View source for Discharging a Firearm (Offence)

{{Currency|January 2023}}
{{LevelZero}}
{{HeaderOffences}}

{{OffenceBox 
|OffenceTitle=Discharging a Firearm 
|OffencePage=Discharging a Firearm 
|Section=244, 244.1, and 244.2 
|Act={{OBCCC}} 
|CrownElection={{OBIndictableElection}}  
|Jurisdiction={{OBJurisdictionAll-14Above}}  
|Bail={{OBBailJudge}} 
|IndictableDisp={{OBDisp14orMinVar}} 
|IndictableMin= {{OBTime|4,5, or 7 years}} 
|IndictableMax= {{OBTime|14 years}} }}

==Overview==
{{seealso|Weapon Offences}}

{{OverviewVIII|discharging a firearm}}

; Pleadings
{{PleadingsHeader-N}}
{{PleadingsIndictableList-N|s. 244 {{DescrSec|244}} <br>s. 244.1 {{DescrSec|244.1}} and <br>s. 244.2 {{DescrSec|244.2}} | {{NA}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes-14Years}} }}
{{PleadingsEnd}}

{{PleadingsIndictElection-14Above|s. 244 {{DescrSec|244}}, 244.1 {{DescrSec|244.1}}, and 244.2 {{DescrSec|244.2}} }}

{{Section109Notice}}

; Release

{{ReleaseHeader}}
|s. 244 {{DescrSec|244}},<br> 244.1 {{DescrSec|244.1}}<br> or 244.2 {{DescrSec|244.2}} || {{ReleaseProfile-Indictable}} 
|-
{{ReleaseEnd}}

{{ReleaseOptions-Indictable|s. 244 [discharging a firearm with intent],<br> 244.1 {{DescrSec|244.1}}<br> or 244.2 {{DescrSec|244.2}} }}

Under s. 515(6)(a)(vii), offences charged under s. 244 or 244.2 have a [[Reverse Onus|reverse onus]] on bail.

:''<u>Reverse Onus Bail</u>''
{{ReverseOnusCirc}}

:''Fingerprints and Photos''
{{IDCriminalAct|s. 244 {{DescrSec|244}}, 244.1 {{DescrSec|244.1}} or 244.2 {{DescrSec|244.2}} }}

; Publication Bans
{{GeneralPubBan}}

; Offence Designations
{{DesignationHeader}}
|-
|s. 244 {{DescrSec|244}}|| {{XMark}} <!--wire--> || {{OKMark}} (primary) <!--DO-->||{{OKMark}} <!--SPIO--> || {{XMark}} <!--consent-->|| {{OKMark}} 
|-
|s. 244.1 {{DescrSec|244.1}} or<br> 244.2 {{DescrSec|244.2}}|| {{XMark}} <!--wire--> || {{XMark}} <!--DO-->||{{XMark}} <!--SPIO--> || {{XMark}} <!--consent--> || {{OKMark}} 
{{DesignationEnd}}

{{DOPrimaryDesignation|s. 244 {{DescrSec|244}} }}

{{SPIODesignation|A|s. 244 {{DescrSec|244}}}}

{{SeeBelowForAncillary}}
{{reflist|2}}

==Offence Wording==
{{quotation3|
; Discharging firearm with intent
244 (1) Every person commits an offence who discharges a firearm at a person with intent to wound, maim or disfigure, to endanger the life of or to prevent the arrest or detention of any person — whether or not that person is the one at whom the firearm is discharged.
<br>
; Punishment
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1) {{AnnSec2|244(1)}} is guilty of an indictable offence and liable
:(a) if a restricted firearm or prohibited firearm is used in the commission of the offence or if the offence is committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with, a criminal organization, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of
::(i) in the case of a first offence, five years, and
::(ii) in the case of a second or subsequent offence, seven years; and
:(b) in any other case, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of four years.

