Reckless Endangerment is charged in Greeley and Weld County when a person is accused of doing something that creates a risk of serious injury to another. One way this crime is charged is with an accidental discharge of a firearm – specifically, when a person accidentally fires a gun inside a home. We have had multiple cases where a gun owner is handling their weapon or cleaning the firearm and they do not realize it contains a bullet. The trigger is pulled and the shot is fired into a wall or through a window. If there is anyone else in the home, or if the wall is a shared wall with someone else (i.e. apartment, condo or townhouse) then Reckless Endangerment is often charged.
Lawyer for Reckless Endangerment Charges in Greeley: How is Reckless Endangerment Charged in Colorado?
The Greeley, Colorado law definition of Reckless Endangerment – C.R.S. 18-3-208 – is:
It could be argued that it was reckless to have a gun with live ammunition in the barrel. Unfortunately, the law doesn’t allow for simple mistakes. Obviously, no one was trying to hurt anyone and fortunately, no one was injured (otherwise much more serious charged would be filed), but accidents are simply not allowed when it comes to the law.
Penalty for Reckless Endangerment in Erie and Evans
In Erie, Evans and across Colorado, Reckless Endangerment is a class 2 misdemeanor. The penalty for this level misdemeanor is up to 120 days in the Weld County Jail and fines. While it is a low level misdemeanor charge, having a conviction of Reckless Endangerment on your record can hurt your chances of getting a job, being chosen for a promotion or even obtaining housing. You don’t want a mistake to negatively affect your future. Call O’Malley Law Office if you’ve been charged!