There are many weapon offenses under the Illinois Criminal Code, including but not limited to aggravated discharge of a firearm. This aggravated crime involves the intentional discharge of a firearm in the direction of a building or specific types of individuals, such as police officers, firefighters, and teachers.
What are the Illinois Laws Against Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm?
The Illinois laws against aggravated discharge of a firearm appear at 720 ILCS 5/24-1.2. Under this section, it is unlawful to knowingly or intentionally discharge a firearm:
- At or into a building from the outside, knowing or having a reason to know that the building is occupied;
- In the direction of another person or a vehicle, knowing or having a reason to know that the vehicle is occupied;
- In the direction of another person, knowing or having a reason to know that the person is a police officer, firefighter, or similar official in the course of their duties;
- In the direction of a vehicle, knowing or having a reason to know that the vehicle is occupied by a police officer, firefighter, or similar official in the course of their duties;
- In the direction of another person, knowing or having a reason to know that the person is an EMT, paramedic, or similar first responder in the course of their duties;
- In the direction of a vehicle, knowing or having a reason to know that the vehicle is occupied by an EMT, paramedic, or similar first responder in the course of their duties;
- In the direction of another person, knowing or having a reason to know that the person is a teacher or school employee on or adjacent to school grounds;
- In the direction of another person, knowing or having a reason to know that the person is an emergency management worker in the course of their duties; or
- In the direction of a vehicle, knowing or having a reason to know that the vehicle is occupied by an emergency management worker in the course of their duties.
How Does Illinois Punish Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm?
Section 24-1.2 also furnishes the Illinois punishment for aggravated discharge of a firearm. At a minimum, aggravated discharge of a firearm is a Class 1 felony. The Illinois punishment for this class of felony can include imprisonment for four to 15 years and criminal fines up to $25,000.
That being said, aggravated discharge of a firearm offenses committed at or near a school transform into Class X felonies. The Illinois punishment for this class of felony can include imprisonment for six to 30 years and criminal fines up to $25,000.
Additionally, there are mandatory minimum levels of punishment for certain types of aggravated discharge of a firearm offenses, including those committed against police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and similar officials.
Do You Need Legal Help?
No matter what the criminal offense, all charges are serious. A sound strategy and an aggressive defense are essential for a positive outcome. To protect your rights in such situations, it is highly advisable to retain legal counsel from an experienced criminal defense attorney.
The Prior Law Firm in Bloomington, Illinois, has proven experience in matters of criminal defense. If you need legal help with criminal defense, contact us today for a free consultation. You can reach The Prior Law Firm by phone at (309) 827-4300, email at johnprior@thepriorlawfirm.com or by completing an online form.