Reckless conduct is a relatively vague term that can include a huge variety of activities. It can occur in a lot of different scenarios and has a wide range of applications and penalties that can attach to it.
It doesn’t take a skilled attorney to realize that “Reckless Conduct” is a very wide-reaching law. As one of the violent crimes that can happen in the state of Maine, however, it is far from a trivial thing to face criminal charges for reckless conduct.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI & criminal defense attorneys today.
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What is Reckless Conduct in Maine?
In Maine, “Reckless Conduct” is a legal term used to describe a specific criminal offense under Title 17-A of the Maine Revised Statutes. According to §211, a person is considered to have committed Reckless Conduct if they engage in conduct that creates a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to another person.
It’s defined in Title 17-A, §211 of Maine’s criminal law:
“A person is guilty of reckless conduct if he recklessly creates a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to another person.”
Reckless Conduct involves a higher degree of carelessness and disregard for the safety of others than mere negligence. It goes beyond a simple accident and implies a conscious decision to act in a manner that puts others at risk.
What does “Recklessness” Means in Maine?
Legally speaking, “recklessness” is a state of mind. It fits somewhere in between knowing what you’re doing (acting with knowledge) and not knowing what you’re doing (acting negligently). Recklessness is actively disregarding the risks that could arise from your actions. An example of recklessness is swinging a baseball bat in a crowded room. Even if you don’t intend to hurt someone, or even if you don’t know that it will hurt someone, the chances are that it will. Additionally, the act of swinging a baseball bat in a crowded room so clearly puts other people in danger that doing so would require you to actively disregard the odds that it’ll hurt someone.
Aggravated Reckless Conduct in Maine
In Maine, Aggravated Reckless Conduct is a significant criminal offense defined under Title 17-A of the Maine Revised Statutes. According to §213, a person is guilty of this crime when they engage in reckless conduct that creates a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to another person. This conduct goes beyond ordinary recklessness, demonstrating a high level of disregard for the safety of others.
Aggravated Reckless Conduct is classified as a Class C felony in Maine, and if convicted, offenders may face severe consequences. The potential penalties include significant imprisonment, substantial fines, and other legal ramifications that can have a lasting impact on the individual’s life.
When facing Aggravated Reckless Conduct charges, it is crucial to seek immediate legal representation from experienced criminal defense attorneys. A skilled lawyer can help build a strong defense, navigate the complex legal proceedings, and work towards the best possible outcome for the case.
If you or someone you know is accused of Aggravated Reckless Conduct, it is essential to consult with a reputable law firm like The Maine Criminal Defense Group. Their team of seasoned attorneys has the expertise to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and advocate for your defense vigorously.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI & criminal defense attorneys today.
Reckless Conduct and Domestic Violence
Reckless conduct charges come most often as a result of family disputes. If this is the case, the charge will not be for reckless conduct, but for domestic violence reckless conduct. These laws are both the same, but penalties for repeat offenders increase for the domestic violence version, but not for a standard reckless conduct charge. In order to be charged for the domestic violence version of reckless conduct, both parties involved have to be from the same family or household.
Penalties for Reckless Conduct in Maine
Reckless conduct, in general, is a Class D misdemeanor. This comes with up to 364 days in jail and up to $2,000 in fines.
However, if the charge of reckless conduct comes in a domestic violence context, the penalties can increase if you have prior convictions for certain crimes.
If this is the case, the reckless conduct charge would be a Class C felony charge, which comes with 5 years in jail, and $5,000 in fines, if you end up getting convicted.
Contact a Reckless Conduct Defense Lawyer in Maine
When it comes to prosecuting domestic violence charges, Maine does not fool around. They fight tooth and nail for convictions on all charges.
This becomes problematic when the charge is for reckless conduct, because of how vague the law is. Having an experienced attorney with you to defend against the charges can be the difference between a conviction and an acquittal or a dropped charge.
Our experience with the criminal law system has given him familiarity with the district attorneys in Maine. He can use this to negotiate with the prosecutors, to help them understand what really happened, that the charges against you are inaccurate, and that they should be dropped.
William Bly’s years of experience as a trial lawyer will make him a huge asset to have when the case goes to court. Contact our The Maine Criminal Defense Group today by completing our online consultation request form, or by calling us directly. We look forward to assisting you.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI & criminal defense attorneys today.
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