Illegal Discharge of a Firearm Lawyer in Douglas County

Illegal Discharge of a Firearm occurs in Douglas County, Colorado when someone knowingly or recklessly fires a gun into an occupied dwelling or motor vehicle. Discharging a firearm is sometimes done intentionally, such as situations that involve drive-by shootings. However, a gun might fire accidentally during cleaning or can be shot at a structure for sport. Consequently, if a risk exists that the structure might be occupied, a felony charge can result. Hiring an illegal discharge of a firearm attorney is vital if facing a charge.

What is Illegal Discharge of a Firearm in Douglas County?

C.R.S. 18-12-107.5 describes the key factors that are present with Illegal Discharge of a Firearm in Castle Rock:

a person knowingly or recklessly
discharges a firearm
into any occupied dwelling, structure, or motor vehicle

“Knowingly” refers to a person that is aware of his or her conduct and the circumstances of that behavior. The term “recklessly” means the risk involved is ignored when firing a gun into a potentially occupied location. Shooting a gun into a dwelling, structure, or car that is occupied is a felony offense, even if those inside aren’t in danger. A bullet just needs to come into contact with an exterior surface of a structure or vehicle for illegal discharge of a firearm to occur. A bullet doesn’t even need to penetrate the surface or enter the interior for criminal charges to apply.

Sentencing for Illegal Discharge of a Firearm in Parker

Illegal Discharge of a Firearm is a class 5 felony in Parker, and throughout Colorado. Conviction can result in 1 – 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections. Additionally, a fine of $1,000 – $100,000 can apply to a sentence. A felony conviction also means owning a firearm in the future is out of the question. A criminal record can also result in the loss of a job or difficulties finding employment altogether. If the bullet doesn’t enter an occupied dwelling, structure, or vehicle, a lesser misdemeanor charge of prohibited use of weapons can sometimes apply.

Douglas County Firearm Attorney

At Sawyer Legal Group, a citizen’s right to bear arms is important to us and we fight hard to protect those freedoms. Some of those charged with Illegal Discharge of a Firearm shoot a gun by accident, but now face intense criminal charges. This is where strong criminal defense is crucial. We have decades of combined experience working with district attorneys in Colorado and exercise a deep knowledge of the justice system. If you’ve been accused of a firearm offense, don’t talk with police or give investigators any statements. Instead, contact Douglas County’s best defense attorneys for a free consultation.