text: i heard that if you shoot someone below the waist, it's not considered attempted murder. is this true?   the issue is what the person intends when they shoot.  if they intend to kill but misfire and hit someone below the waist, it is attempted murder.  ironically, when it comes to murder itself as a crime intent is less important.  a person who does not intend to murder (i.e. aims below the waist) but nonetheless renders a fatal wound is guilty of murder so long as the person intended to shoot the gun.