; Subsequent offences
(3) In determining, for the purpose of paragraph (2)(a) {{AnnSec2|244(2)(a)}}, whether a convicted person has committed a second or subsequent offence, if the person was earlier convicted of any of the following offences, that offence is to be considered as an earlier offence:
:(a) an offence under this section;
:(b) an offence under subsection 85(1) {{AnnSec0|85(1)}} or (2) {{AnnSec0|85(2)}} or section 244.2 {{AnnSec2|244.2A}}; or
:(c) an offence under section 220 {{AnnSec2|220}}, 236 {{AnnSec2|236}}, 239 {{AnnSec2|239}}, 272 {{AnnSec2|272}} or 273 {{AnnSec2|273}}, subsection 279(1) {{AnnSec2|279(1)}} or section 279.1 {{AnnSec2|279.1}}, 344 {{AnnSec3|344}} or 346 {{AnnSec3|346}} if a firearm was used in the commission of the offence.

However, an earlier offence shall not be taken into account if 10 years have elapsed between the day on which the person was convicted of the earlier offence and the day on which the person was convicted of the offence for which sentence is being imposed, not taking into account any time in custody.
<br>
; Sequence of convictions only
(4) For the purposes of subsection (3) {{AnnSec2|244(3)}}, the only question to be considered is the sequence of convictions and no consideration shall be given to the sequence of commission of offences or whether any offence occurred before or after any conviction.
<br>
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 244; 
{{LegHistory90s|1995, c. 39}}, s. 144; 
{{LegHistory00s|2008, c. 6}}, s. 17; 
{{LegHistory00s|2009, c. 22}}, s. 7.
|{{CCCSec2|244}}
|{{NoteUp|244|1|2|3|4}}
|{{terms-
|[[Criminal Organizations|"criminal organization" (s. 2)]]
|[[Definition of Firearms|"firearm" (s. 2)]]
|[[Definitions_of_Parties,_Persons,_Places_and_Organizations#Person|"person" (s. 2)]]
|[[Definition of Prohibited Firearms|"prohibited firearm" (s. 2.1)]]
|[[Definition of Restricted Firearms|"restricted firearm" (s. 2.1)]]
}}
}}
{{quotation3|
; Causing bodily harm with intent — air gun or pistol
244.1 Every person who, with intent
:(a) to wound, maim or disfigure any person,
:(b) to endanger the life of any person, or
:(c) to prevent the arrest or detention of any person,

discharges an air or compressed gas gun or pistol at any person, whether or not that person is the person mentioned in paragraph (a), (b) or (c), is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years.
<br>
{{LegHistory90s|1995, c. 39}}, s. 144.
|{{CCCSec2|244.1}}
|{{NoteUp|244.1}}
|{{terms-
|[[Definitions_of_Parties,_Persons,_Places_and_Organizations#Person|"person" (s. 2)]]
}}
}}

{{quotation2|
; Discharging firearm — recklessness
244.2 (1) Every person commits an offence
:(a) who intentionally discharges a firearm into or at a place, knowing that or being reckless as to whether another person is present in the place; or
:(b) who intentionally discharges a firearm while being reckless as to the life or safety of another person.

{{removed|(2)}}
; Punishment
(3) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1) {{AnnSec2|244.2(1)}} is guilty of an indictable offence and
:(a) if a restricted firearm or prohibited firearm is used in the commission of the offence or if the offence is committed for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a criminal organization, is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of
::(i) five years, in the case of a first offence, and
::(ii) seven years, in the case of a second or subsequent offence; and
:(b) in any other case, is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of four years.

; Subsequent offences
(4) In determining, for the purpose of paragraph (3)(a) {{AnnSec2|244.2(3)(a)}}, whether a convicted person has committed a second or subsequent offence, if the person was earlier convicted of any of the following offences, that offence is to be considered as an earlier offence:
:(a) an offence under this section;
:(b) an offence under subsection 85(1) {{AnnSec8|85(1)}} or (2) {{AnnSec8|85(2)}} or section 244 {{AnnSec2|244A}}; or
:(c) an offence under section 220 {{AnnSec2|220}}, 236 {{AnnSec2|236}}, 239 {{AnnSec2|239}}, 272 {{AnnSec2|272}} or 273 {{AnnSec2|273}}, subsection 279(1) {{AnnSec2|279(1)}} or section 279.1 {{AnnSec2|279.1}}, 344 {{AnnSec3|344}} or 346 {{AnnSec3|346}} if a firearm was used in the commission of the offence.

