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Charged With A Crime? It Doesn’t Mean You’re Guilty.

Reckless Endangerment in Colorado Springs | El Paso County Attorney

by | May 26, 2021 | Reckless Endangerment |

Behavior that creates risk of another’s serious bodily injury is often charged as reckless endangerment in Colorado Springs. We often see these charges during or after an exciting holiday weekend when people seek adventure, party, or let their guard down. An injury doesn’t even need to occur as this particular law focuses on reckless conduct and how it might put others in danger. Many actions from passengers in your car not wearing their seatbelts to accidentally firing your weapon can lead to this purposefully broad offense. If you’re facing reckless endangerment charges after a weekend of fun or a night out, contact our El Paso County criminal defense attorneys today.

Colorado Springs Reckless Endangerment Law

El Paso County’s reckless endangerment law prohibits an especially wide range of conduct that may put others in harm’s way. CRS 18-3-208 defines the specific details of reckless endangerment in Colorado Springs, Fountain, and Security-Widefield. Law enforcement will pursue charges if they believe you:

  • recklessly engaged in conduct,
  • that created a substantial risk of serious bodily injury,
  • to another person

Reckless conduct involves purposefully disregarding risks involved with certain behaviors. Police may feel that your speeding reached a point that could’ve significantly injured someone or your arrival to work under the influence the next morning might have caused someone to be hurt badly. This includes serious permanent disfigurement, loss or impairment of a body part / organ, broken bones, or 2nd or 3rd degree burns.

How Serious is Reckless Endangerment in Colorado Springs?

Each reckless endangerment case in El Paso County is different. Punishment for a conviction won’t always be the same. As a class 2 misdemeanor throughout Colorado Springs, defendants face:

  • up to 120 days in county jail,
  • fines of up to $750

Fortunately, a reckless endangerment conviction can be sealed 2 years after the case itself ends. However, this charge can accompany other criminal charges, especially if an injury does in fact take place.

Colorado Spring’s Leading Criminal Defense Attorneys

Our El Paso County lawyers understand what’s at stake when facing allegations. Time and time again we see defendants charged with crimes they didn’t commit, accused of something that was an accident, or overcharged as a ploy to take a plea deal. Don’t fall for these tactics. Secure a defense attorney who will fight the charges against you and has the case results to prove it. Perhaps there wasn’t a risk of serious injury, you weren’t aware your behavior was that risky, or there was police misconduct. Contact our office for a free, confidential consultation. We will carefully analyze your case and suggest next steps in your defense.

Talk to us about reckless endangerment charges – not the police. 719-377-3544

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