Breaking Down the 7 Charges Kyle Rittenhouse Faced at His Trial

A jury recently made their decision on the multiple charges facing Kyle Rittenhouse, a teenager who shot and killed two people during a protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

In a case that gained significant public attention, most people now know that Rittenhouse was found not guilty on all charges. But, many are still trying to understand what he was charged with and what it meant for his case.

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What Was Kyle Rittenhouse Charged With?

Rittenhouse shot three people, killing two. At the end of this trial, the jury deliberated on five counts against him — finding him not guilty on all charges.

Here’s a look at what Rittenhouse was charged with and how each charge relates to the incidents that took place that night, according to reporting by the Associated Press.

Charge 1: First-Degree Reckless Homicide, Use of a Dangerous Weapon 

Charge one was related to the incident that led to the death of Joseph Rosenbaum, the first man Rittenhouse shot. Rittenhouse is said to have shot Rosenbaum after Rosenbaum chased him through a parking lot and grabbed Rittenhouse’s gun, according to video footage and witness testimony.

A reckless homicide charge in Wisconsin differs from an intentional homicide in that the murder was not necessarily intentional. Instead, the murder was caused due to an utter disregard for human life.

Rittenhouse was found not guilty of this charge.

Charge 2: First-Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety, Use of a Dangerous Weapon

The second charge is also related to the Rosenbaum shooting. A reporter (the same man who provided witness testimony that said Rosenbaum reached for Rittenhouse’s gun), was in the line of fire that killed Rosenbaum.

The defense argued that when Rittenhouse shot Rosenbaum, he also endangered the life of the reporter. In Wisconsin, the charge is punishable by 12 ½ years in prison.

Rittenhouse was found not guilty of this charge.

Charge 3: First-Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety, Use of a Dangerous Weapon 

Rittenhouse faced another charge of recklessly endangering safety with the use of a dangerous weapon. Just seconds before Anthony Huber approached Rittenhouse, an unknown man moved toward Rittenhouse.

In a video, the man is seen moving toward Rittenhouse with a skateboard, and Rittenhouse fires two rounds at him but misses.

Rittenhouse was found not guilty of this charge.

Charge 4: First-Degree Intentional Homicide, Use of a Dangerous Weapon 

The fourth charge relates to the death of Anthony Huber. After shooting Rosenbaum, Rittenhouse ran down the street, according to video footage from the scene. Huber approached Rittenhouse and raised a skateboard as if he was about to hit him. Huber reached for Rittenhouse’s gun before Rittenhouse shot him.

Huber was killed. Unlike the first charge, which was a charge of reckless homicide, this charge was intentional homicide. The criminal complaint alleged that Ritttenhouse had the intent to shoot and kill Huber. If convicted of this charge in Wisconsin, Rittenhouse would have faced life in prison.

The jury was able to have discretion with this charge. They were given the option of second-degree intentional homicide and first-degree reckless homicide in Huber’s death.

Rittenhouse was found not guilty of this charge.

Charge 5: Attempted First-Degree Intentional Homicide, Use of a Dangerous Weapon 

The fifth charge against Rittenhouse was related to the shooting of Gaige Grosskreutz. Grosskreutz is said to have come toward Rittenhouse with a pistol in his hands. Seconds after shooting Huber, Rittenhouse pointed his gun at Grosskreutz and discharged one shot. The shot hit Grosskreutz in the arm and did not fatally wound him.

In Wisconsin, the charge could carry a sentence of up to sixty years in prison. For this charge, the jury was also given the option of considering second-degree attempted intentional homicide and first-degree reckless endangerment charges.

Rittenhouse was found not guilty of this charge.

Charge 6: Possession of a Dangerous Weapon by a Person Under 18

At the time of the shooting, Rittenhouse was a 17-year-old armed with an AR-style semi-automatic rifle. In Wisconsin, minors are prohibited from being in the possession of firearms unless they are hunting or being supervised by an adult for the purpose of target practice or instruction.

This charge was dismissed after prosecutors argued that the defense was misreading the statute. They argued that the statute only related to the prohibition on short-barreled guns. The judge dismissed the charge.

Charge 7: Failure to Comply with an Emergency Order From State of Local Government 

This final charge pales in comparison with the seriousness of the other charges. At the time of the shootings, there was a city curfew in place that restricted people from being out past 8 pm. The charge carried a potential $200 fine. The charge was dropped during the trial.

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Defending a Case in the Public Eye

Dealing with criminal charges can be stressful and difficult. The situation can be made worse if the case gains regional or national attention. If you face charges that gain media attention, make sure you work with a criminal defense attorney who knows how to navigate the complexities that come with defending you in front of the court and the public.

TJ Grimaldi has experience dealing with the media in high-profile cases. If you have any questions about how to manage a case that has gained public attention, contact our office today.

Request your free consultation to talk directly with TJ Grimaldi about how he can help you navigate your complex legal situation to get the most fair and just outcome. Request your consultation or call 813-226-1023 today.