We inquired with a prosecutor to determine if parents in Georgia could potentially face the same consequences as seen in a recent Michigan case.
Channel 2’s Candace McCowan went live from the state capitol in downtown Atlanta on WSB Tonight at 11 p.m.
Certain legislators are advocating for an increase in the number of laws.
Recently, a number of bills were proposed in an effort to prevent minors from obtaining firearms.
If a situation similar to what occurred in the Michigan case were to unfold in Georgia, former prosecutor Chris Timmons believes that prosecutors in the state would likely pursue charges against the parents of a mass shooter.
Timmons exclaimed that this was the first case of its kind in the country.
Timmons brings over 17 years of experience as a prosecutor in Dekalb and Cobb counties.
According to him, the facts in this Michigan case are extremely shocking.
The parents of a student who fatally shot four of his classmates have been convicted and sentenced. They were found guilty for purchasing a gun for their son and failing to bring him home from school when he was discovered with disturbing drawings.
Timmons stated that if a similar situation occurred in Georgia, parents would likely face prosecution.
Currently, parents are prohibited from allowing minors to possess firearms, except for specific purposes such as hunting, target shooting, safety courses, or organized competitions.
But there are lawmakers in Georgia who are putting more emphasis on the responsible storage of firearms by gun owners.
Representative Mary Margaret Oliver introduced House Bill 135 during the recent session.
According to Representative Oliver, if a child or a friend of your child takes your gun out of your house, you will be held responsible for a misdemeanor. This implies that allowing a child access to your firearm can have legal consequences.
Gun owners would be held accountable for guns that are not properly secured and are subsequently used in criminal activities.
Representative and Doctor Michelle Au has introduced a bill that seeks to take action against gun owners even before their firearms are involved in any criminal activity.
According to Representative Au, the solution to preventing minors from accessing firearms is quite simple: all firearms that can be accessed by minors should be securely locked.
Both bills failed to gain significant traction.
However, as Michigan hands down jail time, it is possible that others may also face a similar fate.
According to Representative Au, now that we have seen the successful implementation of this plan in the State of Michigan, it is possible that a similar approach could be adopted in Georgia.