However, an earlier offence shall not be taken into account if 10 years have elapsed between the day on which the person was convicted of the earlier offence and the day on which the person was convicted of the offence for which sentence is being imposed, not taking into account any time in custody.
<br>
; Sequence of convictions only
(5) For the purpose of subsection (4) {{AnnSec2|244.2(4)}}, the only question to be considered is the sequence of convictions and no consideration shall be given to the sequence of commission of offences or whether any offence occurred before or after any conviction.
<br>
{{LegHistory00s|2009, c. 22}}, s. 8.
{{Annotation}}
|{{CCCSec2|244.2}}
|{{NoteUp|244.2|1|3|4|5}}
}}

===Draft Form of Charges===
{{seealso|Draft Form of Charges}}

{{DraftHeader}}
|-
| 244
| 
|"{{ellipsis1}}, did with intent to wound, maim or disfigure or endanger the life of [complianant] did discharge a firearm, to wit., [type of firearm], contrary to section 244 of the ''Criminal Code''.
|-
| 244.1
| 
|"{{ellipsis1}}, contrary to section 244.1 of the ''Criminal Code''.
|-
| 244.2
| 
|"{{ellipsis1}}, did intentionally discharge of a firearm while being reckless as to the life or safety of another person contrary to section 244.2 of the ''Criminal Code''.
{{DraftEnd}}

==Proof of the Offence==

{{ElementHeader}}
{{ElementLeft}}

{{Proving|discharging firearm with intent|244}}<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Foti|5htb|2002 MBCA 122 (CanLII)|169 CCC (3d) 57}}{{perMBCA|Steel JA}}</ref>
{{InitialElements}}
# {{box}} the culprit discharged a firearm
# {{box}} the discharge was "at a person"
# {{box}} the culprit intended to wound, maim or disfigure the complainant and not scare or threaten him; and
# {{box}} a wound resulting to the complainant

{{reflist|2}}

{{ElementRight}}

{{Proving|causing bodily harm with intent (air gun or pistol)|244.1}}
# {{box}} the culprit "discharges an air or compressed gas gun or pistol"
# {{box}} the discharge was "at any person";
# the culprit intended:
## {{box}} to wound, maim or disfigure any person,
## {{box}} to endanger the life of any person, or
## {{box}} to prevent the arrest or detention of any person.

{{ElementLeft}}

{{Proving|reckless discharge of a firearm|244.2}}
# {{box}} the culprit discharges a firearm;
# {{box}} the discharge "into or at a place" (s. 244.2(a) only);
# {{box}} the place of the shooter and the place being shot into (or at) are different places;
# {{box}} the culprit was aware of or was reckless to "whether another person is present in the place" (s. 244.2(a)) or was "reckless as to the life or safety of another person"
# {{box}} the firearm was a "restricted or prohibited firearm" (aggravating under s. 244.2(3)(a))
# {{box}} the firearm "committed for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a criminal organization" (aggravating under s. 244.2(3)(a))

{{ElementRight}}
{{ElementEnd}}

{{Reflist|2}}

==Interpretation==

For a conviction under 244.2, the shooter must be shooting from one physical location to another location.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Ratt|jtqs5|2023 SKCA 2 (CanLII)}}{{perSKCA|Leurer JA}}{{atL|jtqs5|42}} ("In conclusion on the question of the proper interpretation of s. 244.2(1)(a), to make out an offence under that section, the Crown must prove that a firearm was discharged from one physical place into or at a different physical place.")
</ref>

; Purpose of s. 244.2(1)(a)
The purpose of s. 244.2(1)(a) is to "criminalize the discharge a firearm into or at a place in circumstances when the shooter is at one location and knows, or ought to know, or is reckless as to whether people are present in the place at or into which the shot is fired."<ref>
{{supra1|Ratt}}{{atL|jtqs5|35}}
</ref>

; Place
{{quotation3|
; Discharging firearm — recklessness
244.2<Br>
{{removed|(1)}}
; Definition of place
(2) For the purpose of paragraph (1)(a) {{AnnSec2|244.2(1)(a)}}, '''"place"''' means any building or structure — or part of one — or any motor vehicle, vessel, aircraft, railway vehicle, container or trailer.<br>
{{removed|(3) and (4)}}
{{LegHistory00s|2009, c. 22}}, s. 8.
{{Annotation}}
|{{CCCSec2|244.2}}
|{{NoteUp|244.2|2}}
|{{terms-
|"aircraft" (s. 214)
|"motor vehicle" (s. 2)
}}
}}

