Discharging a firearm in a careless or reckless manner can lead to serious criminal charges in Los Angeles, California — even if no one was injured. If you have been charged with this offense, it’s important to take action right away. An experienced Los Angeles weapons charges lawyer from William S. Kroger can help you protect your rights and defend yourself. Call today for a confidential consultation.
Our legal team has decades of experience handling complex weapons charges across Los Angeles County. We can help you get a fair result in your case and ensure that overzealous prosecutors don’t carry the day. Call us today for a confidential consultation.
Negligent discharge of a firearm may sound harmless, but prosecutors take it seriously and often try to connect it to other gun offenses. You need representation from a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney who can fight back when prosecutors overcharge or exaggerate the circumstances of the offense.
Clients in Los Angeles, CA, trust William S. Kroger because
We understand that an arrest does not equal a conviction. We make sure prosecutors understand that, too. Call our Los Angeles weapons charges attorneys for help.
Under California Penal Code § 246.3, it is generally illegal to discharge a firearm in a grossly negligent manner that could result in injury or death to another person.
To secure a conviction, prosecutors typically must prove that:
However, prosecutors do not need to prove that someone was actually injured. The gunshot and alleged risk alone may be enough for criminal charges.
Examples of situations that may lead to negligent discharge allegations include:
Not every firearm discharge qualifies as negligent criminal conduct. Lawful self-defense or accidental firings do not generally trigger criminal charges. In the examples above, the key issue is whether the shot was fired willfully, with gross negligence, and placed others at risk of injury
Negligent discharge of a firearm is generally charged as a felony offense in California, although certain cases may be prosecuted as misdemeanors depending on the facts and the defendant’s criminal history.
A felony conviction may carry:
Certain aggravating circumstances can also increase the seriousness of the offense, including:
In some cases, prosecutors may also file additional charges related to the discharge, including, but not limited to, assault, illegal firearm possession, or carrying a loaded weapon. These charges can increase the range of penalties that apply.
Every negligent discharge case is unique; several legal defenses may apply depending on the facts surrounding the incident. Prosecutors must prove you discharged the firearm willfully and with gross negligence that created a risk of injury or death to another person.
You may have a strong defense to those charges if:
Importantly, the prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, which is the highest burden of proof in the legal system.
An experienced criminal defense attorney can evaluate the evidence and assert all defenses that apply in your case.
In many firearm cases, early involvement of an attorney is critical to defending your rights. A defense attorney may help by:
Your attorney can help you tell your side of the story and ensure your rights aren’t trampled merely because a gun was fired.
If you have been arrested or are under investigation for negligent discharge of a firearm, you should seek legal representation immediately. Firearm offenses in Los Angeles are usually felonies, and you don’t want to end up on the wrong side of the case and criminal justice system.
William S. Kroger can help you defend your rights and challenge the prosecution’s case against you. We have decades of experience and resources that can match whatever the state throws at you. We’re here to help get you a fair result.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation to learn more about your rights.
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This page was reviewed and approved by William S. Kroger, a leading criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles. Mr. Kroger has decades of experience defending clients in both state and federal courts. He is recognized for his strong trial skills and dedication to protecting the rights of the accused. Throughout his career, he has successfully represented clients facing a wide range of serious criminal charges. His personalized defense strategies are designed to achieve the best possible outcome in every case. Clients trust Mr. Kroger for his knowledge, commitment, and proven results.
He is also an active member of respected legal organizations, including the American Bar Association and the National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers. With his expertise and reputation, William S. Kroger is regarded as one of California’s top defense lawyers.
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