EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE

SALT LAKE CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE

SALT LAKE CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT IN UTAH

Help When Reckless Conduct Causes Substantial Risks

Most crimes occur when a person causes harm to another through wrongful conduct. Reckless endangerment is different in that a conviction does not require any person to have been harmed. It focuses more on what harm could have occurred. But do not be fooled by the vague nature of this crime. It is still a serious offense. Those convicted can expect to face fines, possible jail confinement and, of course, the lasting stigma of a criminal record. If you have been charged, the team at Intermountain Legal may be able to help. We have a strong record of success helping people facing these serious charges obtain favorable plea bargains, reduced charges or even dismissal.

What Is Reckless Endangerment?

Section 76-5-111.1 of the Utah Criminal Code defines reckless endangerment as recklessly engaging in conduct that creates a substantial risk of death or serious injury to another but does not amount to a felony offense. But this definition is not particularly helpful to laypeople in understanding what the crime is. One important thing to note, however, is that a person can be charged even if no one was hurt. Reckless endangerment is a broad charge that can encompass many types of conduct:

Reckless driving
Recklessly discharging a firearm
Reckless use of fireworks or explosives
Throwing heavy objects at people or crowds
Throwing objects at moving vehicles

It can be easy to underestimate the seriousness of these charges because they usually do not involve any injuries. But reckless endangerment is a Class A misdemeanor that could potentially carry a penalty of up to one year confinement and $2,500 in fines. If you or a loved one has been charged with this crime, promptly consulting a lawyer is always your best option.

Because the charge is so broad and under-defined, there are numerous approaches that attorneys can take in defending their clients. For instance, a defense attorney may argue that there was never a real risk of serious bodily harm or that the defendant’s conduct was simply negligent and did not amount to recklessness. By identifying weaknesses in the case, effective criminal defense attorneys can negotiate with prosecutors to obtain dismissals and favorable plea bargains and, if necessary, build compelling arguments to present at trial. Intermountain Legal has an impressive record of success obtaining these types of results for our clients facing criminal charges.

Call Our Salt Lake City Law Firm for a Free Consultation

As a legal team that includes former prosecutors, we at Intermountain Legal know how to help clients navigate the criminal justice system, resolve charges and get on with their lives as quickly as possible. We know the law and we know the process. Call our office today at 801-970-2800 or contact us online to begin taking control of your legal troubles.

Intermountain Legal is located in Salt Lake City, UT and serves clients throughout all of northern and central Utah including Salt Lake City, Midvale, Sandy, West Jordan, North Salt Lake, Bountiful, South Jordan, Clearfield, Woods Cross, Draper, Farmington, Centerville, Layton, Ogden, Lehi, Provo, Orem, Park City and the counties of Davis, Salt Lake, Weber, Utah, Tooele and Summit.

START BUILDING YOUR WINNING CASE TODAY

STEVEN K. BURTON

As a former prosecutor Steven gained an intimate knowledge of various Domestic Violence Courts, DUI courts and other criminal court programs and procedures. He has spent over 3,500 hours in court and has argued more cases than most attorneys do in a lifetime. For more on Steve's experience, click here.

JUSTIN PRATT

Attorney Justin S. Pratt handles all types of criminal cases, with an emphasis on DUI-related charges. He believes that someone who is charged with a crime deserves the specialized attention of an attorney who will protect his client's rights by taking the time to examine constitutional issues, important factual circumstances, and any other crucial factors that may be relevant to the case. For more on Justin's experience, click here.

STACI VISSER

Staci has represented clients in nearly every type of criminal case, from misdemeanors to first-degree felonies. She has an excellent reputation with her clients and they have repeatedly recommended her to their friends and family. She also practices criminal appeals and family law. For more on Staci's experience, click here.

MARK LAROCCO

Mark is skilled at dealing with all aspects of family law, including helping clients obtain modifications, enforce court orders, and achieve fair custody and support awards. Going through a painful divorce or a custody battle can be one of the most difficult times in someone’s life, and Mark is there to help every step of the way. For more on Mark's experience, click here.

MATTHEW BELL

Matthew's reputation as an attorney is one who thoroughly understands the law and diligently advocates to advance his client's interests. His practice primarily focuses on representing clients in family law matters. He has assisted hundreds of clients in divorce, custody, guardianship, and termination of parental rights cases. For more on Matthew's experience click here.