Ashley Talley

Reckless endangerment is when someone acts recklessly in a way that puts another person in immediate danger of death or serious injury. This happens when a person is aware of a serious risk but ignores it anyway—for example, firing a gun into a crowd or driving dangerously fast through a populated area. A basic conviction is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500. The offense is enhanced to a Class E, D, or C felony (1-15 years in prison) if the reckless conduct involves using a deadly weapon or firearm.

Penalty: Class A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500

Vehicular assault is when someone who is intoxicated (drunk or under the influence of drugs) causes serious bodily injury to another person while driving a motor vehicle or operating a registered boat. This is a Class D felony punishable by 2-12 years in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000. First offenders must serve at least 48 consecutive hours in jail; those with one prior alcohol-related conviction must serve at least 45 consecutive days; and those with two or more prior alcohol-related convictions must serve much longer mandatory minimum sentences.

Penalty: Class D felony; 2-12 years; fine up to $5,000

Driving under the influence prohibited – Alcohol concentration in blood or breath.

Penalty: Classification not specified

Vehicular homicide is recklessly killing someone through operation of a vehicle (car, airplane, boat, or other motor vehicle) when caused by conduct creating substantial risk of death, the driver's intoxication, drag racing, or construction zone violations. Punishment ranges from 2 to 12 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines for reckless conduct or drag racing; intoxication-related vehicular homicide is punished more severely as a Class B felony with a mandatory minimum 48 hours in jail, and sentences are enhanced for prior alcohol-related convictions.

Penalty: Class D felony; 2-12 years; fine up to $5,000

Driving under the influence prohibited – Alcohol concentration in blood or breath.

Penalty: Classification not specified