Reckless Endangerment – Short And Subjective
Reckless Endangerment is defined by C.R.S. 18-3-208 as “a person who recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to another person.” I’m not sure if it is the shortest statute on the books, but it must be a contender.
Taking Risks in Jefferson County Colorado
Most everyone will agrees that we take risks every day of our lives and some of those risks place other people in danger. I can’t remember the last time I did a safety check on my vehicle. I’m pretty sure it is street worthy, but I suppose a wheel could come off while I am driving and it could injure another person. Am I engaging in conduct which is creating a substantial risk of injury to another person? Perhaps, but if I am so are most people in Jefferson and Denver County. One of the interesting things about the law is that it often assumes what a reasonable person would do as the standard for behavior. This isn’t a bad thing, but unfortunately the people who do the arresting and the prosecuting in Littleton or Golden sometimes have a different notion of what reckless or substantial is. That is where an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help.
Judges and Juries are Trier of Facts in Arapahoe County
In Arapahoe and Douglas County and everywhere in Colorado, juries and sometimes judges, determine the facts of cases brought to trial. They are considered the Trier of Facts who ultimately determine, based on the evidence presented, if a crime has been committed. In the case of Reckless Endangerment that means a jury or judge will make the subjective decision whether a person created a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person before finding that person guilty or not guilty. Having one of Arapahoe County top criminal defense attorneys on your side can help the Trier of Facts consider your side of the story. Although Reckless Endangerment is charged as a relatively low class 3 misdemeanor, in today’s environment the stakes are high and having a criminal record can mean the difference in being considered for a job, not to mention the possibility of fines or county jail time.
The Importance of a Good Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are charged with Reckless Endangerment (read more) in Adams County or anywhere in Colorado we encourage you to not talk with the police. Instead, call the top criminal defense attorneys in the Denver Metro area. At O’Malley Law Office, P.C. we understand your concerns and that is why we offer a free one hour consultation so you will have all the information you need before making the decision to partner with us. So if you are charged with Reckless Endangerment in anywhere in Colorado, you should be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call us at 303-731-0719. Together we can protect your future.
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