Drive By Shooting Defense Lawyer In Utah

Last updated on August 26, 2026

Discharging a firearm from a vehicle is against the law in Utah.

It may seem like common sense, but you shouldn’t shoot a gun from your car. If you do, even if you’re just goofing off, it’s still a criminal offense. Moreover, the law doesn’t only apply to firearms; it applies to any dangerous weapon. A dangerous weapon is one that is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury simply in the manner of its use or intended use. Although we know it as a “drive by shooting,” the legal term is “discharge of a firearm from a vehicle.” For drive by shooting defense in Utah, call or text us at 801-810-2045 for a consultation.

Misdemeanor Shootings

In addition to it being illegal to shoot your gun from a car, it is also illegal to discharge a firearm:

• On a highway or across a highway
• At highway road signs
• At communications equipment
• At public utilities property such as facilities, lines, poles, or transmission or distribution devices
• At railroad equipment and other railroad property
• In Utah State Park buildings, camp and picnic sites, overlooks, golf courses, boat ramps, and developed beaches
• Without written permission from the owner or person in charge of property within 600 feet of a home or animal homes.

Violation of any of the above is a Class B misdemeanor and will result in a suspension of your driver’s license.

Felony Shootings

A drive by shooting or other firearm discharge is a third degree felony offense punishable by a minimum of three years and a maximum of five years in prison if the shots are fired toward people or homes. If injury results from the shooting, the penalty increases to a minimum three years and maximum 15 years in prison. Additionally, it becomes a second degree felony. Shooting a firearm toward a person or home becomes a first degree felony if it results in “serious bodily injury” and is minimum five years in prison all the way up to life in prison.

If you have been charged with discharging a firearm from a vehicle or otherwise firing a gun in an illegal manner, call our Utah lawyer for gun crimes team at 801-810-2045. We offer consultations by phone, video, or in person.