Injuring a Person by Discharging a Firearm

Discharging a firearm in a way that causes harm to others could result in serious criminal penalties. Even a misdemeanor conviction for a firearms offense could result in a jail sentence of up to one year. Other offenses that involve discharging a firearm and causing harm to others are typically felonies, which among other consequences could result in you being banned from possessing a firearm altogether.

While various defenses could be available to help shield you from the potentially negative consequences of a conviction, you may remain unaware of these defenses and their potential impact if you choose not to contact a Michigan injuring a person by discharging a firearm lawyer about your case. A gun defense attorney can investigate your situation, answer your questions about the charges you are facing, and work to determine the strongest defenses that may be available to you.

Under Michigan Compiled Laws §750.235, it is a misdemeanor offense to maim or injure another person by discharging a firearm you pointed or aimed intentionally at them if you did so without malice unless you are a peace officer performing official duties at the time. A conviction for this offense could result in up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $500.

This offense is distinguishable from other Michigan firearms offenses that also result in injury in that there is typically no malice or intent to harm other people. This could lessen the potential punishments and may provide a proactive base for you and your Michigan injuring a person by discharging a firearm attorney when defending against criminal charges.

Intentionally discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle is a felony according to MCL §750.234a whether anyone else is hurt. The motor vehicle could include a passenger vehicle, snowmobile, or an off-road vehicle. A conviction for this offense could result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000.

The penalties become increasingly severe if an injury does result. If the offense results in bodily injury to others, the maximum prison sentence could increase to 15 years while the fine may increase to $15,000. If the offense results in serious impairment of a bodily function, the maximum prison sentence could extend to 20 years and the fine may increase to $25,000.

Intentionally discharging a firearm at or in what you know or have reason to believe is a dwelling or a potentially occupied structure is a felony offense under MCL §750.234b. The potential penalties for this offense could include up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, even if the home or structure was actually unoccupied at the time you allegedly discharged your firearm.

As is the case with MCL §750.234a, the penalties typically increase when the discharge of the firearm results in injury to others. Bodily injury increases the potential penalties to 15 years in prison and a $15,000 fine, whereas serious impairment of a bodily function will increase the potential penalties to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. For any kind of charge of injuring a person by discharging a firearm, assistance from a skilled Michigan attorney can be critical for building a defense.

While discharging a firearm could have serious consequences in certain situations, the penalties are typically more severe if the discharge results in injury to others. A firearms-related criminal conviction—particularly one that causes injuries to others—can have repercussions for your life in many ways.

Getting advice from a Michigan injuring a person by discharging a firearm lawyer in this situation can help you more effectively defend yourself and your best interests. A firearms conviction may impact your ability to get certain jobs, secure housing from particular landlords, be licensed in some professions, and possess firearms in the future, but working toward resolving your case in a more positive manner may be possible with considerate legal counsel by your side.