Phoenix Criminal Lawyer on Drive-By Shooting in Arizona

Like many other states, Arizona has laws in place that specifically cover drive-by shootings. Although a drive-by shooting is technically very similar to other offenses, such as unlawful discharge of a firearm, it is handled very severely under Arizona law because it is considered a gang-related crime. In fact, drive-by shooting is considered a class-2 felony, which means that it comes with a minimum sentence of 7 years in prison.

What Is a “Drive-By Shooting” in Arizona?

Arizona law defines a drive-by shooting as “intentionally discharging a weapon from a motor vehicle at a person, another occupied motor vehicle or an occupied structure.” Although this is a fairly broad definition, the key difference from other, similar weapons offenses is that it involves a vehicle. If a person is injured in the drive-by shooting, then there will likely be separate charges of aggravated assault, which carries its own mandatory sentencing rules.

What Should I Do if I’ve Been Arrested for a Drive-By Shooting in Phoenix?

As you can see, a charge of drive-by shooting can become very serious, especially when it is complicated by other charges, such as assault or drug charges. If you have a history of previous felony convictions, then the penalties you suffer can increase exponentially.

If you have been arrested for a drive-by shooting, it is imperative that you at least speak with an experienced Phoenix criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A conviction for a drive-by shooting comes with serious penalties and mandatory jail time, as well as the loss of your driver’s license. A skilled Arizona criminal defense lawyer will fight to make sure your rights are protected, keep you informed of what is happening each step of the way, and can work to help you reduce penalties or even avoid conviction altogether.

Speak with us today at 1-888-929-5292, and we will make sure that you are connected with a skilled Phoenix criminal lawyer who can help. We also encourage you to take a look at our important book regarding your rights: Arizona Criminal Law – What You Must Know.