Recklessly Endangering Safety in Wisconsin

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Recklessly Endangering Safety Attorneys in Madison, WI

What Is Recklessly Endangering Safety in Wisconsin?

Under Wis. Stat. § 941.30, recklessly endangering safety is a felony offense in Wisconsin that involves conduct which places others at significant risk of harm or death. The law divides this offense into two degrees:

• First Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety – Class F Felony

• Second Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety – Class G Felony

Reckless Endangering Safety Lawyer in Madison, WI

Both degrees are treated with utmost seriousness by Wisconsin courts. A conviction can lead to a lengthy prison sentence, steep fines, and a permanent felony record that impacts employment, housing, and civil rights. It is because of this that working with an experienced criminal defense attorney is imperative. 

Reckless Endangering Safety Attorney In Madison, Wi - Free Consultations

First Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety (Class F Felony)

A first-degree charge applies when someone engages in criminally reckless conduct that shows utter disregard for human life.

Elements the State Must Prove Beyond a Reasonable Doubt:

1. The defendant endangered the safety of another.

2. The defendant engaged in criminally reckless conduct.

3. The conduct demonstrated utter disregard for human life.

Utter Disregard for Human Life is evaluated using multiple factors:

• Why the defendant engaged in the conduct

• How dangerous the conduct was

• Whether the defendant knew the conduct was dangerous

• Whether any regard for life was shown

• All relevant circumstances

The presence of this “utter disregard” is what elevates the offense to first-degree status.

Maximum Penalties:

• Up to 12.5 years imprisonment

• Fines up to $25,000

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Second Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety (Class G Felony)

A second-degree charge also involves criminally reckless conduct, but without the requirement of proving utter disregard for human life.

Elements the State Must Prove Beyond a Reasonable Doubt:

1. The defendant endangered the safety of another.

2. The defendant engaged in criminally reckless conduct.

Maximum Penalties:

• Up to 10 years imprisonment

• Fines up to $25,000

This charge still constitutes a felony and has serious long-term consequences, including possible prison time and loss of rights.

What Is Criminally Reckless Conduct in Wisconsin?

Under Wisconsin law, conduct is criminally reckless when it:

• Creates an unreasonable and substantial risk of death or great bodily harm

• The defendant is aware of that risk

Great Bodily Harm includes:

• Substantial risk of death

• Permanent disfigurement

• Loss or impairment of any bodily member or organ

• Other serious injuries

This definition applies to both first- and second-degree charges.

Defending Against Recklessly Endangering Safety Charges in Wisconsin

At DK Anderson, S.C., we’ve successfully defended clients against both 1st and 2nd degree recklessly endangering safety charges. We scrutinize the State’s claims and evaluate all aspects of the case:

✔ Did the conduct truly create a substantial and unreasonable risk?

✔ Did the defendant understand the danger involved?

✔ Was anyone actually endangered?

✔ Did the conduct rise to the level of utter disregard?

We work closely with experts, review surveillance or witness statements, and challenge the prosecution’s narrative.

Charged with Recklessly Endangering Safety in Madison, WI? Call DK Anderson, S.C.

These are serious charges that require a strategic and aggressive defense. At DK Anderson, S.C., we help clients across Dane, Rock, Iowa, Green, Jefferson, Columbia, and Sauk Counties.

We offer:

• Free case evaluations

• Affordable legal representation

• Personalized defense strategies

📞 Call (608) 204-5807 today – Don’t face a felony charge alone.

FAQs - Recklessly Endangering Safety Charges in Wisconsin

Yes. The law focuses on the risk created by the conduct, not whether actual harm occurred.

Attempted homicide requires intent to kill. Reckless endangerment involves conduct that could cause serious harm or death, without specific intent to kill.

Possibly. These are felony charges with prison exposure. However, a skilled attorney can fight for probation, reduced charges, or dismissal.

You still may be charged, but the State must prove you were aware your conduct created a substantial and unreasonable risk in order to get a conviction.

Yes. Both degrees of reckless endangerment are felonies under Wisconsin law.

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