08 Jun Drive-By Shootings Have Extreme Consequences in Arizona
Arizona has seen its fair share of drive-by shootings, including one in February of 2025 that resulted in the death of a 72-year-old woman. To deter violence like this, the consequences for committing a drive-by shooting are severe. If you get convicted, you’ll go to prison. You’ll also have to surrender your vehicle, and your drivers license will be revoked.
How Does Arizona Define a Drive-By Shooting?
Arizona law defines a drive-by shooting as “intentionally discharging a weapon from a motorized vehicle” at one of the following:
- A person
- An occupied motor vehicle
- An occupied structure
Here’s what’s important to note:
- By this definition, a drive-by-shooting does not have to involve a car or truck. It also includes vehicles like motorcycles and mopeds, and even motorized scooters or bikes.
- It also means that even if the person who fired the gun wasn’t aiming at anyone, as long as there are other people in the area, the shooting can be charged as a drive-by.
- If there was anyone else in the vehicle with the shooter, they could be charged with conspiracy or facilitation.
- Discharging a weapon during a road rage incident is typically charged differently than a drive-by-shooting, but it depends on the situation.
Consequences of a Drive-By Shooting in Arizona
Committing a drive-by shooting is a class 2 felony. This means that a conviction will have a prison sentence and other consequences as well.
General class 2 felony consequences
- 1st Offense: from 3 years to 12 years and 6 months in prison
- 2nd Offense: from 4 years and 6 months to 23 years in prison
- 3rd Offense: from 10 years and 6 months to 35 years in prison
Felony convictions also mean the loss of certain civil rights, like the right to vote, serve on a jury, obtain a CDL, or qualify for public assistance.
Additional consequences for drive-by shootings include:
- Surrender of driver’s license
- Suspension of driver’s license for 1 to 5 years
- Seizure and forfeiture of the vehicle used in the shooting
Hire the Best Criminal Defense Attorney in Phoenix
Facing felony charges is a harrowing experience, but getting convicted will change your life forever. Even after you’ve served your sentence a felony conviction will continue to impact your life by making it difficult to find work and housing. This is why it is important to have a proven defense attorney at your side.
The legal team at Coolidge Law are here to fight for your rights, help you build a strong defense, and secure the best possible outcome for your case. If you are facing felony charges for a drive-by-shooting, contact us to schedule a consultation.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (6/3/25). Photo by Your Sayem on Unsplash.