In Greeley, Colorado, and at UNC, if a person creates a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to another person, they can be charged with Reckless Endangerment. If convicted, a person can find themselves facing this misdemeanor offense with penalties of jail time, fines, and a criminal record. A Reckless Endangerment charge can be difficult to defend and should not be brushed off by the defendant because it is a misdemeanor. Any criminal charge, even a misdemeanor, can have serious consequences to your future. The attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office want to help you understand your charges and how to obtain a dismissal. Below, Reckless Endangerment charges in Weld County are discussed in detail. If you are facing this charge in Fort Collins or Larimer County, get help here.
Colorado Definition of Reckless Endangerment, C.R.S. 18-3-208
The Colorado definition of Reckless Endangerment, C.R.S. 18-3-208, is:
A person who recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to another person commits reckless endangerment, which is a class 2 misdemeanor.
Definitions of “Reckless” and “Serious Bodily Injury” Under C.R.S. 18-3-208, in Weld County
In the statute C.R.S. 18-3-208, defining Reckless Endangerment, both “Reckless” and “Serious Bodily Injury” are defined. It is important to know these definitions within the charges you face.
Definition of “Reckless”: conduct that is a gross deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would exercise.
Definition of “Serious Bodily Injury”: bodily injury which, either at the time of the actual injury or at a later time, involves a substantial risk of death, a substantial risk of serious permanent disfigurement, a substantial risk of protracted loss or impairment of the function of any part or organ of the body, or breaks, fractures, or burns of the second or third degree.
Examples of Reckless Endangerment in Fort Morgan, Severance, or Greeley, Colorado
Reckless Endangerment can cover many behaviors in Fort Morgan, Severance, Greeley, and around northern Colorado. Some common examples that we see charged are:
- Shooting a gun into the air in a street or public area.
- University of Northern Colorado students who are intoxicated horsing around and pushing or shoving one another.
- Hazing by college students can also be charged as Reckless Endangerment.
- Driving Under the Influence with children in the car.
- Erratic driving or Reckless Driving can also include a charge of Reckless Endangerment.
It is important to understand that other criminal charges can be included in an incident along with Reckless Endangerment, which is one reason for having a skilled attorney help you understand the complexities of your case.
What is the Punishment for a Reckless Endangerment Conviction in Weld County?
In Weld County, a Reckless Endangerment conviction is a class 2 misdemeanor with penalties of up to 120-days in Weld County Jail, a fine of up to $750, or both. If a defendant is facing other charges with Reckless Endangerment, they can face other sentences and penalties.
Are you facing charges for Reckless Endangerment? The O’Malley Law Office has over 30 years of experience fighting for the future of our clients, and we understand that mistakes and accidents can happen. Let us learn the details of your case and help you win in the Weld County Courts.