Elements of a Reckless Endangerment Charge in Utah
Utah Code Ann. 76-5-112, states that the crime of reckless endangerment is committed “if, under circumstances not amounting to a felony offense, the person recklessly engages in conduct that creates a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to another person.”
To obtain a criminal conviction for reckless endangerment, a prosecuting attorney does not have to show any actual injury or harm. Nor does the prosecutor have to prove that a defendant intended to cause injury or harm.
The best criminal defense attorneys insist on fair courtroom procedures that respect clients’ rights.
Instead, the prosecutor has to show that the defendant created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury. And the prosecutor must show that the defendant acted “recklessly” in creating that risk.
If you are charged with reckless endangerment, it is important to have good legal counsel fighting to ensure your rights are protected. Contact us now to see how the right defense team can help you.
Utah Criminal Code Definition of “Reckless”
The Utah criminal code 76-2-103 states that a person acts “recklessly with respect to circumstances surrounding his conduct or the result of his conduct when he is aware of but consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the circumstances exist or the result will occur. The risk must be of such a nature and degree that its disregard constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care that an ordinary person would exercise under all the circumstances as viewed from the actor’s standpoint.”
The best attorneys understand that the effects of a criminal charge extend beyond the courtroom.
Finding a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Utah
Although the crime of reckless endangerment is broadly defined, your chances of a successful outcome in your case can be substantially improved when you have an experienced and effective Utah criminal defense attorney on your side. Contact us now for an initial consultation.
