In Fort Collins and Larimer County, when a person is accused of doing something that creates a risk of serious bodily injury to another person, they are charged with Reckless Endangerment. A Colorado police officer is facing this charge after shooting at a vehicle with people in it while on duty. The Hudson police officer was issued a summons, but very few details were released. No one was harmed during the shooting, but apparently the Weld County DA did not feel that the shooting was justified on the officer’s part, as he is facing criminal charges. This is not the officer’s first criminal charge either. He was arrested for shooting and killing a 16-year-old who had tried to burglarize a house nearby. The charges were dropped, as the DA decided they didn’t have enough evidence to prove it wasn’t self defense. The officer was working for the Colorado Department of Corrections at the time.
Fort Collins Reckless Endangerment Attorney: Definition of Reckless Endangerment Shooting in Colorado
The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Reckless Endangerment – C.R.S. 18-3-208 – is:
Obviously, shooting a gun at someone puts them at risk of death or some other serious injury, so shooting at an occupied car would meet the standard of this crime.
Sentence for Reckless Endangerment in Loveland and Estes Park
In Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park, Reckless Endangerment is a class 3 misdemeanor. This level misdemeanor is punishable by up to 6 months in the Larimer or Weld County Jail and fines. More importantly for the officer, a conviction may mean that he loses his job as a law enforcement officer. Even though it is the lowest level misdemeanor, it may mean that he loses his career.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Reckless Endangerment, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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