New York Penal Law Section 145.25: Reckless Endangerment of Property

New York Penal Law Section 145.25 covers the crime of reckless endangerment of property in New York State. This law makes it illegal to recklessly engage in conduct that creates a substantial risk of damage to someone else’s property valued over $250[1].

Overview of the Law

Under Penal Law 145.25, a person is guilty of reckless endangerment of property when they:

• Recklessly engage in conduct which creates a substantial risk of damage to someone else’s property
• The value of the property put at risk exceeds $250[1][2]

Reckless endangerment of property is a Class B misdemeanor in New York. This means the maximum possible sentence is up to 3 months in jail[4].

The key elements the prosecution must prove are:

• The defendant’s conduct was reckless, meaning they consciously disregarded a substantial and unjustifiable risk of damaging property[3]
• The defendant’s reckless conduct created a substantial risk of property damage
• The property put at risk was valued over $250[2]

Some examples of reckless endangerment of property could include:

• Driving extremely dangerously and erratically, putting other vehicles at risk
• Setting fire to a building with no regard for whether it spreads
• Causing an explosion that could damage nearby homes or businesses

The prosecution does not need to prove the defendant intended to damage property or that damage actually occurred. Simply creating a substantial risk through reckless actions is enough[4].

What Makes Conduct “Reckless” Under the Law?

A key issue in many reckless endangerment cases is whether the defendant’s actions truly met the standard of recklessness.

Under New York Penal Law Section 15.05(3), a person acts recklessly when they:

• Are aware of and consciously disregard a substantial and unjustifiable risk
• The risk is of such nature and degree that disregarding it is a gross deviation from how a reasonable person would act in the situation[3]

So recklessness requires more than just ordinary negligence or carelessness. The defendant must have consciously disregarded risks that a reasonable person would have been aware of and taken steps to avoid.

Some examples of reckless conduct could include[4]:

• Driving over twice the speed limit on a narrow, winding road
• Setting a fire inside a building with no precautions or safeguards
• Discharging a firearm into the air in a residential neighborhood

On the other hand, actions like accidentally knocking over an item or driving slightly over the speed limit would likely not meet the standard for recklessness. There must be conscious disregard of serious risks.

Whether particular actions are reckless or not depends heavily on the specific circumstances. The prosecution must prove the conduct showed a gross deviation from what a reasonable person would have done[3].

Defenses to Reckless Endangerment of Property

There are several possible defenses if you’ve been charged with reckless endangerment of property under NY Penal Law 145.25. Some potential defenses include:

Lack of Recklessness

As discussed above, the prosecution must prove your actions were actually reckless as defined by the law. You may have a defense if you can show your conduct did not demonstrate the high level of disregard for risks required[4].

For example, if you were driving slightly over the speed limit or made an accidental mistake, you can argue your actions did not rise to the level of recklessness.

No Substantial Risk of Damage

The prosecution must also show your conduct created a substantial risk of property damage over $250. If the risk was minor or insignificant, then a reckless endangerment charge may not apply[2].

Property Value Under $250

Reckless endangerment charges also require the property at risk be worth over $250. If the property’s value was below this threshold, then the charges may be dismissed[1].

Lack of Intent

While reckless endangerment does not require intent to damage property, you must have consciously disregarded risks. If you were unaware of risks or did not consciously disregard them, it may not qualify as reckless conduct[4].

Self-Defense

Actions taken in lawful self-defense generally cannot be considered reckless endangerment. So if you damaged property while legitimately defending yourself or others, you may have a defense[5].

Penalties for Reckless Endangerment of Property

As noted above, reckless endangerment of property is a Class B misdemeanor under New York law. Potential penalties if convicted include[4]:

• Up to 3 months in jail
• Probation up to 1 year
• Fines up to $500

In some cases, the judge has discretion to lower the charges to a non-criminal violation instead of a misdemeanor. They may do this if they decide the conduct was not serious enough to warrant a misdemeanor conviction[5].

Reckless endangerment can also lead to a civil lawsuit by the property owner seeking damages for any losses.

Examples of Reckless Endangerment of Property Cases

Here are some real-world examples of cases involving charges under NY Penal Law 145.25:

• People v. Swart (2000) – The defendant stole a truck and later crashed it into a hayfield after driving recklessly at high speeds to evade the owner. He was convicted of reckless endangerment for the risk caused to the truck[4].
• People v. Skinner (1990) – After being suspended from his job, the defendant set his boss’ car on fire. He was convicted of reckless endangerment for putting the car at substantial risk[4].
• People v. Hameed (1990) – The defendant set his landlord’s home on fire after arguing with him earlier that day. He was found guilty of reckless endangerment due to the fire risk[4].
• People v. O’Connor (1992) – The defendant made pipe bombs and detonated them in various locations, including near parked cars. He was convicted of reckless endangerment for the risk to the vehicles[5].

Consulting a Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are facing charges for reckless endangerment of property under Penal Law 145.25, it is important to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A knowledgeable lawyer can carefully examine the details of your case and build the strongest possible defense.

Potential defenses could include challenging whether your actions actually met the standard for recklessness, disputing the property value involved, or arguing there was no substantial risk created. An attorney may also be able to negotiate with the prosecution to get the charges reduced or possibly dismissed.

Don’t take chances with your future and freedom. Contact a dedicated criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights and start building your defense today. With an aggressive legal advocate on your side, you can avoid harsh penalties and get the best possible outcome in your reckless endangerment case.