Opinion ID: 1058997
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Brandishing a Firearm

Text: As noted supra, Morris was charged with pointing, holding, or brandishing a firearm in such a manner as to reasonably induce fear in the mind of another, pursuant to Code § 18.2-282. Morris argues [t]here was insufficient evidence that [he] pointed, held or brandished the firearm, and there was insufficient evidence that there was reasonable fear in the mind of Peter Molina. Morris says that although Peter Molina saw the flare gun in Morris's waistband, he never testified that he was in fear of the gun. Morris asserts that Molina, solely out of concern for his wife, insisted that they should leave the area where Morris was sitting. Indeed, Morris states, Molina indicated in his testimony that he may have stayed where he was had his wife not been there. Morris says further that he never touched the gun in the presence of Molina or his wife and there is no evidence that he pointed the flare gun. Hence, Morris concludes, the evidence is insufficient to support a conviction for brandishing a firearm. We disagree with Morris. Brandish means to exhibit or expose in an ostentatious, shameless, or aggressive manner. Webster's Third New International Dictionary, 268 (1993). When Morris looked at Ms. Molina, said [he'd] like that, and then pulled up his shirt to uncover the flare gun, he exhibited or exposed the weapon in a shameless or aggressive manner. And Morris brandished the weapon in such a manner as to reasonably induce fear in the mind of Peter Molina. Although Molina may not have said he was in fear for his own safety, he stated unequivocally that he feared for the safety of his wife, and that is sufficient to prove the induced fear element of a conviction for brandishing a firearm under Code § 18.2-282.