Reckless endangerment involves risk of what outcome?

Reckless endangerment involves risk of what outcome?

• A. No risk to anyone
• B. Property damage only
• C. Risk of emotional distress
• D. Risk of serious physical injury

Answer: (D)

Reckless endangerment centers on creating a substantial risk that someone will suffer serious physical harm because of conduct the person knows is risky and still chooses to do it. The crucial point is the level of risk to a person, not just damage to property or someone's feelings. “Serious physical injury” refers to injuries that could cause death, permanent disability, or significant, lasting impairment. Because the offense hinges on this level of risk to a person, actions that only damage property or cause emotional distress don’t meet the standard. For example, firing a weapon toward a crowd or driving at reckless speeds through a busy area both create a substantial danger of serious physical harm, even if no injury occurs yet. So, the correct concept is the risk of serious physical injury.

Reckless endangerment centers on creating a substantial risk that someone will suffer serious physical harm because of conduct the person knows is risky and still chooses to do it. The crucial point is the level of risk to a person, not just damage to property or someone's feelings. “Serious physical injury” refers to injuries that could cause death, permanent disability, or significant, lasting impairment. Because the offense hinges on this level of risk to a person, actions that only damage property or cause emotional distress don’t meet the standard. For example, firing a weapon toward a crowd or driving at reckless speeds through a busy area both create a substantial danger of serious physical harm, even if no injury occurs yet. So, the correct concept is the risk of serious physical injury.