

Does anyone know where this incident stands? When is the court date, etc?

[Grapeshot]

Does anyone know where this incident stands? When is the court date, etc?

Paging Dan Hawes - call fooor Daaan Haaawes.

[user]

This case was brought in the General District Court of the County of Prince William in Manassas.

The charge of discharge of a firearm within city limits in violation of a local ordinance was nolle pross'ed on March 20.

There is still pending a class-one misdemeanor charge of reckless handling of a firearm (18.2-56.1), which will be heard on June 12, 2012, at 9:00 a.m. The defendant's name is Babcock and the officer's name is Mello, if anyone wants to show up and watch - the docket will be posted on the second floor of the courthouse.

I've found it helpful if people present to show support demonstrate their orientation by such things as wearing shooting glasses, empty holsters, shooting vests, etc. in the courtroom.

[Grapeshot]

This case was brought in the General District Court of the County of Prince William in Manassas.

The charge of discharge of a firearm within city limits in violation of a local ordinance was nolle pross'ed on March 20.

There is still pending a class-one misdemeanor charge of reckless handling of a firearm (18.2-56.1), which will be heard on June 12, 2012, at 9:00 a.m. The defendant's name is Babcock and the officer's name is Mello, if anyone wants to show up and watch - the docket will be posted on the second floor of the courthouse.

I've found it helpful if people present to show support demonstrate their orientation by such things as wearing shooting glasses, empty holsters, shooting vests, etc. in the courtroom.

Hmmm - reckless handling w/o discharge. Would have thought that nolle prossing one would defeat the other or was it only a twofer the price of one.

Agree with activism in the courtroom - it is noticed and of positive value IMHO. VCDL polo shirt, empty holster, clip board for notes are good. A "press pass" would be priceless!!

With no harm, no foul, worst I would hope for from the judge would be a stern "be more careful in the future".

[Blk97F150]

With no harm, no foul, worst I would hope for from the judge would be a stern "be more careful in the future".

That would be an ideal outcome. And perhaps some additional firearms safety training....

Unfortunately I don't think I can make the court date, but I'll drop a contribution in the mail to User.

[love4guns]

Ill try to make it....good luck to the defendant