Understanding Reckless Endangerment Charges in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania (PA), recklessly endangering another person (REAP) is a second-degree misdemeanor. Recklessly doing anything that can or could prove fatal to another person constitutes this crime according to state law.
REAP is usually combined with other criminal charges, which makes complicated situations worse. In such conditions, you need an experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer to help you avoid the harsh results of a conviction. Learn more about REAP charges in PA and how a defense lawyer can help you.
REAP Examples
Many actions comprise reckless endangerment in PA. Some of the more common examples include:
- Indiscriminately pointing or firing a gun.
- Failing to reveal a positive HIV status to a sexual partner
- Allowing a child to play with dangerous substances or objects.
- Leaving a young child without supervision.
- Mishandling fireworks or explosives.
- Ignoring job site safety protocols.
- Throwing glass, rocks, or other objects at moving vehicles.
The behavior mentioned above doesn’t necessarily need to seriously harm anyone to become a REAP offense.
REAP Conviction Consequences
A REAP conviction can follow you for the rest of your life. Due to a criminal record, you might continue to deal with collateral consequences. This could involve citizenship or immigration status changes, or reduced job opportunities, loss of professional license, etc. Therefore, it becomes imperative to hire a defense attorney to minimize the REAP charges’ impacts.
How a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer Defends You Against REAP Charges
If you get arrested for REAP, immediately seek help from an experienced legal counsel. From preliminary investigation to trial, a defense attorney can protect your rights throughout the PA criminal process. They will also help you build a stronger and more effective defence to fight the charges.
REAP charges are usually stacked atop other criminal charges. Your situation becomes more critical if you’re facing multiple charges. In such a scenario, you need a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer who will focus on your case and craft an approach that encompasses the big picture and minor details of the case.
How Does a Prosecutor Prove a REAP Case?
For your defense to strategize better, it’s important to know how the prosecutor plans to convict you of REAP. If the Pittsburgh criminal lawyer cannot anticipate what the other side will do, it will be challenging to undermine the prosecutor’s arguments.
To prove the charges against you, the prosecutor must prove the following:
- The recklessness of your actions.
- The danger your actions put the other person in.
- The significance of the action that caused severe bodily injury or death.
If the prosecutor fails to support these elements, the judge will dismiss your REAP case due lack of evidence. The prosecution needs to prove your REAP charges beyond a reasonable doubt, even if there is adequate evidence against you. This implies they need to convince the jury that the crime was committed by you. So, if the jury is uncertain, the verdict cannot be guilty.
Contact a Reckless Endangerment Attorney Today
It can be scary to be charged with REAP. There are serious consequences if you’re convicted. Thus, it’s important to secure the help of a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer.
Logue Law Group has years of experience representing those accused of REAP and other charges. We’re here to guide you through a REAP claim and fight for the best possible outcome.Contact us at sean@seanloguelaw.com today.