RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT IN UTAH
Help When Reckless Conduct Causes Substantial Risks
Most crimes occur when a person causes harm to another through wrongful conduct. Reckless endangerment is different in that a conviction does not require any person to have been harmed. It focuses more on what harm could have occurred. But do not be fooled by the vague nature of this crime. It is still a serious offense. Those convicted can expect to face fines, possible jail confinement and, of course, the lasting stigma of a criminal record. If you have been charged, the team at Intermountain Legal may be able to help. We have a strong record of success helping people facing these serious charges obtain favorable plea bargains, reduced charges or even dismissal.
What Is Reckless Endangerment?
Section 76-5-111.1 of the Utah Criminal Code defines reckless endangerment as recklessly engaging in conduct that creates a substantial risk of death or serious injury to another but does not amount to a felony offense. But this definition is not particularly helpful to laypeople in understanding what the crime is. One important thing to note, however, is that a person can be charged even if no one was hurt. Reckless endangerment is a broad charge that can encompass many types of conduct:
- Reckless driving
- Recklessly discharging a firearm
- Reckless use of fireworks or explosives
- Throwing heavy objects at people or crowds
- Throwing objects at moving vehicles
It can be easy to underestimate the seriousness of these charges because they usually do not involve any injuries. But reckless endangerment is a Class A misdemeanor that could potentially carry a penalty of up to one year confinement and $2,500 in fines. If you or a loved one has been charged with this crime, promptly consulting a lawyer is always your best option.
Because the charge is so broad and under-defined, there are numerous approaches that attorneys can take in defending their clients. For instance, a defense attorney may argue that there was never a real risk of serious bodily harm or that the defendant’s conduct was simply negligent and did not amount to recklessness. By identifying weaknesses in the case, effective criminal defense attorneys can negotiate with prosecutors to obtain dismissals and favorable plea bargains and, if necessary, build compelling arguments to present at trial. Intermountain Legal has an impressive record of success obtaining these types of results for our clients facing criminal charges.
Call Our Salt Lake City Law Firm for a Free Consultation
As a legal team that includes former prosecutors, we at Intermountain Legal know how to help clients navigate the criminal justice system, resolve charges and get on with their lives as quickly as possible. We know the law and we know the process. Call our office today at 801-970-2800 or contact us online to begin taking control of your legal troubles.
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Intermountain Legal is located in Salt Lake City, UT and serves clients throughout all of northern and central Utah including Salt Lake City, Midvale, Sandy, West Jordan, North Salt Lake, Bountiful, South Jordan, Clearfield, Woods Cross, Draper, Farmington, Centerville, Layton, Ogden, Lehi, Provo, Orem, Park City and the counties of Davis, Salt Lake, Weber, Utah, Tooele and Summit.
