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Reckless Endangerment
A person whose reckless actions place another person in danger of death or serious injury can be charged with recklessly endangering another person (REAP). This is a fairly vague statute that is usually added on to other criminal charges.
On its face, a person can be found guilty of REAP even if nobody was hurt. This crime is classified as a misdemeanor, meaning an alleged offender could possibly be sentenced to years in prison and ordered to pay thousands of dollars in fines.
Philadelphia Reckless Endangerment Lawyer
If you were recently charged with REAP, it is imperative that you get legal representation as soon as possible. Alva Foster & Moscow, LLC aggressively defends alleged offenders in Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, and Bucks County as well as New Jersey.
Our reckless endangerment attorneys fully investigate these cases and fight to get charges reduced or dismissed. Call (215) 665-1695 right now to let our firm review your case during a free consultation.
Pennsylvania Reckless Endangerment Information Center
- How might a person be charged with REAP?
- What possible punishments does an alleged offender face if convicted?
- Are there any defenses against these charges?
Reckless Endangerment Charges in Philadelphia
REAP is defined in Pennsylvania Consolidated Statute Title 18 § 2705 as being any person who recklessly engages in conduct which places or may place another person in danger of death or serious bodily injury. It is classified as a second-degree misdemeanor.
This charge can be applied to any number of actions, including but not limited to the following:
- Allowing child to play with dangerous objects or chemical substances
- Disregard of safety rules on construction sites
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failing to disclose sexually-transmitted disease such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Leaving a child unattended
- Pointing or indiscriminately firing handgun or other weapon
- Traffic violations
Pennsylvania Penalties for Reckless Endangerment
Because REAP is classified as a second-degree misdemeanor, a conviction can result in a prison sentence of up to two years as well as a fine of up to $5,000. However, there can be several consequences in addition to fines and imprisonment for any individual convicted of this criminal offense.
A person who has any REAP conviction on his or her criminal record will face many additional hardships in regards to employment, housing, and other facets of life if he or she has been considered legally reckless. In addition to the possible ramifications associated with a criminal record search, an individual who has been convicted may also be subject to a civil lawsuit if another party was injured as a result of the reckless conduct.
In determining the sentence for a person convicted of REAP, a judge will not only take into account the Offense Gravity Score (OGS) of 3 that is associated with the offense but also the alleged offender’s Prior Record Score (PRS). This number of points is assigned based on previous convictions.
Reckless Endangerment Defenses in Philadelphia
Because REAP can be so creatively charged, it is entirely possible for an alleged offender to argue that his or her actions were notsomuch reckless as they were negligent. Some of the other possible defenses in these cases include, but are not limited to:
- Actions did not place any person in danger of death or serious bodily injury
- Lack of evidence
- Mistaken identity
- Actions were accidental
- Actions were in self-defense
Find a Reckless Endangerment Attorney in Pennsylvania
Have you been charged with REAP in Southeastern Pennsylvania? You will want to make sure that you have the help of experienced, knowledgeable legal counsel when you appear in court.
Alva Foster & Moscow, LLC provides legal defense for clients in Bucks County, Philadelphia County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, Chester County, and New Jersey. Our reckless endangerment attorneys can review you case as soon as you call (215) 665-1695 to take advantage of a free, confidential consultation.