What would be the charge for randomly shooting people with a paintball gun

Question

It couldn't be assault with a deadly weapon, because as far as I know, paintball guns aren't deadly--are they?

For the same reason they couldn't charge you with attempted murder.

Could they get you for simple assault? Or something else?

What about a water gun?

FYI This is a random question that cropped up at the break table at work the other night.

Answer 1

In Utah it would probably be charged as aggravated assault, the people being shot could honeslty believe it was a real gun.

Answer 2

Yes you can be charged with assault with a deadly weapon. i seen many people get that charge with a spoon. And the fact that when you are shooting someone they dont no that the gun is just a paint ball gun or a r eal one.

Answer 3

Well in my opinion no one should get charged for anything because THEY didn't do anything. The paintball/watergun did ;)

Answer 4

It could be assault with a deadly weapon. It will depend on your state's definition of things like "weapon", "firearm" .

Many state's definition of "firearm" includes paintball guns. Here in NJ, the definition of "firearm" even includes slingshots.

Answer 5

well it depends. if you put a marble in the gun it could kill. paintball itself wouldnt be able to tho. its not the gun its the ammo. maby mischief or disorderly conduct or something minor. if the gun is point blank range at full pressure it could cause concussion or other head trauma.

Answer 6

In Illinois, it would be:

1) Disorderly Conduct (misdemeanor)

2) Aggravated Battery (felony)

Paintball guns are capable of inflicting serious and/or permanent injury, thus the felony charge.

Answer 7

Aggravated Assault, if you shoot a person.

Criminal Mischief, if you shoot cars or other property.

In some cases your 'paintball' gun COULD be considered a deadly weapon.

Answer 8

well a paintball gun can kill some one. if misused and if you went aroun d shoting random people you will get arrested. I foyu want to shot someone with a paintball gun i recremened that you go to a field and play.

Answer 9

It would be assault - if they are injured, battery could be added.

Same with a water gun.