Reckless Endangerment is charged in Fort Collins and Larimer County when a person is accused of putting others at risk of serious bodily injury. It’s no surprise that some criminal actions put other people in danger, whether intentional or not. When someone is accused of a crime and their actions put another in risk of serious injury, then Reckless Endangerment can be an added charged. Sometimes, Reckless Endangerment is charged by itself, but often it is an added charge on a more serious case. For example, if a person is charged with Arson after a campfire got out of control. If there were other people in the area, then Reckless Endangerment can be an added charge. Similarly, if you were driving while intoxicated (DUI) and ended up driving off the road and you have passengers in your car, Reckless Endangerment can apply if no injuries were sustained.
Larimer County Reckless Endangerment Attorney: Definition of Reckless Endangerment in Colorado
The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Reckless Endangerment – C.R.S. 18-3-208 – is:
As you can see, no injuries need to be sustained. There only needs to be a risk of serious bodily injury. With the examples above, a car accident can absolutely cause serious bodily injury and driving drunk is conduct that would create that risk. Similarly with the Arson example, burns are considered serious bodily injury and starting a fire on a dry and windy day would create that risk to others around the area.
Sentence for the Added Charge 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. However, when Reckless Endangerment is an added charge, the original charge is usually more serious.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Reckless Endangerment, as the only charge or an added charge, 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 your free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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