Owning a firearm is a privilege and a huge responsibility. Firearms can be lethal or inflict serious physical bodily harm. Understanding their power and how to use them safely is essential.
Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm under 720 ILCS 5/24-1.2 is a crime that focuses on the act of firing a weapon under circumstances that create a significant risk of injury or death. If you are charged with Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm in Illinois and you are convicted, you may have to serve a lengthy prison sentence, pay a steep fine, and you will have a permanent felony record that can negatively affect several aspects of your life.
A conviction for Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm carries life-changing consequences and should be taken seriously. If you have been arrested or are under investigation for violating 720 ILCS 5/24-1.2, you must seek legal representation immediately. An experienced Chicago weapons defense attorney at Glasgow & Olsson can explain to you what your rights are, evaluate the evidence against you, identify all available defenses, and work on your behalf to help you avoid considerable criminal punishments.
What is Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm in Illinois?
Under 720 ILCS 5/24-1.2, Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm happens when a person knowingly or intentionally fires their weapon in certain dangerous situations that are identified under Illinois gun laws. As a result, if you discharge your firearm knowingly in any of the following scenarios, you can be arrested for Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm in Illinois.
- In the direction of another person
- In the direction of a vehicle that you know or reasonably know is occupied
- In the direction of a building that you know or reasonably know is occupied
- From a motor vehicle
- Into a school, school bus, or other protected location
It is important to understand that the prosecution does not have to prove anyone was struck by gunfire when a person is charged with Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm. Simply firing a gun in one of the prohibited circumstances above can lead to charges.
On the other hand, if your weapon accidentally goes off due to a mechanical malfunction or other unforeseen event, this could lead to different legal issues and not necessarily be considered an intentional act.
Since the gun laws in the state of Illinois are quite complex, it is critical to have an attorney’s assistance if you are being investigated or charged with a weapons violation.
Get Qualified Legal Help Today
Understanding your rights and obtaining legal representation early when you are facing allegations of gun law violations in Illinois best positions you for the most favorable results. For more information, please speak with our Schaumburg criminal defense attorneys at Glasgow & Olsson today and learn how decades of trusted experience can protect what matters most to you.
Our law firm is widely recognized as a leading authority in criminal law. For this reason, Attorney Thomas T. Glasgow is a trusted legal voice who is regularly invited to appear on major networks, including ABC, CNN, NBC, CBS, and Fox News.
When your rights and freedoms are on the line, having an attorney on your side with an excellent reputation and unimpeachable experience matters.