Criminal Endangerment
A.R.S. §13-1201 – Endangerment – Arizona Laws
Endangerment occurs when a person recklessly endangers another person with a substantial risk of imminent death or physical injury. This charge is usually seen in cases where someone is driving and is extremely indifferent to the substantial risk of harm to others on the road. We have also seen this charged with cases involving child abuse, assault, disorderly conduct dangerous, reckless driving, and DUI-related cases. The state often tacks these endangerment counts on in the event that they cannot secure a conviction on the more serious charge at trial.
If the endangerment involved recklessly endangering another person with a substantial risk of imminent, then it is a class six felony. If it is a first-time offense, the person is probation eligible but could face anywhere from 4 months in prison up to two years. If the person has one allegeable historical prior, then they face anywhere from 8 months in prison up to 2.75 years. Two or more allegeable priors would lead to a sentence between 2.25-5.75 years in prison.
If the endangerment does not involve a substantial risk of imminent death, it is a class one misdemeanor. The person would face up to six months in jail, three years probation, and a $2,500 fine with an 80% surcharge.
Defenses to Endangerment in Arizona
We investigate every fact in your case by visiting the scene, interviewing every witness, and consulting with accident reconstructionists or other experts to contest these types of charges. We work with investigators who help track down witnesses and digital data, including video surveillance, to attack these charges. If we can prove to the jury that there is no risk of imminent death, that is a not guilty on the felony charge. If you made statements to police but were not read your Miranda rights, or asked for your attorney and were not given access, then we fight to suppress your statements.