State gun laws

Monday, April 26, 2004 | 11 a.m.

Child Access Prevention laws in 18 states hold gun owners responsible if they leave firearms easily accessible to children, who then threatens or shoot someone.

Here is a state-by-state look by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence:

California. Up to a felony that applies when a child under age 18 obtains a gun.

Connecticut. A felony that applies when a child under age 16 obtains a gun.

Delaware. A misdemeanor that applies when a child under age 18 obtains a gun and uses it to inflict serious bodily injury or death.

Florida. A misdemeanor, unless a someone is injured, then it is a felony. Applies when a child under age 16 obtains a gun.

Hawaii. A misdemeanor that applies to all firearms, whether loaded or unloaded. No incident needs to occur for criminal penalties to be levied. The law applies to children under age 16.

Illinois. A misdemeanor that applies when a child under age 14 obtains a gun without permission from a parent or guardian and uses it to injure or kill.

Iowa. A misdemeanor that applies when a child under age 14 obtains a gun.

Maryland. A violation that calls for a $1,000 fine. Applies when a child under age 16 obtains a gun.

Massachusetts. A misdemeanor for a non-large capacity weapon and a felony for a large capacity weapon or machine gun. Applies when a child under age 18 obtains a gun.

Minnesota. A misdemeanor that applies when a child under age 14 obtains a gun.

Nevada. A misdemeanor that applies when a child under age 18 obtains a gun. It includes broad exemptions, including for hunting and sport shooting activities.

New Hampshire. A violation that brings a fine of up to $1,000. Applies when a child under age 16 obtains a gun without permission from a parent or guardian and uses it to injure or kill.

New Jersey. A misdemeanor, unless someone is injured, then a felony. Applies when a child under age 16 obtains a gun.

North Carolina. A misdemeanor that applies when a child under age 18 obtains a gun.

Rhode Island. A misdemeanor that applies when a child under age 16 obtains a gun and causes death or great bodily injury.

Texas. A misdemeanor that applies when a child under age 17 obtains a gun.

Virginia. A misdemeanor that requires a loaded firearm to be left "recklessly," which makes prosecution difficult.

Wisconsin. A misdemeanor that applies when a child under age 14 obtains a gun that was "recklessly" stored.

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