==Participation of Third Parties==
{{seealso|Role of the Victim and Third Parties|Testimonial Aids for Young, Disabled or Vulnerable Witnesses}}

; Testimonial Aids
{{3rdPTestimonyAids}}

; On Finding of Guilt 
{{VictimHeader}} <!-- Sections / Notice of Agree / Notice of Restitution / Notice of VIS --> 
|s. 244 {{DescrSec|244}}<br>s. 244.1 {{DescrSec|244.1}} and<br>
s. 244.2 {{DescrSec|244.2}}
 || || || 
|- 
{{VictimEnd}}


{{606NoticeSPIO|s. 244 {{DescrSec|244}} }}

{{RestitutionNotice}}

{{VISNotice}}

==Sentencing Principles and Ranges==
{{seealsoSentencing}}
{{seealsoSentencingWeapons}}

; Maximum Penalties
{{SProfileMaxHeader}}
{{SProfileMax|s. 244 {{DescrSec|244}} <br>s. 244.1 {{DescrSec|244.1}} and <br>s. 244.2 {{DescrSec|244.2}} | {{No}} | {{Max14Years}}}} 
{{SProfileEnd}}

{{MaxPenaltyIndictment|s. 244 {{DescrSec|244}},<br> 244.1 {{DescrSec|244.1}} and<br> 244.2 {{DescrSec|244.2}} | '''{{Max14Years}}'''}}

; Minimum Penalties
{{SProfileMinHeader}}
{{SProfileMin|s. 244(2)(a)   {{DescrSec|244}} | |{{Min5Years}} |{{Min7Years}}  }}
{{SProfileMin|s. 244.2(3)(a) {{DescrSec|244.2}} | |{{Min5Years}} |{{Min7Years}}  }} 
{{SProfileEnd}}

{{MinPenaltiesWAggravating|s. 244 {{DescrSec|244}} | s. 244(2)(a)|'''{{Min5Years}}''', or '''{{Min7Years}}''' with any prior convictions|'''{{Min4Years}}''' incarceration}}

{{NoMinimumPenalties|s. 244.1 {{DescrSec|244.1}} }}

{{MinPenaltiesWAggravating|s. 244.2 {{DescrSec|244.2}} |s. 244.2(3)(a)|'''{{Min5Years}}''', or '''{{Min7Years}}''' with any prior convictions|'''{{Min4Years}}''' incarceration}}

The [[Maximum and Minimum Sentences|mandatory minimum]] for a conviction under s. 244.2(3)(a)(i) has been found unconstitutional.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Abdullahi|g34s7|2014 ONSC 272 (CanLII)|OJ No 701}}{{perONSC|McWatt J}}
</ref> 
However, s. 244.2(3)(b) was found constitutional.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Oud|gsp1s|2016 BCCA 332 (CanLII)|339 CCC (3d) 379}}{{perBCCA|Saunders JA}}
</ref>

; Available Dispositions
{{SProfileAvailHeader}}
|s. 244 {{DescrSec|244}},<br> 244.2 {{DescrSec|244.2}} || {{NA}} || {{SProfileOnlyJail}}
|-
|s. 244.1 {{DescrSec|244.1}}                            || {{NA}} || {{SProfileNoDischargeOrCSO}}
|-
{{SProfileEnd}}

{{NoDischargeAvailable|s. 244.1 {{DescrSec|244.1}} }}

{{NoCSOAvailable|C|s. 244.1 {{DescrSec|244.1}} }}

{{OnlyJailAvailable|s. 244 {{DescrSec|244}} and <br>244.2 {{DescrSec|244.2}} }}

; Consecutive Sentences
{{NoConsecutive}}

{{reflist|2}}

===Principles===
See [[Weapons Offences (Sentencing)]]

===Ranges===
{{seealsoRanges|Discharging a Firearm}}

; Ontario
The expected range for discharging a firearm with an intent to wound and being successful in wounding a person is between 7 and 11 years.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Bellissimo|225g6|2009 ONCA 49 (CanLII)|OJ No 179}}{{TheCourtONCA}}
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==Ancillary Sentencing Orders==
{{seealso|Ancillary Orders}}
	
