Other mistake: Guest star Eric Stoltz is credited as Eric Stolitz.
Other mistake: The animation of the video player is a static image since the graphics don't move, and since it's a live stream it shouldn't have the pointer at half of the screen in the first place. (00:21:50)
Other mistake: When Fin is looking at the drivers licenses of Vance and Trish, both as listed as female with identical birth dates.
Other mistake: When Warner sprays the victim's neck during the autopsy to check for copper, the victim has a pulse.
Other mistake: When Stabler, Benson, and Cabot are talking to Mrs. Cleary about the jewelry, Mrs. Cleary excuses herself to take a phone call. When the camera is on Cabot, Mrs. Cleary is in the background mirror moving her mouth although she is not saying anything.
Other mistake: The birth dates of the sisters have been switched as Rollins looks on her laptop. (00:10:30)
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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