VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Among the laws taking effect this week is one beefing up the penalties on kids and teens caught with guns. It’s a law sheriffs across the state pushed for.
In Volusia County, teens involved in gun crimes is a trend Sheriff Mike Chitwood and his team are seeing here. So far this year, they told News 6 that 20 juveniles have been placed on probation for felony gun crimes in Volusia.
“We are seeing a proliferation of juveniles involved in first-time offense drive-by shootings, armed burglaries, armed robberies, it’s just getting out of control,” Chitwood said.
The sheriff said now, if caught having a gun or using a gun in a crime, the consequences are much higher.
“Now, those penalties are going to almost mirror what an adult has done,” he said.
The law change increases the penalty for a minor possessing a gun to a third-degree felony whereas it used to be a misdemeanor.
Also, if it’s a juvenile’s first or second offense, they have to spend up to 21 days in a secure detention facility. If there’s a third violation, they would be adjudicated delinquent and put in a residential program.
It also puts more pressure on judges to make that happen.
“Judges have to explain their decision if they opt not to adjudicate a juvenile with a firearm, which is withhold guilt, that can only be done one time,” Chitwood said.
The sheriff used a 16-year-old as a recent example who brought out a gun on the beach in New Smyrna over spring break while trying to sell weed.
“There’s an example of in possession of a firearm while committing a felony. There’s going to be tougher sanctions there. A minimum of 21 days you can stay in there and every 21 days we can keep asking for you to stay in there longer,” the sheriff said.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: