New Jersey Penalties For Causing Or Risking Widespread Injury Or Damage (N.J.S.A. 2C:17-2) Charges
At the fourth degree level, with a possible 18 month sentence, the prosecution will allege that you recklessly created a risk of widespread injury or damage, or that you knowingly or recklessly failed to mitigate a source of risk.
When the risk of widespread injury or damage is the result of reckless handling of hazardous materials, the charge is a crime of the third degree, with a sentence of three to five years possible.
Similarly, a person who recklessly (but not knowingly) causes widespread injury or damage, or causes a toxic spill or hazardous discharge, will be charged at the third degree level.
Causing or Risking Widespread Injury or Damage can also be charged at the second degree level, with a five to 10 year sentence if convicted.
In those cases, the prosecution will have to prove that you knowingly engaged in conduct that caused widespread injury or damage, as defined by the statute.
This is a very serious charge that often draws extensive local or even national attention.
You need an attorney who can rebut the charges against you while managing the case in a way to minimize the danger of outside influence.
Call Matthew Reisig today at 732-625-9661 and talk to an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney for free.