The charge of endangerment is incredibly vague and gives police officers broad discretion to arrest people for nearly any reason. If a prosecutor believes an act is unreasonably dangerous, it can be charged as endangerment. Not a single person has to suffer an injury. All that is needed is a “substantial risk” that a person could be hurt, and you could be charged. Our Phoenix endangerment defense attorney from Snader Law group can help you fight these charges!
Regardless of the charge, a conviction can have disastrous impacts on your motor vehicle record, background checks, and professional licenses. If you have been investigated for, arrested for, or charged with the crime of endangerment, you need strong legal representation from a competent Arizona criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and reputation.
Why Do I Need an Endangerment Defense Attorney in Arizona?
Under Arizona law, the crime of endangerment has a vague definition and covers a broad range of conduct. Reckless endangerment charges can be charged alone or with other more serious charges such as:
- Assault
- Aggravated assault
- Domestic violence
- Child endangerment
- Aggravated DUI
- Reckless driving
Due to the serious nature of these charges, having a credible Phoenix endangerment defense lawyer is critical in fighting a reckless endangerment charge.
At Snader Law Group, we are dedicated to providing aggressive legal defense to those accused of endangerment in Phoenix, Avondale, and more areas in Arizona. Howard A. Snader is a board-certified criminal law specialist with more than 30 years of experience defending good people accused of serious misdemeanors and felonies in Arizona.
We have helped countless clients beat their charges and secure their freedom. Regardless of the crime you’ve been accused of, Howard and his team will provide the best criminal defense available in your situation.
Let us fight for your rights and protect your freedom. Contact us now and schedule an initial consultation.
What is Endangerment?
The crime of endangerment covers a wide range of actions subject to interpretation. Under Arizona Revised Statute § 13-1201, a person commits this crime when they recklessly endangering another person with a substantial risk of imminent death or physical injury.
Reckless conduct occurs when a person exhibits extreme indifference to human life or the risk of serious injury. The “imminent” requirement means that a defendant’s conduct must create an immediate risk instead of one that may arise later.
Endangerment can result from various conduct, be it driving aggressively and too fast, inappropriately handling dangerous materials, or driving under the influence. Reckless endangerment charges can be charged alone or with other more serious charges, such as various violent or vehicular crimes.
For endangerment charges, the prosecutor needs no victim, and not a single person needs to suffer a single scratch. Prosecutors must only prove that the person being charged knew their actions could have caused injury or death.
Learn more about endangerment charges in Arizona by consulting a knowledgeable Phoenix endangerment defense attorney with extensive experience defending against these criminal charges. Call us today!
What are the Penalties for Endangerment Charges in Arizona?
The penalties for child endangerment depend upon the nature of the risk faced by the victim. The consequences could be more severe if a deadly weapon was used. The crime can be filed as either a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on whether the defendant’s criminal conduct created the risk of death.
Based on the circumstances of the case, you can potentially face a Class 6 felony or a Class 1 misdemeanor. A reliable criminal defense attorney in Phoenix, AZ can help you fight the endangerment charge and avoid harsh consequences.
Class 6 Felony
In cases where the Arizona prosecutor states that your conduct carries a substantial risk of imminent death, the crime is a Class 6 felony charge. It is punishable by the following possible penalties:
- First Offense: Punishment can be jail time between 4 months and 2 years, or you may be placed on probation for up to 3 years.
- One Prior Conviction: If the person has one prior historical conviction, the “prison only” range is 9 months to 2.75 years.
- Two Prior Convictions: If the person has two prior historical convictions, the “prison only” range is 2.25 to 5.75 years of incarceration.
Class 1 Misdemeanor
If you are convicted of a Class 1 Misdemeanor Endangerment, you can face a maximum of a six-month prison sentence and up to a $2,500 fine. In addition, you can also be placed on probation for up to 3 years.
What are the Defenses Against Endangerment Charges in Arizona?
Being charged with a crime does not mean you are guilty. Like any other criminal charge, the prosecutor must consider every element of the case beyond a reasonable doubt. Being charged with endangerment can be very difficult to defend against because Arizona criminal law allows the police and prosecutors to file that offense under any circumstances. A qualified Phoenix endangerment defense lawyer can evaluate your case and assess what defenses may be available to you.
Some possible defense strategies that might play a role in your case include:
No Risk of Imminent Death or Serious Physical Injury
One of the key defenses against the endangerment charge is proving there was no risk of imminent death or serious physical injury. The risk must be considered imminent because the law does not want people to get convicted based on weak assumptions that could produce uncertainty and unpredictability. In some cases, you may be unaware that your conduct created a risk, and a reasonable person would also have been unaware in similar circumstances.
Justifiable Risk
Since the crime of endangerment requires proof of the reckless act, often, the defense works to establish that the state lacks sufficient evidence to prove that the defendant acted recklessly. Often, the state will base its conclusion that the defendant’s behavior is reckless based on the opinion of the arresting police officer.
To prove that conduct was reckless, the prosecutor must show that a person acted to disregard an “unjustifiable” risk. Defending against endangerment charges often involves putting your actions in context – showing that you weren’t being reckless and that there was a reason for your actions.
Call Our Experienced Phoenix Endangerment Defense Attorney Now!
Even if there was no victim, endangerment is a very serious crime in Arizona. If you’ve been charged with endangerment, whether a misdemeanor or felony, you can face severe consequences. Even a misdemeanor conviction can affect your professional licenses, career opportunities, immigration status, and other important aspects of your life.
If you or a loved one is facing endangerment charges in Arizona, it is crucial to seek legal advice from our seasoned Phoenix endangerment defense attorney at Snader Law Group as soon as possible to preserve your rights and protect your future.
Our criminal defense law firm will fight aggressively to secure the best possible outcome for you. Since each case is unique, we will do a thorough case analysis to get your charges dropped or reduced. With over 30 years of experience defending criminal cases in Arizona, Howard Snader and his team have both the knowledge and experience to craft a strong defense for your case.
Don’t face your endangerment charges alone. Call us now and schedule an initial consultation.