Factual error: When Stabler's son Dickie is trying to join the Army, Dickie's recruiter tells Stabler that he can join at 16 with parental consent. This is incorrect; you have to be at least 17 to join the U.S. Army, even with parental consent. In addition to the fact that you can't join at 16, the consent papers that Dickie bought to Stabler at the end of the episode can't be signed without a recruiter or notary public present and signing the papers at the same time. This is to prevent cases where a parent who had a change of heart can claim they didn't sign and to also prevent 17-year olds from enlisting without consent by forging their parents' signatures.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999)
1 mistake in Turmoil
Starring: Christopher Meloni, Richard Belzer, Mariska Hargitay, Dann Florek
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Question: Why was A.J. only charged with reckless endangerment? The video showed him punching Paula in the back when she's climbing the stairwell, getting punched in the face by A.J. and then being dragged away unconscious. Shouldn't he have been charged with either aggravated assault or assault and battery instead considering how violent he was?
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Answer: I didn't see the show so I don't know the details. A general answer would be because a reckless endangerment charge is easier to prove "beyond a Reasonable Doubt" in court and get a conviction. This charge would not require the prosecutor to prove intent, which would be required for proving aggravated or simple assault. Also, if there were no visible injuries, it is difficult to show bodily injury. Just because the reckless endangerment charge was specifically mentioned, it does not necessarily mean there were not other charges filed. Police often make multiple charges, like lesser-included offenses, so that the defendant's act will fall under one of them if the legal requirements are not met for the others, if they are not sure of the best charge to make (the district attorney knows and can decide), or to have something to plea bargain with.
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