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Simplified Law: Reckless Endangerment Charges in Denver

Posted by Unknown | Sep 19, 2014 | 0 Comments

If you are facing Reckless Endangerment charges in Denver, Adams, or Douglas County, you are most likely overwhelmed by the information you find on the crime. That's because the criminal justice system is confusing – they use legal jargon that's difficult to understand, especially when you're scared. In this week's installment of Simplified Law, we're going to discuss the crime of Reckless Endangerment – C.R.S. 18-3-208. I'll give you a simple definition, a few real-world examples, and why it's important to work with a lawyer if you've been charged. Let's get started.

The Lawyer's Definition of Reckless Endangerment

The legal jargon:

“Aperson who recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of serious bodily injury, to another person commits reckless endangerment, which is a class 3 misdemeanor.”

Facing Reckless Endangerment charges?

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The Simplified Definition of Reckless Endangerment

The simplified version:

“You will be charged with reckless endangerment if your reckless behavior and actions cause another person to be at risk of injury. ”

Examples of Reckless Endangerment Charges

Cliff-Diving Daredevil

Kevin tends to be a bit of a daredevil. He's always up for trying new things and living life on the edge. One day, he and his friends are at a lake. Kevin spots a cliff and decides to go cliff diving. He rallies a few friends to go with him, but once they get up there they are tentative to jump. Kevin jumps successfully. He wants his friends to go as well, but they're refusing to jump. After one more jump himself, Kevin sneaks up behind his friend and shoves him in. His friend is fine, but angry. Kevin is now facing Reckless Endangerment charges because his actions put his friend at risk of serious bodily injury.

Rock Climbing Laziness

Joanna loves to climb. She and her friends head to North Table Mountain in Golden one weekend. After they hike all the way up, she realizes there's something wrong with her belay device – it's not working exactly right. She knows someone could fall, but doesn't want to put her friends out and make them hike all the way back. Besides, she's a strong climber and she can make the device work. Joanna is belaying a friend when the rope slips and and her friend falls about 20 feet before catching. Joanna's friend is alright, but she's upset. Joanna is now facing Reckless Endangerment charges in Jefferson County.

The Sentence for Reckless Endangerment

Reckless Endangerment is  a class 3 misdemeanor in Arapahoe and El Paso County, and across Colorado. The sentence for a class 3 misdemeanor is:

The most damaging consequences to a Reckless Endangerment conviction is that you will have a criminal record. A criminal record is damaging to your future; you could have a hard time finding a job or getting housing.

Reckless Endangerment Charges: Why You Need a Lawyer

While the sentence for Reckless Endangerment charges isn't terribly serious, a criminal record can be damaging to your future. Many people don't realize that a record can't be sealed if you plead guilty. District Attorneys know that courts get overwhelmed, so they try to expedite the process by meeting with defendants before their court appearance and allowing them to plead guilty. This keeps a judges docket clear, and allows DAs to focus on more serious cases. But, this pleading guilty is not a good idea. Instead, contact a veteran criminal defense lawyer who understands the way the system works and can help you get the best outcome in your case.

Get Help Now

If you or a loved one is facing Reckless Endangerment charges, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O'Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 303-830-0880. If you or a friend needs a jail visit from an attorney, we can do that. Together, we will protect your future.Request a Free Consultation

Image courtesy of khunaspix and Sura Nualpradid at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in the Denver area, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the top criminal defense lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future. Request a Free Consultation

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