Massachusetts § 12G - Intentional or reckless discharge of a firearm that strikes a dwelling or other building; punishment; exceptions

§ 12G. Intentional or reckless discharge of a firearm that strikes a dwelling or other building; punishment; exceptions

Section 12G. Whoever by intentional or reckless discharge of a firearm, as defined in section 121 of chapter 140, strikes a dwelling or other building in use shall be punished by imprisonment in the house of correction for not more than 21/2 years or in state prison for not more than 5 years or by a fine of not more than $10,000, or both such imprisonment and fine. This section shall not apply to persons acting in the lawful defense of life or property or any law enforcement officer acting in the discharge of their duties. This section shall not apply for dwellings or buildings within the property of: (a) persons using underground or indoor target or test ranges with the consent of the owner or legal occupant thereof; (b) persons using outdoor skeet, trap, target or test ranges with the consent of the owner or legal occupant of the land on which the range is established; or (c) persons using shooting galleries, licensed and defined in section 56A of chapter 140. Nothing in this section shall exempt any persons from compliance with noise control laws, ordinances or by-laws in effect or from the prohibitions of section 58 of chapter 131.