A publicly available court record from Clarke County, Virginia shows that David Robert Rose of Berryville, Virginia, was charged with a misdemeanor hunting offense involving the alleged use of an unauthorized weapon while hunting.
According to the court filing, Case No. GC24000219-00 was filed on January 25, 2024, following an alleged incident that occurred on January 16, 2024. The defendant was listed as having been released on summons, meaning he was not taken into physical custody but was instead issued a summons requiring him to appear in court to answer the charge.
Charge Filed
The court record identifies a single charge:
- Charge: Hunting with Unauthorized Weapon
- Virginia Code: § 29.1-519
- Case Type: Misdemeanor
- Class: Class 3 Misdemeanor
The public record does not describe the specific facts or circumstances that led to the charge, including the type of firearm or weapon allegedly involved, the location of the hunting activity, or the species being hunted.
What Does Virginia Code § 29.1-519 Cover?
Virginia Code § 29.1-519 establishes restrictions on the types of weapons and methods that may legally be used to hunt wildlife in the Commonwealth. The law authorizes the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to regulate lawful hunting equipment and prohibits hunters from using weapons or methods that are not permitted for a particular hunting season, game species, or hunting area.
Examples of situations that may result in charges under this statute include:
- Using a weapon that is prohibited for a particular hunting season.
- Hunting with equipment not authorized for the species being pursued.
- Violating Virginia hunting regulations governing lawful methods of take.
- Using prohibited firearms, ammunition, or other hunting devices where restrictions apply.
Whether a particular weapon is authorized often depends on several factors, including the hunting season, the species involved, and the location where the hunting occurred.
What Is a Class 3 Misdemeanor?
In Virginia, a Class 3 misdemeanor is one of the least serious criminal classifications. Unlike higher-level misdemeanors, a Class 3 misdemeanor is generally punishable by a fine of up to $500 and does not carry the possibility of jail time under Virginia law.
Although relatively minor compared to many criminal offenses, wildlife violations can still result in court proceedings and, in some cases, additional administrative actions affecting hunting privileges if provided by law or regulation.
Released on Summons
The case record indicates that David Rose was released on summons. This means law enforcement issued a summons directing him to appear in court rather than making a custodial arrest. Release on summons is commonly used for lower-level misdemeanor offenses where an individual is ordered to appear before the court at a later date.
Importance of Following Virginia Hunting Regulations
Virginia maintains detailed hunting regulations that are updated annually by the Department of Wildlife Resources. Hunters are responsible for ensuring that the firearm, bow, muzzleloader, or other equipment they use complies with current state laws and season-specific requirements.
The regulations are intended to promote ethical hunting practices, protect wildlife populations, and enhance public safety throughout the Commonwealth.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is based solely on publicly available Virginia court records. A criminal charge represents an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Court records may later reflect dismissals, amended charges, plea agreements, or other case outcomes that are not reflected in the initial filing.