Endangerment Defense Attorney in Phoenix, AZ

If you or somebody you love has been charged with endangerment in Phoenix, you should reach out to our law firm immediately. Arizona views crimes of this nature in a serious light, sentencing guilty offenders with either a Class 1 Misdemeanor or a Class 6 Felony. You could face upward of 18 months in jail, excessive fees, and a lifetime of hardships due to felony charges on your permanent record. We know this situation is overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. Our legal team has over 12 years of experience fighting for those facing these charges, and we’ll do all we can to support you during this difficult time. 

At Charity Clark Law, we approach every endangerment case with compassion and understanding. Charity Clark has over a decade of felony trial experience and the in-depth case law knowledge necessary to build an effective strategy in court. We offer a completely free consultation with our criminal defense attorney, allowing the two of you to sit down and discuss your specific situation. We will analyze every part of your story down to the smallest details and begin identifying any relevant points in your favor. You’ll also learn what you can expect moving forward based on your case and the prosecuting attorney working the case. We equip you with this guidance to ensure you can make an informed decision about who represents you. If you choose our legal team, we will do everything we can to fight for you.

In Arizona, endangerment is defined under ARS §13-1201 as recklessly putting another person at substantial risk of imminent death or physical injury. The charge associated with a crime of this nature depends on the severity of the endangerment. 

Here is what would differentiate a Class 1 Misdemeanor endangerment charge from a Class 6 Felony charge in Phoenix: 

• Class 1 Misdemeanor - The reckless behavior creates a substantial risk of physical injury but does not pose an imminent risk of death. Some common examples include minor reckless driving, handling fireworks unsafely, etc. A Class 1 Misdemeanor can result in up to 6 months in jail, fines equaling $2,500 before fees, and probation after serving time. 

• Class 6 Felony - Endangerment becomes a felony when the reckless behavior involves a substantial risk of imminent death. Some common examples include Driving Under the Influence (DUI), discharging a weapon in a crowd of people, or high speed police chases. The offender may face up to 2 years in prison, fines upward of $150,000, and a loss of certain civil rights like owning a firearm or voting. 

Endangerment laws can become overwhelming quick, but one thing is for certain - a strong defense makes all the difference. At Charity Clark Law, our team works tirelessly to build a custom strategy dependent upon your specific circumstances. We take even the smallest details and build a substantial case to turn the court decision in your favor. We’re here for you during this anxiety-inducing time.

While endangerment charges can be daunting to face, there are some known defenses that may contribute to a winning strategy. At Charity Clark Law, we combine our 12+ years of case law knowledge to incorporate common and lesser known defenses that help us craft the perfect argument for your case. 

Here are some common defenses we see for endangerment cases on a daily basis. 

• Lack of Intent or Recklessness: Endangerment charges require proof that the defendant acted recklessly or with disregard for others' safety. If the defense can show that the defendant did not act recklessly—such as if the actions were accidental or taken without the intent to harm—charges may be reduced or dismissed​.

• No Substantial Risk: A key element of endangerment charges is the creation of a "substantial risk" of injury or death. We may be able to argue that the defendant’s actions did not actually pose a significant danger, challenging the prosecution’s claim that the behavior met the legal threshold for endangerment.

• Self-Defense or Defense of Others: If the defendant was acting to protect themselves or another person from harm, we could craft a defense around acting in response to imminent danger posed toward you or others.

• Mistaken Identity: In some cases, defendants may be wrongfully accused due to mistaken identity, especially if the incident took place in a crowded or chaotic setting. Proving that someone else was responsible for the endangering behavior can lead to case dismissal.

• Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must present solid evidence proving the defendant’s reckless behavior beyond a reasonable doubt. If there are gaps in the evidence or questionable witness testimonies, our team can challenge the prosecution's case and seek dismissal based on insufficient proof​.

No matter what defenses you choose for your circumstances, the execution matters just as much as the strategy itself. That’s why it’s crucial to work with an experienced endangerment defense attorney like Charity Clark. We bring years of trial experience, in-depth case law knowledge, and an entire team ready to fight for your rights. Together, we’ll do all we can to reach your most favorable case decision.

At Charity Clark Law, our legal team brings creativity to complex cases such as first endangerment charges. With our firm’s 12+ years of felony trial experience and a history defending crimes of this nature, your case will have a strong and strategic defense completely custom to your circumstances.

We provide a free consultation with our criminal defense attorney to discuss your specific charges. This evaluation helps us build a unique quote that fits each aspect of your case. Our defense attorney will also give you an understanding of what you will potentially be faced with based on the prosecutor assigned to your case and the court that will be handling your case. Once that consultation is complete, you will have all of the crucial information necessary to decide if our firm will represent you in your case. Give us a call or email us using our contact form to schedule your free consultation.

Our firm serves many cities and counties throughout Arizona. If your court case or potential charges are in Maricopa, Pinal, Pima, Yavapai or Coconino county, then contact us today to schedule a free consultation!