Road Rage Shooter In Westchester County Escapes Attempted Murder Conviction

Road rage incidents can easily spiral out of control in New York. Before you know it, you’re firing shots at another driver – and you might face serious criminal charges as a result. Although it is certainly possible to be charged with attempted murder after one of these incidents, a recent case shows that effective defense strategies can mitigate potential penalties. If you are facing criminal charges due to a road rage incident, you might want to speak with an experienced defense attorney in Westchester County.

Road Rage Shooter Guilty of Gun Charges – Not Attempted Murder

In December of 2024, a jury in Westchester County found a man guilty of gun charges – neglecting to convict him of attempted murder and first-degree attempted assault. This individual had fired a single shot out of his BMW in 2022 during a road rage incident. The shot missed, and no one was struck by the bullet. Police quickly identified who had fired the shot, and he was taken into custody for violating weapons laws and his probation.

Ultimately, the jury did not feel that he was genuinely trying to hurt anyone when he fired his weapon. It proved to be a crucial distinction, as the man would have faced up to 25 years in prison for attempted murder if convicted. Reports failed to explain why the jury felt so convinced that no harm was intended. The defendant may have intentionally fired low – or high into the sky. Whatever the case may be, the jury probably determined that the defendant was trying to scare the other driver rather than harm them.

Despite dodging a potential 25-year sentence, this defendant was still convicted of third-degree possession of a weapon and first-degree reckless endangerment. These are serious convictions, and the weapons charge alone can trigger a 15-year maximum sentence. The true extent of this individual’s penalties will only become clear when he is sentenced.

If nothing else, this case illustrates the serious consequences associated with road rage violence in New York. Although it might seem tempting to reach for your handgun during one of these altercations, you should think before you act. A criminal defense attorney can only help so much, and you may be unable to escape all of the consequences. This is especially true if you unlawfully possess a firearm in New York.

Can a Defense Attorney in New Jersey Help After Road Rage Violence? 

If you are facing criminal charges after becoming violent during a road rage incident, speak with an experienced Westchester County defense attorney as soon as possible. Choose Phillip J. Murphy, Attorney at Law – and get started with an effective defense strategy immediately. We have experience with both violent crime defense and traffic law, allowing you to fight your road rage charges with confidence. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your legal options in more detail.

 Sources: 

lohud.com/story/news/local/westchester/harrison/2024/12/09/connecticut-man-stephen-escoffery-guilty-gun-charges-harrison-ny-interstate-95-road-rage-shooting/76864131007/

nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PEN/265.01