Greenwich Reckless Endangerment Lawyer
Reckless endangerment is a serious criminal charge that could leave you facing jail time and hefty fines. If contacted early enough after an arrest, a Greenwich reckless endangerment lawyer could help evaluate your case, analyze evidence, and pick a strategy to help you get the best possible outcome.
How is Reckless Endangerment Classified?
Reckless endangerment is a misdemeanor charge. While it is less serious than a felony, your top goal should still be to avoid a conviction. Within the umbrella of reckless endangerment are two degrees, first and second. A skilled Greenwich attorney could defend someone charged with either type of reckless endangerment offense.
What is First-Degree Reckless Endangerment?
First-degree reckless endangerment is a Class A misdemeanor, the most serious of misdemeanor offenses. Under Connecticut General Statutes 53a-63, first-degree reckless endangerment occurs when a person recklessly engages in conduct that puts another individual at risk of serious physical injury. To prove this crime, the prosecution must show that the accused person acted with extreme indifference to human life.
Like all Class A misdemeanors, a conviction for first-degree reckless endangerment carries a maximum jail term of 1 year. A defendant could also face a fine of up to $2,000.
How is Second-Degree Reckless Endangerment Defined?
Second-degree reckless endangerment is defined by Connecticut General Statutes 53a-64. This offense occurs when a person recklessly engages in conduct that places another person at risk of physical injury.
Compared to a first-degree offense, the penalties for second-degree reckless endangerment are not as steep. That does not mean the consequences are not severe, as a conviction could carry up to six months behind bars. Additionally, this offense carries a maximum fine of $1,000.
What Conduct Constitutes Reckless Endangerment?
The statutory language that defines both reckless endangerment offenses is intentionally broad. This gives law enforcement leeway in how they charge these offenses. After reviewing the specifics of an arrest, a Greenwich attorney could advise a person accused of reckless endangerment if their actions rightfully fall under the statute.
Law enforcement often add reckless endangerment charges at the time they make arrests for other offenses. These charges are common additions to driving-related offenses that include underage passengers. For example, a person arrested for reckless driving could also face reckless endangerment charges for each passenger they put in harm’s way.
Other times, seemingly harmless pranks that result in a serious injury could lead to a reckless endangerment charge. When these offenses stem from a genuine misunderstanding, a Greenwich attorney could pursue a dismissal of a reckless endangerment case. In other situations, they could press the prosecutor to reduce the charges.
Reach Out to a Greenwich Reckless Endangerment Attorney Today
If you are facing allegations of reckless endangerment, you have the right to fight back in a court of law. Avoid any delay in getting started with your defense. Contact a Greenwich reckless endangerment lawyer right away. To learn more about how the lawyers at Mark Sherman Law can help you, click here to read our hundreds of 5-star reviews and give us a call today.