Aggravated Discharge
Illinois Aggravated or Reckless Discharge of a Firearm Defense Lawyer
Defending Against Weapons Charges
Illinois’ stringent gun laws, law enforcement and district attorneys vigorously pursue investigations and prosecutions of firearms offenses. Possession without proper licensing and registration already carries severe consequences, but the unlawful discharge of a firearm is an especially grave criminal offense due to the potential harm it poses. If you’ve been arrested for Aggravated or Reckless Discharge of a Firearm in Illinois, it’s crucial to exercise your right to remain silent with law enforcement and promptly assert your right to counsel. This offense is categorized as a felony, necessitating immediate legal counsel to navigate the serious consequences associated with such a firearm crime.
Attorney Paul M. Marriett handles a diverse range of firearms cases. He comprehensively understands the prosecution strategies employed by state attorneys in cases involving alleged firearm discharges. Depending on the unique circumstances of your Aggravated or Reckless Discharge case, attorney Marriett employs various defense strategies, leveraging evidence obtained through private detectives, ballistics experts, and law enforcement reports.
Understanding Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm under Illinois Law
The Illinois offense of aggravated discharge pertains to the unsafe discharge of a firearm in specific circumstances. Key factors defining this hazardous act include:
Firing at Others: Discharging a weapon toward another person or a group, even without intent to harm, can result in aggravated discharge charges. If someone is injured, the charge may escalate to attempted murder.
Firing into a Vehicle or Structure: Shooting into a vehicle or structure from outside, even if unoccupied, can lead to aggravated discharge charges.
Use of a Silencer: The use of a silencer during a firearm discharge also triggers aggravated discharge charges.
Conviction for aggravated discharge may lead to a Class 1 Felony, carrying a 4 to 15-year prison term and potential fines up to $25,000.
Factors Enhancing Punishment for Aggravated Discharge in Illinois Penalties may escalate based on aggravating factors, such as discharging a gun within a thousand feet of specific locations like parks, schools, or buses. If certain individuals, like teachers, firefighters, or law enforcement officers, could be present, the offense becomes a Class X Felony, carrying mandatory minimum prison terms and extended maximum sentences.
Understanding Reckless Discharge of a Firearm in Illinois
Reckless Discharge involves irresponsible or unintentional firing of a gun that poses a risk of harm. Examples include discharging a firearm from a moving vehicle. Charges may lead to a Class 4 Felony, with potential sentences, community service, probation, and fines.
Consequences of Serious Gun Offense Convictions in Illinois Beyond formal punishments, convictions for unsafe firearm discharge may result in long-term consequences, including immigration restrictions, disqualification for certain licenses, barriers to education, loss of constitutional rights, and difficulties in employment or housing.
While an arrest does not guarantee conviction, we work diligently to develop effective defenses, such as challenging unlawful searches, questioning eyewitness testimony, or seeking the exclusion of coerced statements. If facing charges for Aggravated or Reckless Discharge of a Firearm in Illinois, consult with our Rockford weapons crimes defense attorney for a confidential, free-of-charge consultation.
Rockford criminal defense lawyer Paul M. Marriett has handled thousands of criminal defense law cases. We defend the accused against all types of gun and weapon charges – experience and results matter – call TODAY for help and a FREE CONSULTATION!