TCA 39-17-1320
Providing handguns to juveniles – Penalties
MISDEMEANOR AClass A Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply
What does this charge mean?
It is illegal to intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly give a handgun to someone you know or should know is under 18 years old. It is also illegal for a parent or guardian to give a handgun to a juvenile or let them possess one if the parent/guardian knows there is a serious risk the child will use it to commit a felony. Providing a handgun to a juvenile is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 11 months 29 days jail and/or $2,500 fine), but if a parent/guardian provides one knowing of a substantial risk of felony use, it is a Class D felony (2-12 years imprisonment).
Penalty Details
ClassificationClass A Misdemeanor
Maximum Jail11 months 29 days
Maximum Fine$2,500
Penalty SummaryClass A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500
Enhancement NotesBase: Class A misdemeanor. Enhanced to: Class D felony, Class D felony
(a) It is an offense for a person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly to provide a handgun with or without remuneration to any person that the person providing the handgun knows or has reason to believe is a juvenile in violation of § 39-17-1319. (1) hand. See Tennessee Code 39-11-106Person: includes the singular and the plural and means and includes any individual, firm, partnership, copartnership, association, corporation, governmental subdivision or agency, or other organization or other legal entity, or any agent or servant thereof. See Tennessee Code 39-11-106(b) It is an offense for a parent or guardian intentionally, knowingly or recklessly to provide a handgun to a juvenile or permit a juvenile to possess a handgun, if the parent or guardian knows of a substantial risk that the juvenile will use a handgun to commit a felony. (c) Unlawfully providing or permitting a juvenile to possess a handgun in violation of subsection (a) is a Class A misdemeanor and in violation of subsection (b) is a Class D felony.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026
Quick Facts
MISDEMEANOR A
TCA Section39-17-1320
Max Jail11 months 29 days
Max Fine$2,500