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Criminal recklessness is a crime in the state of Indiana because it places the victim in harm’s way, even if no injury occurs. Arrests for criminal recklessness are predicated on acts that cause a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person. Oftentimes, recklessness is charged when an individual is shooting a gun indiscriminately or driving aggressively.

Whatever the situation may be, you may wish to consult a knowledgeable Indianapolis criminal recklessness lawyer. A conviction for any crime can possibly carry serious penalties for Indiana residents, including the threat of state prison or county jail time, long periods of probation or parole, and hefty fines.

However, a conviction has the potential for other long-lasting consequences. Employers may be unwilling to hire you because they question your ability to remain calm under pressure or professionally handle your job functions.

Family court judges may doubt your capacity to care for your children in a loving and responsible manner. Landlords may fear that you will bring violence and aggression to the neighborhood.

Misdemeanor Criminal Recklessness

Criminal recklessness is a Class B misdemeanor when an individual “recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally” acts in a manner that produces a “substantial risk” of physical harm to another. Actual bodily injury is not required as long as the activity causes a substantial risk of injury.

Criminal recklessness occurs when:

• Someone has such a disregard for others’ safety, knows his actions could injure others but does them anyway, or intends to hurt others, and

• These actions are so dangerous that they carry a substantial probability that someone will get hurt.

Misdemeanor criminal recklessness carries up to 180 days in county jail and up to $1,000 in fines.

Felony Criminal Recklessness

Criminal recklessness becomes a Level 6 felony if the individual:

• Is armed with a deadly weapon such as a gun or

• Is driving aggressively and causes serious bodily injury to another.

If you are acting in a careless and dangerous manner while carrying a handgun, you can be charged with a Level 6 felony. Level 6 felonies carry six months to two-and-a-half years in state prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

The offense becomes a Level 5 felony if the individual:

• Shoots bullets into a dwelling that people are inside of or where they are likely to be inside of or

• Is driving aggressively and causes someone else’s death. For example, drive-by shootings can form the basis for criminal recklessness charges, even if no one is shot.

Level 5 felonies carry one to six years in state prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

Defend Against Unjust Allegations with an Indianapolis Criminal Recklessness Lawyer at Eskew Law

Were you arrested for criminal recklessness or another gun charge in Indianapolis or Central Indiana? You need a skilled, competent, intelligent, and experienced Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer to help you plan how to fight these unfair charges.

We take this privilege and responsibility seriously for all of our clients throughout Indianapolis and Central Indiana. Contact Eskew Law today or call us now at (317) 793-2325.