What offense is committed when a person discharges a firearm toward an empty building, believing it is unoccupied?

The offense committed when a person discharges a firearm toward an empty building, believing it is unoccupied, is classified as deadly conduct. This offense occurs when an individual knowingly discharges a firearm in a manner that places another person in imminent danger of serious bodily injury, even if no one is actually present at the time. In this scenario, regardless of the belief that the building is unoccupied, the act of firing a weapon towards the structure demonstrates a disregard for the potential consequences of such action, which aligns with the definition of deadly conduct.

This type of conduct is particularly relevant when considering the potential for danger inherent in firing a weapon, as circumstances could change rapidly and someone could enter the vicinity, thus creating a risk of harm. It reflects the issue of acting recklessly, where the individual engages in behavior that could likely lead to serious consequences for others, even if unintended. This is why deadly conduct is elevated in seriousness compared to simply engaging in reckless endangerment or acts that amount to criminal negligence, as it directly involves the use of a deadly weapon in a manner that poses an immediate threat to others.