Article 2 — Use and Discharge by Minors

The word "firearm," as used in this article, includes the following: cannon, gun, pistol, revolver, automatic pistol, rifle, shotgun, air gun, pellet gun and any other weapon designed to discharge one or more projectiles propelled by the expansion of gas.

(Ord. 502.1 § 1, 1989)

It is unlawful for any person under the age of eighteen (18) years to shoot or discharge a firearm in the unincorporated territory of the county unless such person: (a) holds and has in his or her possession a permit issued by the county as hereinafter provided; or (b) is in the company of a parent, guardian or other adult person having responsibility for his or her conduct; or (c) holds and has in his or her possession a current valid hunting license issued pursuant to law.

(Ord. 502.1 § 2, 1989)

The permit required under this article shall be issued by the sheriff, subject to the limitations of this article, to any person who presents a certificate of competency, as provided in this article.

(Ord. 502.1 § 3, 1989)

The sheriff shall provide for a course of instruction in the safe handling of firearms, and for this purpose may cooperate with any reputable association or organization having as one of its objectives the promotions of safety in the handling of firearms.

The sheriff may designate any person found by him or her to be competent to give instructions in the handling of firearms. A person so appointed shall give such course of instruction and upon the successful

completion thereof shall issue to the person instructed a certificate of competency in the safe handling of firearms.

(Ord. 502.1 § 4, 1989)

The sheriff may revoke a permit issued by him or her whenever the holder has violated any law or ordinance relating to the possession, use or discharge of a firearm or has demonstrated his or her unfitness to exercise the privilege granted thereunder, and may refuse on like grounds to issue such permit. Every revoked permit shall be promptly surrendered to the sheriff.

(Ord. 502.1 § 5, 1989)

The provisions of this article shall not apply to the following persons:

A.

Any peace officer or member of the armed services while acting in the lawful discharge of his or her duties;

B.

Any person using a firearm in the lawful defense of himself or herself, another person or property;

C.

Any person discharging a firearm or causing a firearm to be discharged, under adult supervision, at an established firing, shooting or target range, a properly constructed indoor or outdoor home range on private property.

(Ord. 502.1 § 6, 1989)

It is unlawful for any person to violate any provision of this article. Any person violating any provision of this article shall be deemed guilty of an infraction or misdemeanor as hereinafter specified. Such person shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any of the provisions of this article is committed, continued or permitted.

Any person so convicted shall be: (1) guilty of an infraction offense and punished by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100.00) for a first violation; (2) guilty of an infraction offense and punished by a fine not exceeding two hundred dollars ($200.00) for a second violation. The third and any additional violations shall constitute a misdemeanor offense and shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or six months in jail, or both. Notwithstanding the above, a first offense may be charged and prosecuted as a misdemeanor. Payment of any penalty in this article shall not relieve a person from the responsibility for correcting the violation.

(Ord. 502.1 § 7, 1989)