Is reckless endangerment a felony in Tennessee?

Is Reckless Endangerment a Felony in Tennessee?

Reckless endangerment is a serious offense in Tennessee that can carry severe consequences. In this article, we will delve into the definition, consequences, and legal classification of reckless endangerment in the state of Tennessee.

What is Reckless Endangerment?

Reckless endangerment is a criminal offense that occurs when a person recklessly engages in conduct that puts another person in imminent danger of serious physical harm. This can include actions such as:

• Shooting a gun into a crowd
• Intentionally causing a train wreck
• Igniting a fire that puts people in danger
• Driving recklessly and putting others at risk

Is Reckless Endangerment a Felony in Tennessee?

Yes, reckless endangerment is a felony offense in Tennessee. In fact, it is classified as a Class E felony, which carries a penalty of:

• 1-6 years in prison
• A fine of up to $5,000
• Possible mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years in prison

Elements of Reckless Endangerment

For a person to be convicted of reckless endangerment in Tennessee, the prosecution must prove the following elements:

• Reckless behavior: The defendant must have acted recklessly, which means that they were aware of the risk of serious physical harm to another person, but ignored it or failed to take reasonable care to avoid the harm.
• Imminent danger: The defendant’s conduct must have put another person in imminent danger of serious physical harm.
• Serious physical harm: The harm must be of a serious nature, which means that it must have the potential to cause severe injury or death.

Defenses to Reckless Endangerment

While reckless endangerment is a serious offense, there are some defenses that can be raised in court:

• Accident or mistake: If the defendant can show that their conduct was an accident or a mistake, they may not have acted recklessly and therefore may not be guilty of reckless endangerment.
• Self-defense: If the defendant was acting in self-defense, they may not be guilty of reckless endangerment.
• Lack of intent: If the defendant did not intend to put others in danger, they may not be guilty of reckless endangerment.

Consequences of a Reckless Endangerment Conviction

A conviction for reckless endangerment in Tennessee can have serious consequences, including:

• Criminal record: A felony conviction will result in a permanent criminal record, which can affect future employment, education, and housing opportunities.
• Loss of voting rights: Felons in Tennessee lose their right to vote until their sentence is complete and their civil rights are restored.
• Loss of gun rights: Felons in Tennessee are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.
• Civil liability: The defendant may also be liable for any damages or injuries caused to others as a result of their reckless behavior.

Table: Comparison of Felony and Misdemeanor Reckless Endangerment

In conclusion, reckless endangerment is a serious felony offense in Tennessee that carries significant consequences. It is essential to understand the elements and defenses of reckless endangerment to avoid a conviction and to protect one’s rights and freedoms.