Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

Does a gun in a locked glove box without a key fulfill the element of "carry on or about a person"?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Only with permission

4. It depends on the type of glove box

The correct answer is: No

The assertion that a gun in a locked glove box without a key does not fulfill the element of "carry on or about a person" is accurate. The reasoning revolves around the definition and legal interpretation of "carry." In legal terms, carrying generally refers to having immediate access to a firearm. A locked glove box, especially one that is locked without a key, prevents any immediate access to the firearm, differentiating it from being carried on or about the person. The concept of "on or about a person" typically implies that the item can be easily reached or accessed, such as being on one's body, in a bag that is being carried, or in another readily accessible location. Since the glove box is locked, it would not qualify as being carried in a manner that provides immediate access, which is a critical component of fulfilling this legal element.