ATTEMPTED MURDER

Attempt murder is taking a substantial step towards killing another. Simply firing a gun at someone will usually bring an attempt first-degree murder charge. It does not matter if the victim was actually harmed.

Shootings are not the only cases where attempt first-degree murder charges are filed. Stabbing another person with a knife or beating them with a bat are examples where attempt murder charges could be brought by the State.

Attempt first-degree murder is a Class X felony. If proven that a weapon was present, another 15 years are automatically added. If the weapon was discharged, 20 years are added. And if a discharged weapon caused great bodily harm, an additional 25 years or up to natural life is added.

If convicted of shooting another person, an offender could be sentenced to life in prison.