A person charged with reckless endangerment in Lehigh County, PA faces a very serious criminal charge. You face substantial penalties, including jail time and high fines. As a "violent crime," reckless endangerment can cause your conviction to remain on your record, and you may even lose your second amendment right to carry a firearm.
In order to protect your rights against unwarranted charges, you need an experienced Lehigh County Reckless Endangerment attorney to protect your constitutional rights. Never lose hope, you can defend yourself against these charges.
Reckless Endangerment Charges in Lehigh County, PA
Pen. Consolidated Statutes Title 18 § 2705 defines the offense of reckless endangerment. The crime occurs when a person engages in conduct or behavior that could place another in serious danger of sustaining death or bodily injury.
This very broad definition is designed to catch lots of different kinds of conduct. All of these "behaviors" could lead to a criminal charge. Examples of situations that may constitute reckless endangerment include, but are not limited to:
- firing a bow and arrow randomly into a crowd
- driving a motor vehicle at extremely high speeds or in a dangerous manner
- throwing things at driving vehicles (e.g. bottles, rocks, random objects)
The types of conduct that could be considered reckless endangerment are nearly endless, and your attorney can help you determine what your best next step is if you are charged.
Is Intent Relevant?
Unlike a lot of other types of charges, reckless endangerment does not require a showing of intent to cause harm to another person. It is enough for the prosecutor to show that the defendant was careless or reckless in committing acts that could have harmed another person.
Penalties for Reckless Endangerment in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, reckless endangerment is a second-degree misdemeanor. While this is less serious than a felony-level charge, the penalties can still rob you of your freedom. The penalties of a conviction include:
- a maximum jail term of 2 years,
- a maximum possible fine of $5,000, or
- both
Reckless endangerment is also considered a "violent crime." This means that it can remain on your record, and not be subject to expungement. You may also be stripped of your right to own and carry a firearm as a result of a conviction.
Possible Defenses
With the help of a skilled Pennsylvania reckless endangerment attorney at your side, you can fight back against the charges against you with a defense unique to your case. Examples of possible defenses include, but are not limited to:
- Showing that your conduct was not reckless
- Filing a suppression motion to keep out illegally obtained evidence
- Your actions were not a serious threat to the safety of others
Consult an Experienced Lehigh County Reckless Endangerment Attorney
While every case is different, our Criminal Law Team brings experience and determination to the table for you. We can create a defense crafted just for you, and work on your behalf to keep you out of jail.
An experienced Berks County Reckless Endangerment Attorney can protect your constitutional rights. Call (888) 535-3686 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation of your case.
