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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