Wanderlust - S1-E5
Continuity mistake: When Benson and Stabler are interviewing Virginia at the end of the episode, when she admits to committing the crime, she breaks down into tears and her face turns red. The next shot is from over her shoulder, and her expression is normal. In the very next shot, from the front, her face is flushed and tears again.
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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