CHAPTER 720, ILCS 5/ - CRIMINAL CODE DIVISION I

720 ILCS 5/24-1.5

Sec. 24-1.5. Reckless discharge of a firearm.

Illinois Compiled Statute
720 ILCS 5/24-1.5
Offense Description
Reckless discharge of firearm
Offense Classification
Class 4 Felony
Statutory Penalties & Sentencing Scope
1 to 3 years IDOC (Probation eligible) · Fine up to $25,000
Supreme Court Rule 551 Mandatory Court Appearance
Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 551, personal court appearance before a judge is mandatory. The defendant cannot satisfy this charge by mail, electronic payment, or pre-set bail forfeiture.
SAFE-T Act Pretrial Detention Eligibility (725 ILCS 5/110-6.1)
Detention Eligible: The State's Attorney may petition the court for denial of pretrial release under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1 (Firearm). Standard: Real and present threat to physical safety of any person.
Secretary of State Driver's License Action
Standard Administrative Protocol: No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.
EXECUTIVE SYNOPSIS · ILLINOIS LEGAL STANDARDS Governing Authority: ILGA & Supreme Court Rules

Under Illinois law, 720 ILCS 5/24-1.5 (Reckless discharge of firearm) is classified as a Class 4 Felony. Statutory sentencing scope: 1 to 3 years IDOC (Probation eligible) · Fine up to $25,000. Court appearance is mandatory under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 551, and pretrial release is subject to detention eligibility under the SAFE-T Act (725 ILCS 5/110-6.1).

Offense Class & Sentencing Scope Class 4 Felony

1 to 3 years IDOC (Probation eligible) · Fine up to $25,000

Court Appearance Mandate Rule 551 Mandatory Court

Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 551, personal court appearance before a judge is mandatory. The defendant cannot satisfy this charge by mail, electronic payment, or pre-set bail forfeiture.

Pretrial Fairness Act (SAFE-T Act) Detention Eligible (725 ILCS 5/110-6.1)

Detention Eligible: The State's Attorney may petition the court for denial of pretrial release under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1 (Firearm). Standard: Real and present threat to physical safety of any person.

Secretary of State License Sanction Standard Administrative Protocol

No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.

Classification Class 4 Felony
Court Appearance Mandatory Court Appearance (Rule 551)
SAFE-T Act Detention Detention Eligible (Firearm)
SOS Reporting Code None Assigned
Search in Live Workstation ➔ Official ILGA Statute (ilga.gov) ->

Associated Offense Codes & Classifications (1)

Offense Description Class Court Mandate SAFE-T Act Reporting Code Official ILGA
Reckless discharge of firearm Official ILGA · 720 ILCS 5/24-1.5 -> Class 4 Felony Rule 551 Mandate Detainable — ILGA.gov ->

Illinois General Assembly Statutory Text (Verbatim)

Source: ilga.gov ->

Sec. 24-1.5. Reckless discharge of a firearm.

(a)

(a) A person commits reckless discharge of a firearm by discharging a firearm in a reckless manner which endangers the bodily safety of an individual.

(b)

(b) If the conduct described in subsection (a) is committed by a passenger of a moving motor vehicle with the knowledge and consent of the driver of the motor vehicle the driver is accountable for such conduct.

(c)

(c) Reckless discharge of a firearm is a Class 4 felony.

(d)

(d) This Section does not apply to a peace officer while in the performance of his or her official duties.

(Source: P.A. 88-217.)

Frequently Asked Questions & Legal Analysis

Authoritative Statutory Guidance
What is the statutory penalty and sentencing range for 720 ILCS 5/24-1.5 in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, 720 ILCS 5/24-1.5 (Reckless discharge of firearm) is classified as a Class 4 Felony.

Sentencing Scope: 1 to 3 years IDOC (Probation eligible) · Fine up to $25,000

Is a court appearance mandatory for 720 ILCS 5/24-1.5 under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 551?

Mandatory Personal Appearance Required: Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 551, personal court appearance before a judge is mandatory. The defendant cannot satisfy this charge by mail, electronic payment, or pre-set bail forfeiture.

Is an individual accused of 720 ILCS 5/24-1.5 detainable before trial under the SAFE-T Act?

Detention Eligible: Detention Eligible: The State's Attorney may petition the court for denial of pretrial release under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1 (Firearm). Standard: Real and present threat to physical safety of any person.

What Secretary of State driver's license sanctions apply to 720 ILCS 5/24-1.5?

Standard Administrative Protocol: No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.

Official Legal Citation Formats

Legal & Academic Reference

Standardized legal citations for briefs, court pleadings, law enforcement documentation, and academic research.

Illinois Supreme Court Citation 720 ILCS 5/24-1.5 (West 2026)
The Bluebook Style (21st ed.) 720 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/24-1.5 (2026)
Canonical Web Reference https://ilcsindex.com/statutes/720-ilcs-5-24-1.5
Cross-Referenced ILCS Codes
720 ILCS 5/24-1

Unlawful use of weapon

Class A Misdemeanor
720 ILCS 5/24-1.1
Detainable Rule 551

Unlawful use of weapons by felons or persons in custody of Department of Corrections

Class 3 Felony
720 ILCS 5/24-1.2
Detainable Rule 551

Aggravated discharge of firearm

Class 1 Felony
720 ILCS 5/24-1.8

Unlawful possession of a firearm by street gang member

Class A Misdemeanor