RECKLESSLY ENDANGERING ANOTHER PERSON (REAP) CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY, PITTSBURGH PA
Information and Resources on Reckless Endangerment Charges in PA
If you are facing a charge of recklessly endangering another person, also known as REAP, you are probably concerned for your future and feeling fearful of the possibility of facing a conviction.
If you are found guilty of REAP, you face very serious penalties and a conviction that will remain on your permanent record. This can affect your employment, your ability to obtain housing, financing, as well as acceptance into school.
If you have been charged with REAP it is extremely important that you seek the help of a qualified defense attorney immediately. We understand how stressful being charged with a crime can be.
That is why at Shrager Defense Attorneys we work closely with all of our clients and will aggressively prepare your case and fight for your rights.
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RECKLESSLY ENDANGERING ANOTHER PERSON CHARGES
DO NOT MEAN THAT YOU WILL BE CONVICTED.
CALL OR TEXT DAVID J. SHRAGER TODAY FOR A
FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION: 412-969-2540.
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Don’t be scared; Be prepared!
Our Pittsburgh Criminal Attorneys know that good people make mistakes and that your liberties and freedom can disappear in the blink of an eye. That is why we are here to help you understand your rights and how to defend them.
We will work aggressively to fight for your rights. We will closely investigate your REAP case, speak with any possible witnesses to work toward getting the best possible outcome for your case.
WHAT IS REAP?
Recklessly endangering another person, or REAP, as it is commonly called, is a charge that is not usually charged alone, but often in connection with an additional crime/crimes.
The statute itself is fairly vague, and thus makes it easy for prosecutors to tack a REAP charge on to other charges. Some such crimes include simple assault, aggravated assault and stalking.
Specifically, REAP is defined in the PA Consolidated Statutes in Title 18 §2705, which states that it is a crime for a person to:
- Recklessly engage in conduct which places, or may place, another person in danger of death or serious bodily injury.
The key to a REAP charge is not whether anyone was actually injured. The prosecution does not need to prove that you intended to cause injury – only that you intended to the reckless action.
To be charged with reckless endangerment, the victim does not need to be injured.
In order for the prosecution to prove reckless endangerment, they must show that your behavior was:
- Reckless;
- Placed another person in danger;
- The danger had to be such that death or serious bodily injury could occur.
WHAT IS RECKLESS BEHAVIOR?
Reckless behavior is something beyond simple negligence. It is a situation where you knew your actions posed a risk or a threat but you chose to do it anyway.
In court, it is generally based on a reasonable person standard. In other words, would a reasonable person in the same situation act in the same manner, knowingly the risk.
Some examples of crimes where REAP has been charged include:
PENALTIES IF CONVICTED OF REAP IN PENNSYLVANIA
If you are charged with REAP, you face a second degree misdemeanor – in addition to any other charges you may be facing.
In Pennsylvania, a second degree misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of:
- Up to two years in prison
- Up to $5,000 in fines
DEFENSES TO A REAP CHARGE IN PENNSYLVANIA
The prosecution is required to prove every element of a crime in order to gain a conviction. An experienced defense attorney can bring invaluable aid in helping investigate the circumstances of your crime, investigating witnesses and crafting a defense.
Several possible options for defenses to REAP include:
- The defendant’s actions did not place anyone in danger of death or serious bodily injury.
- If the actions placed the victim in danger but it does not rise to the level of death or serious bodily injury, REAP does not apply.
- Accidental Actions
- Perhaps you did perform the act in question, however the action was involuntary or accidental, such that you did not intend to perform the act.
- Self-Defense
- If you had no choice but to perform the act in question in order to protect your own life or safety, it could possibly be used as a defense to REAP.
If you have been arrested for REAP, it is important to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty. The only way to know if any of the possible defenses can be used in your case is to contact a reputable and experienced Criminal Lawyer in Pittsburgh for a free consultation.
A skilled attorney will pull every stop to fight for your rights. Call or text Attorney David J. Shrager today for a free consultation – 412-969-2540.
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FREE Legal Consultation
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