Summary.
The bill addresses the use of firearms to fire random shots into the air or in any direction. It proposes criminal consequences for this conduct regardless of whether the person has the required permit to possess or carry the firearm. To that end, it would amend the consolidated text of Law 14 of 2007, which adopts the Criminal Code of the Republic of Panama (Código Penal de la República de Panamá).
Article 2 adds paragraph 6 to Article 333. The new paragraph places the use of a firearm to shoot into the air or in any direction indiscriminately or without legitimate justification among the circumstances carrying a higher prison term. As reproduced in the bill, Article 333 provides imprisonment of eight to ten years for possessing a firearm, its elements or components without legal authorization. Its listed circumstances carry imprisonment of ten to twelve years. The reproduced provision also links an indiscriminate or unjustified shot to unlawful possession or carrying and states that the aggravating circumstance applies regardless of whether the firearm has the relevant permit or legal authorization. It further sets out an increase of one third to one half of the sentence when a firearm is lent, made available for use or handed over to a minor or to a person whose criminal record prevents that person from obtaining the relevant license or certificate.
Article 3 adds Article 333-A. It would impose eight to ten years of imprisonment on a person who, without justified cause, fires one or more shots into the air or in any direction with a firearm on a public road, in a public space or in circumstances that endanger another person's life, physical integrity or safety. The offense would also apply to a person legally authorized to possess or carry the firearm. The proposed sentence would rise to ten to twelve years of imprisonment when the act occurs amid crowds, festivities, public demonstrations, meetings or mass events. The same term would apply when shots are fired inside or near educational, health or sports centers, or any facility used to provide public services.
Article 4 expressly identifies the amendment to Article 333 and the addition of Article 333-A to the consolidated text of Law 14 of 2007. Article 5 provides that the proposed law would take effect on the day following its promulgation. By subject matter, the proposal concerns public bodies responsible for criminal investigation, adjudication and enforcement of sentences, as well as the private security, education, health, sports and public service sectors and people who possess or carry firearms.
What it proposes.
- Firearm shots into the air or in any direction.
- An aggravating circumstance under Article 333 of the Criminal Code.
- An offense for unjustified gunfire and its prison terms.
Who it would affect.
- People who fire guns into the air or in any direction.
- People with or without permits to possess or carry firearms.
Key points.
- The bill covers random shots into the air or in any direction regardless of firearm permit status.Art. 1
- It would add to Article 333 a circumstance carrying a higher sentence for using a firearm to shoot indiscriminately or without legitimate justification.Art. 2
- New Article 333-A would punish unjustified shots in public places or circumstances endangering others with eight to ten years of imprisonment, even where the shooter has a firearm permit.Art. 3
- The sentence would be ten to twelve years if the shooting occurs at mass events or in or near specified centers and public service facilities.Art. 3
- The bill identifies the amendment of Article 333 and the addition of Article 333-A to the consolidated text of Law 14 of 2007.Art. 4
- The proposed law would take effect on the day following its promulgation.Art. 5