Mississippi Law Allows Minors to be Tried as Adults for Violent Crimes Involving Firearms
A new law in Mississippi, effective July 1, allows courts to try minors under 18 as adults if they commit violent crimes involving a firearm. This legislation, signed by Governor Tate Reeves, also increases penalties for selling stolen firearms and for firing into a crowd. The law aims to hold minors accountable for serious offenses, with penalties for possession, sale, and use of stolen firearms ranging from 10 to 40 years in prison. Additionally, firing into a gathering of two or more people can result in 5 to 15 years in prison, a fine of $10,000, or both. Sheriff Thomas Tuggle emphasized the importance of teaching minors about the consequences of firearm-related decisions.