Written by Francine Pratt | Co-Chair for the CPO Gun Safety & Violence Reduction Collaborative
Did you know that youth (ages 13 – 18) who carry, show off or use a gun can have serious legal consequences even if no one gets hurt? Youth can be tried as an adult if caught with a gun that was involved with a robbery or gun used to threaten someone. This can happen even if a gun is being held for a friend – just being around a gun can get a youth charged.
In Missouri, a gun charge can land a youth in adult court, lead to felony convictions and/or result in a long-term detention or prison time. Gun related felonies are considered violent or dangerous even if no one is physically injured. A youth could become limited for future options like jobs, military service or college aid. Prosecutors and judges treat gun cases as community safety threats, which means harsher consequences and fewer second chances. Educate yourself about Missouri laws about firearms and youth!
Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Did you know it is illegal to:
- Carry a concealed gun without a permit.
- Flash or point a gun to threaten someone.
- Fire a gun from a vehicle.
- Discharge a gun near schools, churches or courthouses.
- Have a gun while intoxicated.
These actions are considered a felony and can result in detention or certification to an adult court!
Mandatory Certification
Effective August 28, 2025, the law now requires the juvenile court to hold a certification hearing if a Petition or Motion to Modify alleges the child (ages 12 to 18) committed any “dangerous felony” as defined under the law or any felony involving the use, assistance, or aid of a deadly weapon (e.g., firearms). These changes take away court discretion in many armed offense cases – a hearing must be held once the allegation is made.
What does this mean?
Any felony involving a firearm, regardless of classification or harm caused, automatically triggers a certification hearing that includes:
- Felony-level unlawful use or possession of a weapon.
- Armed criminal action.
- Assault, robbery, or any offense carried out with a firearm.
- Even non-violent felonies where a firearm was present or used.
What is Certification?
Certification means the case is moved from juvenile court to adult court. A Certification hearing happens automatically if the age of the youth is 12 to 17 and charged with:
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