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Bill Headed For Gov. Lee’s Signature Gives Prosecutors Option to Try Juveniles Accused of Shoplifting or Stealing Guns as Adults

Mar 21, 2024 | 4:08 PM

Juvenile’s in Tennessee accused of shoplifting or stealing guns could soon be tried as adults if Governor Lee signs Senate Bill 2569.

The bill as introduced, “allows a juvenile court to transfer a child 15 years of age or older to be tried as an adult in criminal court for the offense of organized retail crime, theft of a firearm, or an attempt to commit such offense.”

Currently, juveniles in Tennessee can only be tried as adults for the most serious and violent crimes such as murder, rape, kidnapping, and aggravated robbery.