Are you a University of Northern Colorado (UNC) student facing Hazing or Reckless Endangerment charges? Having a top Weld County attorney with experience defending Colorado college students can make all the difference in your case. The attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office understand that college students and young adults sometimes make rash and inexperienced decisions which can lead to criminal charges. Unfortunately, these criminal charges can have a lifelong impact and affect a student’s on-campus housing, financial aid, and future job opportunities. We want to help students get the best possible outcome in their criminal cases so they can continue to pursue their studies. Below, our defense attorneys discuss the difference between Reckless Endangerment and Hazing charges. We’ll even discuss the potential repercussions of each charge. If you are a Colorado State University student or were charged in Larimer County, get help here.
Weld County, Colorado Legal Definition of Reckless Endangerment, C.R.S. 18-3-208
In Weld County and across Colorado, Reckless Endangerment is defined as:
A person who recklessly engages in conduct that creates a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to another person commits reckless endangerment.
It important to note that with a Reckless Endangerment charge, the defendant did not intend to cause injury to another. For example, if a college student pushed another into a swimming pool while horsing around and the victim hit their head, the student could be charged with Reckless Endangerment.
What is Considered Hazing, C.R.S. 18-9-124, at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley?
At the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley and at other Colorado colleges, Hazing, C.R.S. 18-9-124, is defined as:
(1) (a) The general assembly finds that, while some forms of initiation constitute acceptable behavior, hazing sometimes degenerates into a dangerous form of intimidation and degradation. The general assembly also recognizes that although certain criminal statutes may threaten the health of students or, if not stopped early enough, may escalate into serious injury. (b) In enacting this section, it is not the intent of the general assembly to change the penalty for any activity that is covered by any other criminal statute. It is rather the intent of the general assembly to define hazing activities not covered by any other criminal statute. (2) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires: (a) “Hazing” means any activity by which a person recklessly endangers the health or safety of or causes a risk of bodily injury to an individual for purposes of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any student organization; except that “hazing” does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions, or authorized training activities conducted by members of the armed forces of the state of Colorado or the United States. (b) “Hazing” includes but is not limited to: (I) Forced and prolonged physical activity; (II) Forced consumption of any food, beverage, medication or controlled substance, whether or not prescribed, in excess of the usual amounts for human consumption or forced consumption of any substance not generally intended for human consumption; (III) Prolonged deprivation of sleep, food, or drink. (3) It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in hazing.
It is important to note that a student could potentially be charged with both Hazing and Reckless Endangerment for the same incident. However, this is not always the case, and Reckless Endangerment can be charged in an incident that would not be defined as Hazing. If you have been charged with Hazing, Reckless Endangerment, or both, a top Greeley defense attorney can answer your questions and help you better understand the charges against you.
What are the Sentences and Penalties for Hazing and Reckless Endangerment in Weld County, Colorado?
The sentence for both Hazing and Reckless Endangerment in Weld County, Colorado, is a class 2 misdemeanor. Penalties for a class 2 misdemeanor include a possible 120-day Weld County Jail term, a fine of up to $750, or both. However, if a defendant is charged with both of these crimes, or they are charged with multiple counts, these penalties can significantly increase. The University of Northern Colorado and other Colorado colleges can also suspend or expel a student if they are facing criminal charges. This occurs whether the student’s charges stem from on or off campus events. Even if a student does not face suspension or expulsion, his or her eligibility for continued on-campus housing and financial aid may be negatively impacted. If you are facing charges for Reckless Endangerment and / or Hazing, it is important that you find an experienced defense attorney who can defend you. The O’Malley Law Office has over 30 years of experience fighting for the future of young adults and college students who are facing criminal charges.