All states limit the right to purchase, own, or possess weapons to some extent, though restrictions differ widely. States commonly make it a crime to possess specific types of weapons, to possess weapons in specified locations, or to use weapons in a prohibited manner. When juveniles illegally possesses weapons, they can be charged just like an adult would.
Criminal statutes apply to both adults and juveniles. But when juveniles break the law, their cases are normally handled differently than those of an adult. Most of the time, juveniles are sent through the juvenile court system, where the aim is to counsel, support, and rehabilitate, rather than punish.
So, a state's weapons possessions laws apply to both adults and juveniles, but when a juvenile commits an offense it's usually dealt with through the juvenile justice system and not the adult criminal courts. Adults who commit a weapons possession crime faces penalties such as incarceration, probation, or fines. But juvenile courts can impose a much broader range of penalties and therapeutic programs in an attempt to rehabilitate a juvenile.
State laws make a wide variety of weapons illegal for anyone to possess, though individual state bans differ significantly. Though the possession of firearms is a constitutionally-protected right, states typically make it a crime to possess explosives, exploding ammunition, automatic or "switchblade" knives, gas guns, or similar devices.
Also, certain types of firearms are restricted for everyone. For instance, federal law bans certain types of guns, like machine guns. And some state laws restrict or ban other types of firearms, including automatic weapons and suppressors.
Although there's a constitutional right to have a firearm, states are allowed to limit that right when it comes to kids. Many states prohibit juveniles from possessing weapons that an adult is otherwise allowed to possess. For example, some states ban anyone under 18 from owning or possessing a firearm.
A state might also prohibit younger juveniles from owning or possessing other types of weapons. Some states make it illegal for any juvenile under the age of 16 to own or use a BB gun, air rifle, electronic stun device, or other weapon, but allow minors between the ages of 16 and 18 to have them.
Juvenile weapons laws often allow a juvenile to possess weapons in some situations. These laws provide that juveniles can possess a firearm for hunting or marksmanship training, so long as they're under parental (or legal guardian) supervision. These exceptions often apply to situations where an adult who is supervising the child has permission from the child's parent or guardian to hunt with or train the child in marksmanship.
Possession means both physically carrying a weapon on you or having a weapon in an area that is under your control.
For example, a student who brings a gun to school and carries it in his pocket is in possession of a weapon. And if that same student brings the gun to school and then stores it in his locker, that's also considered possession even if the student is away from the locker.
Juvenile courts have wide discretion in determining the appropriate sentence for a juvenile offender. If a judge finds that there's enough evidence to show the juvenile committed an offense, it will find the charge true (similar to a guilty finding in adult court). The judge will then impose a sentence aimed primarily at rehabilitating the juvenile. Here are some possible actions a court might take, and in any given case, there might be more than one.
Choose your state from the list below to find information about your states laws regarding guns.