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Philadelphia Reckless Endangerment Lawyer

Reckless Endangerment Defense Attorney in Philadelphia, PA Challenging Allegations of Risky Conduct Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania

Reckless endangerment is a misdemeanor charge that is usually accompanied by assault-related charges. Although it is a misdemeanor offense, a reckless endangerment conviction can still have a significant impact on a defendant’s sentence.

If you have been charged with reckless endangerment or a related crime, contact our firm online or call us at (215) 610-3440 today.

Find Out What Your Case is Worth

We invite you to reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. Call (215) 610-3440 or contact us online to learn more.

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What Qualifies as Reckless Endangerment?

In Pennsylvania, a person has committed reckless endangerment if he or she has recklessly engaged in conduct that places or could place another person in danger of death or serious bodily injury. Unlike other criminal offenses, the District Attorney does not have to establish that someone actually suffered an injury in order to convict a defendant. Instead, the D.A. is only required to prove that the defendant recklessly created a risk that put someone else in danger of suffering an injury. Recklessly endangering another person is a second degree misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to two years in prison and a $2,000 fine.

What Is Considered Recklessness?

An action is only reckless if a person acted with a conscious disregard of a known risk. This means that a person can be convicted of reckless endangerment even if he or she did not intend to injure anyone. Merely knowing that someone else’s injury or death was a potential result of the conduct, but unreasonably disregarding that risk is considered recklessness.

Reckless disregard charges can be tacked onto a variety of other criminal offenses. For instance, a reckless endangerment charge is often included when a person is accused of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The charge can also be applied if a parent leaves a child unattended or allows him or her to play with dangerous objects or substances. Pointing or indiscriminately firing a weapon is also often charged as reckless endangerment.

Available Defenses

The defenses that a defendant can raise will depend on his or her specific circumstances.

However, there are a few defenses that are available to defendants who have been charged with reckless endangerment, including that:

  • The D.A. lacks sufficient evidence;
  • The defendant was acting in self-defense or in defense of another person;
  • The alleged victim was in no danger of suffering a serious bodily injury or death;
  • The complainant’s testimony lacks credibility; and
  • Mistaken identity.
The Person Who Sees The Whole Picture Meet Michael T. van der Veen
From local business owners, to the President of the United States, we fight for everyone's best interest. As founder of the firm, Michael T. van der Veen effortlessly combines accessibility, experience, negotiation, collaboration, and compassion to achieve results. He is the rare trial attorney who excels in both civil litigation and criminal defense. Known for his unwavering commitment to serving as the voice of the victim and advocate for the accused, he has established his reputation by winning multimillion-dollar jury verdicts in State and Federal Courts, as well as winning major criminal trials across the country.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Reckless Endangerment Charges in Philadelphia, PA

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 215-610-3440 today!

  • To secure a conviction, the District Attorney must show that the defendant engaged in conduct that recklessly created a risk of serious bodily injury or death to another person. Importantly, no actual injury is required. The prosecution only needs to establish that the conduct created a substantial and unjustifiable risk.
  • No. Intent to injure is not an element of reckless endangerment. The charge is based on recklessness, meaning the defendant consciously disregarded a known and significant risk. If the conduct shows awareness of the danger but proceeds anyway, prosecutors may try to classify it as reckless.
  • Reckless endangerment is often added to other charges such as DUI, assault, weapons offenses, or child endangerment. Examples include firing a gun without proper care, leaving a child unattended around dangerous objects, or driving while impaired in a manner that threatens others’ safety.
  • Potential defenses include showing insufficient evidence of recklessness, demonstrating that no real risk of serious harm existed, establishing that the defendant was acting in self-defense, challenging the credibility of witness testimony, or proving mistaken identity. A strong defense often focuses on undermining the prosecution’s claim that the defendant acted with conscious disregard for risk.

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