In Fort Collins and throughout Colorado, engaging in conduct that could result in serious bodily injury to another person will result in being criminally charged with Reckless Endangerment. If you have been charged with this offense, you will need to contact a top criminal defense lawyer to represent you at the Larimer County Courts. You may not have actually caused serious harm to another person, but in the eyes of Colorado law, merely creating risk for another to be seriously injured is enough to be criminally charged.
1. Legal Definition of Reckless Endangerment at the Larimer County Courts
At the Larimer County Courts, the legal definition of Reckless Endangerment, C.R.S. 18-3-208, is:
Essentially, this broad charge is given any time one person acts in a way that could result in serious bodily injury to another person.
2. What is “Serious Bodily Injury” in Loveland and Estes Park?
Reckless Endangerment is charged when one person puts another at risk for serious bodily injury in Loveland and Estes Park. “Serious bodily injury” is defined under C.R.S. 18-1-901 as:
3. Examples of Reckless Endangerment in Colorado
Some real-life examples of Reckless Endangerment in Colorado include the following stories:
- Two snowboarders accidentally caused an avalanche. The two men had discussed that an avalanche could happen if they went snowboarding in their chosen location, but proceeded anyway.
- Two Colorado police officers allowed a handcuffed suspect to be placed into a car that was parked on train tracks. The car was hit by a train shortly thereafter.
- A semi truck driver who lost control of his brakes caused a collision while trying to exit the highway. The man had disregarded a sign that ordered semi drivers to stay on the highway in the event that their brakes went out.
“Reckless” behavior is defined by “consciously [disregarding] a substantial and unjustifiable risk that a result will occur or that a circumstance exists.” In the above scenarios, all the people charged with Reckless Endangerment should have perceived that their behavior could have resulted in serious bodily injury to another. Even if no one is seriously harmed, you will still be charged with this crime.
4. Larimer County Penalties for Reckless Endangerment
Reckless Endangerment is a class 2 misdemeanor in Larimer County. Penalties for a conviction of this offense include up to 120 days in the Larimer County Jail and a fine of $750. Unfortunately, this is the case if you are only convicted of Reckless Endangerment and no other offenses. We frequently see this offense charged alongside other crimes in Colorado. If this is the case for you, you may face additional penalties for your other charges if you are convicted.
5. Talk to a Top Fort Collins Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you have been charged with Reckless Endangerment, it is imperative that you talk to a top Fort Collins criminal defense lawyer today. We know that because the language of Colorado’s Reckless Endangerment law is so broad, it is not a difficult task to charge a person with this offense. For that reason, it is essential that you hire the best criminal defense lawyer to represent you. Over the years, we have successfully defended hundreds of clients from their criminal charges. Our viable and creative defenses, professionalism in and outside of the courtroom, and experience are what make us unparalleled by any other attorney. Don’t wait, and call us today.
Have you been charged with Reckless Endangerment? First, exercise your right to remain silent, and do not talk to the Fort Collins Police about your case. Then call 970-658-0007 to talk to a top criminal defense lawyer about your charges today. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Larimer County Courthouse is 201 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
Photo by Quintin Gellar