Reckless Endangerment occurs in Aurora, Colorado when someone participates in behavior that creates a significant risk of serious bodily injury to another person. Police officers in Arapahoe County can charge individuals with this crime if they believe your actions created a substantial risk of hurting someone. With jail time and heavy fines as a possibility, hiring a skilled reckless endangerment attorney is a particularly wise step in protecting your future.

What is Reckless Endangerment in Arapahoe County?

C.R.S. 18-3-208 describes the circumstances involved with committing Reckless Endangerment in Aurora, Colorado. This offense occurs whenever someone:

• recklessly engages in conduct,
• that creates substantial risk of serious bodily injury to another person

An important term to make note of in this broad description is serious bodily injury. This type of injury includes:

• at the time of the actual injury or at a later time,
• a substantial risk of death,
• substantial risk of serious disfigurement,
• a substantial risk of protracted loss or impairment of the function of any part or organ of the body,
• breaks, fractures, or burns of the 2nd or 3rd degree

Additionally, a working knowledge of the term recklessly is key in endangerment charges. When a person acts recklessly they:

• consciously disregard,
• a substantial and unjustifiable risk,
• that a result will occur or a circumstance exists

Essentially, the law emphasizes that being aware of a risk, ignoring it altogether, and choosing to act anyway is criminal behavior. Furthermore, injury of someone else is not required in Reckless Endangerment situations. Simply creating a situation that includes risk of serious bodily injury is enough.

Consequences of Reckless Endangerment in Aurora

It is irrelevant to law enforcement whether or not a defendant intended to cause a risk of serious bodily injury to another person. Conviction of Reckless Endangerment in Aurora, and throughout Colorado, is a class 2 misdemeanor. Consequences can include up to 6 months in county jail and also a fine of up to $750. Additionally, anger management class, community service, or prohibited firearm ownership can result from a conviction.

Aurora Criminal Defense Lawyer

The facts in each unique case matter and should be discussed with an experienced reckless endangerment attorney. Law enforcement and prosecutors can also overcharge Reckless Endangerment in situations where a simple accident has occurred. This does not mean those involved are guilty of a crime. If contacted by police, it is imperative that you exercise your right to remain silent. Don't provide statements of any kind. Instead, call a highly rated defense lawyer capable of assessing your case and outlining next steps that prioritize your best possible outcome.

If you or someone you know is facing reckless endangerment charges, be smart. Contact the determined criminal defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.

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