Knowing the Laws Related to Juveniles and Handguns

Tennessee has specific laws and penalties related to juveniles and handguns.

• Section 39-17-1319: It is a delinquent act if a juvenile possesses a handgun illegally.
  • In addition to other penalties required by law, the juvenile may be required to perform community service and/or may lose driving privileges for one year. The handgun will be confiscated and disposed of according to §39-17-1317.
  • A juvenile may possess a handgun legally if he or she is involved in certain activities, such as attending a hunter education course or firearm safety course, practicing shooting at an established firearm range, hunting or trapping with a valid license, or participating in other activities as listed in §39-17-1319.
• Section 39-17-1320(a): It is a misdemeanor if one person provides a handgun to another person if the person providing the gun knows or has reason to believe that the person receiving the gun is a juvenile.
• Section 39-17-1320(b): It is a felony if a parent or guardian:
  • Provides a handgun to a juvenile or lets a juvenile possess a handgun and…
  • Knows of a substantial risk that the juvenile will use the handgun to commit a felony.