Joliet Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm Lawyer

Your Trusted Joliet Attorney for Aggravated Firearm Discharge Cases

Aggravated discharge of a firearm is a serious criminal offense in Illinois. It involves the intentional and reckless discharge of a firearm in the direction of another person or a vehicle. Under Illinois law, this offense is covered under Section 720 ILCS 5/24-1.2.

When Does Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm Occur?

Aggravated discharge involves firing a gun in one of a few specific ways that puts people's safety at risk. The offense of aggravated may apply based on the use of rifles, pistols, and other types of guns. For weapons such as pellet guns or bows, other types of weapons charges may apply if they were used in a dangerous manner.

Under Illinois law, aggravated discharge of a firearm may involve one of the following:

• Firing a gun toward a person – It is illegal to discharge a firearm toward someone else. If prosecutors can show that you intended to cause injuries or death, other types of criminal charges may also apply, such as aggravated assault.
• Firing a gun toward a building – If you are accused of these actions, a prosecutor must demonstrate that you were aware or should have known that someone was in a building at the time you discharged a firearm.
• Firing a gun toward a vehicle – If you are facing this type of accusation, a prosecutor must demonstrate that you were aware or should have known that someone was in a vehicle at the time you fired a weapon.

Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm Penalties

In general, Class 1 felony charges will apply in cases involving aggravated discharge of a firearm. A conviction on these charges may result in a prison sentence as high as 15 years. A fine of up to $25,000 may also be imposed. If a case involves the discharge of a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school, the grounds surrounding a school, or a school bus or other vehicle used to transport children to a school activity, Class X felony charges may apply.

Aggravated discharge may also be classified as a Class X felony if a gun was fired toward any of the following people (or a vehicle carrying one or more of these people) while they are lawfully exercising their duties:

• Community police volunteers
• Emergency management workers
• Correctional facility employees
• Firefighters
• Law enforcement officers
• Paramedics/EMTs
• Teachers or other school employees who were on the grounds of a school at the time of the alleged offense

A Class X felony conviction can result in a prison sentence of six to 30 years. Fines could be as high as $25,000. Probation is usually not an option in cases involving Class X felony offenses.

Contact a Joliet Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm Lawyer

Attorney Jack Zaremba has over 20 years of legal experience, and he has handled thousands of criminal law cases. If you have been charged or accused of aggravated discharge of a firearm, let attorney Zaremba use his experience and knowledge to help you. As a former Will County prosecutor, he has the experience you can count on. Contact the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C. at 815-740-4025 to set up a free consultation today.