In Larimer County and Fort Collins, Reckless Endangerment is charged when a person does something that creates a risk of injury to another. A couple snowboarders are facing this charge after causing an avalanche while doing some backcountry snowboarding. According to the report, the two had captured the incident on their GoPro helmet cameras and immediately called 911 to make sure no one was injured in the avalanche. They provided the video footage and made statements, for the sole purpose of making sure everyone was ok. However, that footage was later used against them. The DA reviewed the incident and noted that the snowboarders had discussed the risk of an avalanche and still chose to go forward, near a major interstate. What started out as an innocent outing to enjoy an outdoor sport ended up in criminal charges.
Larimer County Reckless Endangerment Attorney: Definition of Reckless Endangerment Due to Avalanche
The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Reckless Endangerment – C.R.S. 18-3-208 – is:
The DA’s argument is that because the men discussed the possibility of an avalanche and knew that they were near a major roadway, where its likely that cars would be actively driving on it, their behavior was reckless and risky.
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 County Jail and fines. For the snowboarders, probably the bigger issue is that the state is seeking $168,000 in restitution. So, if they plead to the charge, they will owe a lot of money.