In Greeley, Frederick, and all throughout Weld County, Reckless Endangerment is charged when someone’s reckless behavior puts another at great risk for grievous injury. Earlier this year, police officers from Platteville and Ft. Lupton were given multiple counts of Reckless Endangerment, C.R.S. 18-3-208 – alongside several other misdemeanor and felony charges. They had placed a suspect wearing handcuffs in one officer’s patrol car, which was parked on a set of train tracks. The officers then went to nearby to search the suspect’s vehicle. While they were searching, a freight train blaring its horn slammed into the officer’s patrol car with the suspect inside. The suspect miraculously survived the incident, but not without significant injury.
What is Reckless Endangerment, in Greeley, Colorado? C.R.S. 18-3-208
In Weld County, Reckless Endangerment is defined as:
It is important to note that this charge does not come from an intentional attempt to inflict injury on another person. Instead, it comes from a grave lapse in judgment that could result in serious bodily injury.
What is the Difference Between Reckless Endangerment and Assault in Greeley, Colorado?
The definitions point out that the differences of Reckless Endangerment and Assault in Greeley, Colorado, can be difficult to identify, especially when charged simultaneously or stacked on top of other charges. The key differences between these two crimes comes down to your intent and whether you injured another person. Below is a table that outlines the differences between Reckless Endangerment and Assault in the Second and Third Degrees.
| Charge | Defining Factors | Sentence | Penalties |
| Reckless Endangerment, 18-3-208 | · Substantial risk of serious bodily injury to another
· No intent to harm · No harm to another person |
Class 2 misdemeanor | · 120 days in the Weld County Jail
· Up to $750 in fines |
| Assault in the Third Degree, 18-3-204 | · Knowing or reckless bodily injury to another
· Causes harm to another with a deadly weapon because of criminal negligence |
Class 1 misdemeanor | · 364 days in the Weld County Jail
· Up to $1,000 in fines |
| Assault in the Second Degree, 18-3-203 | · Bodily injury caused with deadly weapon, with intent or by recklessness | Class 6 felony; class 4 felony; or a class 3 felony (if the victim suffered serious bodily injury) | · 18 months to 16 years in prison
· Up to $750,000 in fines |
Essentially, Reckless Endangerment is distinct in that the person charged was found to have acted recklessly, posing risk of serious bodily harm to another person, but didn’t hurt the other. Assault is charged when someone actually inflicts bodily harm to another. Because misdemeanor Assault in the Third Degree is a class 1 misdemeanor, it also carries harsher penalties than class 2 misdemeanor crimes. (To find out more about First Degree Assault, get help here.)
Potential Sentences and Consequences for Reckless Endangerment in Weld County
Reckless Endangerment is a class 2 misdemeanor in Weld County, which can result in up to 120 days in the Weld County Jail and a $750 fine. However, being charged with Reckless Endangerment does not mean that you will not automatically be charged alongside another crime with greater penalties. One of the police officers charged with Reckless Endangerment was also charged with Assault in the Second Degree and Attempted Manslaughter (with possible prison sentences). If you are facing a Reckless Endangerment charge, time is of the essence, and you must seek legal counsel with an experienced attorney immediately to avoid a greater jail sentence and fine.