Orland Park Reckless Conduct Defense Attorney

Lawyer for Endangering Safety or Causing Bodily Harm in Orland Park, IL

There are numerous types of criminal offenses in Illinois. Many of these offenses cover specific situations, but others are more general, addressing a wide range of activities that may be considered unlawful. A common "catch-all" criminal charge in Illinois is reckless conduct. This offense may be charged when a person is accused of recklessly acting in a way that put other people at risk or actually led to bodily harm. People who allegedly behave carelessly or recklessly could end up facing serious criminal charges, even if they did not intend to harm someone or did not fully consider the consequences of their actions. To address these charges and defend against a conviction, it is important to work with an experienced attorney. Issa Law, LLC can provide the representation needed to help people who have been charged with reckless conduct resolve their cases successfully.

Charges and Penalties for Reckless Conduct

Illinois law states that a person can be charged with reckless conduct if they act recklessly and cause bodily harm to others or endanger the safety of someone else. "Causing bodily harm" is not especially ambiguous, since injuries a person suffered may be evident. However, "endangering the safety" of others may be subject to varying interpretations and arguments. While the act of driving a motor vehicle on a public sidewalk would most likely constitute reckless conduct because pedestrians are in harm's way, other acts would be difficult for the state to use as a basis for reckless conduct charges.

In order for a person to be convicted for this offense, they must have acted recklessly. A person acts recklessly when he consciously disregards a significant risk in an unjustifiable manner, and this disregard is considered to be a major deviation from the way that a reasonable person would act.

Actions are not the only basis that could lead to a charge of reckless conduct. Some speech, putting aside First Amendment issues, may actually endanger the bodily safety of others. For instance, if a person was in a crowded theater and yelled out "fire!" his actions and statement may put the entire crowd at risk. This is because upon hearing "fire!" many people may attempt to rush to the exits, causing a stampede that could result in multiple people being injured.

If any of a person's actions or statements cause great bodily harm, permanent disability or disfigurement, then the punishment for reckless conduct increases. What would normally be a misdemeanor charge would then become a felony charge, and a person may face increased jail time and fines.

Reckless conduct is generally charged as a Class A misdemeanor, which could result in a jail sentence of up to 364 days and a fine of up to $2,500. If a person's conduct allegedly led to great bodily harm or permanent disfigurement/disability, they may be charged with a Class 4 felony, and they could be sentenced to one to three years in prison and face up to $25,000 in fines. Probation may be possible in these cases, and court supervision may be available in cases involving misdemeanor charges.

Contact Our DuPage County Reckless Conduct Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with reckless conduct or related offenses, contact us at 708-966-2408 to arrange a consultation and learn how we can help with your case.