{"id":385931,"date":"2025-11-06T16:58:28","date_gmt":"2025-11-06T21:58:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=385931"},"modified":"2025-11-06T15:54:30","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T20:54:30","slug":"what-is-reckless-endangerment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/what-is-reckless-endangerment.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is Reckless Endangerment?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Is Reckless Endangerment?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Reckless endangerment<\/span> is a crime in most states. Some jurisdictions classify it as a misdemeanor, while others consider it a felony. The crime of <\/span>reckless endangerment<\/span> occurs when someone behaves in a way that demonstrates a depraved indifference to human life<\/span>. To qualify as reckless endangerment<\/span>, the defendant\u2019s actions<\/span> must also create a substantial risk of serious bodily injury<\/span> or death.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The definition of this criminal offense<\/span> varies from state to state. Most states also recognize different degrees of reckless endangerment<\/span>. The specific charge often depends on whether the defendant\u2019s behavior actually creates the risk of serious physical injury<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Here, we\u2019ll explain the crime of <\/span>reckless endangerment<\/span>, including the penalties and defenses to this offense. If you\u2019re facing reckless endangerment<\/span> charges, you should contact an experienced attorney<\/span> familiar with criminal law<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Reckless Endangerment<\/span> Can Be a Felony or Misdemeanor<\/h2>\n

When a law enforcement<\/span> officer<\/span> arrests someone for reckless endangerment<\/span>, they\u2019ll recommend that the prosecutor file misdemeanor or felony charges. The severity of the charge depends on the specific facts of your case, state law, and your criminal history<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Generally, most states treat first-degree<\/span> reckless endangerment<\/span> as a felony, a criminal offense<\/span> punishable by jail time<\/span>, fines, and other criminal penalties.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a first-time<\/span> offender or your actions don\u2019t cause a substantial risk of death<\/span>, the state may charge you with a misdemeanor rather than a felony. The specific charge depends on your state laws.<\/p>\n

For example:<\/p>\n