Reckless Endangerment in Seattle: What It Means

Being charged with Reckless EndangermentEndangerment can be confusing and frightening because it is a serious crime with a very vague definition. Police can arrest you for Reckless EndangermentEndangerment any time they believe they have probable cause to believe you have recklessly done something that has the potential to cause severe injuries. So, even though no one was hurt, you could be prosecuted and convicted of Reckless EndangermentEndangerment if there was a chance that someone could have been hurt. This gross misdemeanor charge may be added to other charges such as driving under the influence, speeding, or firearms violations, increasing the potential penalties.

As defense attorneys with over 30 years of experience achieving the best outcomes for individuals accused of wrongdoing in the Seattle area, we understand how to overcome the challenges of defending someone accused of a crime with such an ambiguous definition. Here we explore the crime of Reckless Endangerment as it is commonly prosecuted in Seattle.

Reckless Endangerment in Washington State

In the Washington state criminal code, Reckless Endangerment is defined in RCW 9A.36.050 as “recklessly” engaging in conduct that “creates a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury to another person.” It is often charged in connection with unsafe driving and the improper handling of firearms, but drive-by shooting is excluded from the definition of Reckless Endangerment and treated as a separate offense.

To be convicted of Reckless Endangerment, the prosecution must prove that you acted recklessly rather than negligently. RCW 9A.08.010 says someone is reckless when they are aware that there is a “substantial risk” of harm and yet they disregard that risk where a “reasonable person” would not take such a risk. Some situations where you could be charged with Reckless Endangerment might include:

Driving erratically on a crowded Seattle street
Leaving a child unattended
Pointing a gun at someone
Target shooting within Seattle city limits
Putting passengers at risk because of driving while impaired

Reckless Endangerment is often charged when there may not quite be enough evidence to charge you with a different offense such as assault or reckless driving that require more specific evidence.

Penalties for Reckless Endangerment

Reckless Endangerment is classified as a gross misdemeanor. If you are convicted, you could be sentenced to up to 364 days in jail or a fine of up to $5,000, or both imprisonment and a fine. If the crime is combined with other offenses such as DUI, the potential for penalties obviously increases. If the conduct that is considered to be reckless and pose danger to others actually does cause harm, it could be charged and penalized as a felony.

While the penalties for this crime are significant, often, it is the unofficial consequences of a conviction for a gross misdemeanor that prove to be most harmful in the long run. Having a conviction on your record makes people think twice about hiring you or loaning you money, and it can negatively impact your immigration status or cause you to lose a professional license. A defense attorney with the right experience can work to minimize the negative impacts, including working toward consequences that involve probation, service, and education rather than incarceration.

How Our Seattle Reckless Endangerment Lawyers Can Help

With some criminal charges, it is fairly straightforward to present evidence to show that whatever conduct occurred did not violate the criminal statute at issue in the case. However, with Reckless Endangerment, it can be easier for prosecutors to make a case against you because the conduct that can be treated as a violation is so broad. The right legal guidance can make all the difference in achieving a positive outcome in your case.

Experienced Legal Representation

A defense attorney who understands how Reckless Endangerment is prosecuted in Seattle can protect you in numerous ways right from the start. It may be possible to present arguments to the prosecutor before charges are filed, and that can prevent any charges from being filed. Experienced legal counsel knows the most lenient results that can be achieved in a particular situation and the arguments best calculated to reach those results. There is no substitute for experience.

Strategic Defense Approaches

There are several strategic approaches that can be taken to fight a charge of Reckless Endangerment, and a dedicated and knowledgeable attorney will take advantage of each one. For instance, at Burke Brown Attorneys, PLLC, we comb through police reports to find every potential weakness in the prosecution’s case, and then we exploit those weaknesses to the fullest.

We also investigate and scrutinize all the evidence to highlight facts that have been missed or downplayed, as well as any inaccuracies, that often leads to a dismissal. In addition to arguments based on the facts of the case, we take advantage of every procedural opportunity to get charges dropped or reduced and to secure the most favorable outcome for our clients.

Protecting Your Rights

Regardless of the circumstances, you deserve to have your rights protected and your side of the story persuasively represented to the prosecutor and judge. The criminal justice system in the Seattle area is overwhelmed, and unless you know how to take the right actions to protect your rights, you can find that those rights have been trampled very quickly. Having the right attorney on your side will ensure that your rights remain protected at each stage in the process.

Why Choose Burke Brown Attorneys

In addition to experience and dedication, if you’re potentially facing charges of Reckless Endangerment, you need an attorney who is willing to take the time to explain the situation and your options both in the initial stages of proceedings and throughout the case. At Burke Brown Attorneys, PLLC, we are dedicated to open and frequent communication with our clients.

Being charged with a gross misdemeanor is a frightening prospect because it can permanently impact your reputation and relationships with friends, family, and co-workers. We not only fight effectively to secure the best outcome in your case, but we also keep you informed along the way so that you know what is happening and are prepared to make informed decisions that are best for your future. Our commitment to communication also includes being upfront about fees and expenses.

Facing Reckless Endangerment Charges in Washington State? Contact Us

Anytime you have been accused of a crime, it is important to take the right steps to protect your future. When that crime is a gross misdemeanor just one step down from a felony, the right defense becomes even more crucial. Burke Brown Attorneys, PLLC has decades of experience helping clients charged with Reckless Endangerment achieve the optimum outcome. Let us put our experience to work for you, starting with a free consultation where we can learn more about your situation and you can learn more about the ways we can protect your rights and future. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 206-933-2414, contact us through our website, or email us at team@burkebrown.com.