; Offence-specific Orders
{{AOrderHeader}}
| [[DNA Orders]] ||s. 244 {{DescrSec|244}}, 244.1 {{DescrSec|244.1}}, and<br> 244.2 {{DescrSec|244.2}} ||
* {{PrimDNA1|s. 244 {{DescrSec|244}}, 244.1 {{DescrSec|244.1}}, and<br> 244.2 {{DescrSec|244.2}} }} 
|-
| [[Weapons Prohibition Orders]]||s. 244 {{DescrSec|244}}, 244.1 {{DescrSec|244.1}}, and <br>244.2 {{DescrSec|244.2}} ||
* {{Section109|D|s. 244 {{DescrSec|244}}, 244.1 {{DescrSec|244.1}}, and <br>244.2 {{DescrSec|244.2}} }} 
* {{Section110|s. 244 {{DescrSec|244}}, 244.1 {{DescrSec|244.1}}, and <br>244.2 {{DescrSec|244.2}} }} 
|-
| [[Delayed Parole Eligibility|Delayed Parole Order]]||s. 244 {{DescrSec|@44}},<br> 244.1 {{DescrSec|244.1}}, and <br>244.2 {{DescrSec|244.2}} ||
* {{ParoleDelayEligible|1|s. 244 {{DescrSec|244}}, 244.1 {{DescrSec|244.1}} or<br> 244.2 {{DescrSec|244.2}} }}
{{AOrderEnd}}

; General Sentencing Orders
{{GeneralSentencingOrders}}

; General Forfeiture Orders
{{GeneralForfeitureOrders}}
* [[Forfeiture of Weapons and Firearms]]

==Record Suspensions and Pardons== 
{{RecordSuspension|s. 244 {{DescrSec|244}}, 244.1 {{DescrSec|244.1}}, and <br>244.2 {{DescrSec|244.2}} }}

==History==
{{seealso|List of Criminal Code Amendments|Table of Concordance (Criminal Code)}}

===2008 to 2009===
{{quotation1|
; Discharging firearm with intent
244 (1) Every person commits an offence who discharges a firearm at a person with intent to wound, maim or disfigure, to endanger the life of or to prevent the arrest or detention of any person — whether or not that person is the one at whom the firearm is discharged.
<br>
; Punishment
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable
:(a) if a restricted firearm or prohibited firearm is used in the commission of the offence or if the offence is committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with, a criminal organization, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of
::(i) in the case of a first offence, five years, and
::(ii) in the case of a second or subsequent offence, seven years; and
:(b) in any other case, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of four years.

; Subsequent offences
(3) In determining, for the purpose of paragraph (2)(a), whether a convicted person has committed a second or subsequent offence, if the person was earlier convicted of any of the following offences, that offence is to be considered as an earlier offence:
:(a) an offence under this section;
:(b) an offence under subsection 85(1) or (2); or
:(c) an offence under section 220, 236, 239, 272 or 273, subsection 279(1) or section 279.1, 344 or 346 if a firearm was used in the commission of the offence.

However, an earlier offence shall not be taken into account if 10 years have elapsed between the day on which the person was convicted of the earlier offence and the day on which the person was convicted of the offence for which sentence is being imposed, not taking into account any time in custody.
<br>
; Sequence of convictions only
(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), the only question to be considered is the sequence of convictions and no consideration shall be given to the sequence of commission of offences or whether any offence occurred before or after any conviction.
<br>
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 244; {{LegHistory90s|1995, c. 39}}, s. 144; {{LegHistory00s|2008, c. 6}}, s. 17.
|[http://canlii.ca/t/hzc3 CCC]
|{{NoteUp|}}
}}

===1995 to 2008===
{{quotation1|
; Causing bodily harm with intent — firearm
244. Every person who, with intent
:(a) to wound, maim or disfigure any person,
:(b) to endanger the life of any person, or
:(c) to prevent the arrest or detention of any person,

discharges a firearm at any person, whether or not that person is the person mentioned in paragraph (a), (b) or (c), is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of four years.
<br>
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 244; {{LegHistory90s|1995, c. 39}}, s. 144.
|[http://canlii.ca/t/hzbv CCC]
|{{NoteUp|}}
}}

==See Also==
; References
* [[Pre-Trial and Trial Motions Checklist]]

{{OffencesNavBox/Weapons}}