Lee Law Firm, LLC

What is first-degree reckless endangerment in Wisconsin?

2026-10-09T13:10:18Z

If you face a first-degree reckless endangerment charge in Wisconsin, you may worry about prison time and your future. This serious felony involves putting another person's safety at risk. However, prosecutors must prove more than the fact that your actions created danger. Knowing the difference between first- and second-degree charges can help you understand what you're facing.

What must prosecutors prove?

Under Wisconsin law, prosecutors must prove three elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

You endangered another person's safety.
You acted with criminal recklessness. This means your actions created a substantial and unreasonable risk of great bodily harm or death, and you were aware of that risk.
Your actions took place under circumstances demonstrating utter disregard for human life.

Great bodily harm includes injuries that pose a substantial risk of death or cause serious, lasting physical harm. Utter disregard for human life means showing an extreme lack of concern for someone's life. Courts may consider how dangerous your actions were, why you acted and whether you tried to protect others. These factors help determine whether your actions showed the level of disregard required for a first-degree charge.

How does first-degree differ from second-degree charges?

Both charges involve reckless actions that put someone in danger. However, first-degree charges require proof of utter disregard for human life. Second-degree charges do not have this added requirement. They are classified as a less serious felony.

What penalties can a conviction carry?

First-degree reckless endangerment is a Class F felony. You could face up to 12 years and six months of imprisonment, a maximum $25,000 fine or both. The maximum sentence includes up to seven years and six months in prison, followed by up to five years of extended supervision. During supervision, you must follow certain rules after your release. Second-degree reckless endangerment is a Class G felony. It carries up to 10 years of imprisonment, a maximum $25,000 fine or both.

Understand the allegations before your case moves forward

A first-degree reckless endangerment charge does not automatically mean a conviction. Prosecutors must prove every required element, including utter disregard for human life. A Wisconsin criminal defense attorney can review the accusations, assess the evidence supporting the charge, identify issues with the prosecution's claims and explain the legal options available in your situation.

What happens if you leave the scene of an accident in Wisconsin?

2026-09-08T16:07:21Z

Leaving the scene after an accident can create legal problems that you may not expect, especially if you leave before exchanging information or addressing injuries. You may worry that you made a bad situation worse and wonder what could happen next. Here are the main issues to understand if you have already left the scene.

You can be cited for failing to stop

Leaving a qualifying accident without fulfilling your legal duties can lead to a failure-to-stop-after-an-accident charge. Under Wisconsin Statute § 346.67, you generally must stop and remain at the scene when an accident causes injury or damages to an occupied or attended vehicle. You also must provide identifying information and reasonable assistance when the circumstances require it.

The violation can add points to your driving record

A conviction can add six demerit points to your Wisconsin driving record. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation lists failure to stop after an accident involving an attended vehicle under § 346.67(1) as a six-point violation. If you accumulate 12 or more points within 12 months, the DMV can suspend your driving privilege.

Leaving can complicate the police investigation

Police may need your statement to figure out how the accident happened. By leaving the scene, you may lose the opportunity to explain what happened from your perspective or provide information that could help clarify your involvement. Investigators may instead rely on other available evidence to piece together the circumstances, which could make it harder for you to answer questions about what happened later.

Address the situation before it gets worse

If you already left an accident scene, do not assume that the matter will resolve itself. Reviewing the accident circumstances, any citation or other paperwork and communications you receive with an attorney can help you understand what the law means for your situation. They can review what happened at the accident, why you left and any citation or contact from police to help you determine the appropriate response.

How can an underage OWI affect my child’s future?

2026-08-07T13:00:27Z

Many parents never expect to receive a phone call saying their child has been arrested for operating while intoxicated (OWI). The first reaction is often fear, followed by a flood of questions. Will this affect college? Can they still keep their job? Is this one mistake something they will carry for years? Those concerns are understandable. An underage OWI can have lasting consequences, but it does not automatically close the door on a young person's future. Understanding what may happen next can help families respond with perspective, make informed decisions and focus on helping their child move forward responsibly.

An underage OWI can reach beyond the courtroom

An underage OWI can involve more than court appearances and financial penalties. Depending on the circumstances, it may affect parts of everyday life that matter to a young person who is still building their future. For many teenagers and young adults, driving is closely tied to school, work and family responsibilities. A suspended license can make it harder to get to class, keep a part-time job or participate in extracurricular activities. Some employers and internship programs also review driving or criminal records during the hiring process, which could create additional challenges. Students may also face consequences through their school or college. Certain institutions have conduct policies that require students to report criminal charges or convictions. While an OWI does not automatically prevent someone from earning a degree or pursuing a career, it can create obstacles that families should address early. Parents often feel caught between wanting to protect their child and wanting them to understand the seriousness of what happened. That balance can be difficult to strike while managing an unfamiliar legal process.

Questions parents should start asking after an underage OWI

One of the most helpful things a parent can do is gather reliable information before making assumptions. Asking thoughtful questions early can make it easier to prepare for both the legal process and the practical challenges ahead. For example:

Could the charges affect driving privileges, and if so, for how long?
Will the incident need to be disclosed to a school, college, employer or scholarship program?
Are there deadlines for court appearances or other legal requirements that cannot be missed?
What options, if any, may be available to reduce the long-term impact of the case?
How might this situation affect future educational or career opportunities?

The answers depend on the facts of the case, including the child's age, the circumstances of the arrest and any prior offenses. Taking time to understand the legal process can help families make decisions based on reliable information instead of fear or uncertainty.

One mistake does not have to define the future

An underage OWI deserves careful attention, but it does not have to determine a young person's future. Many families move through this experience by addressing the legal issues, encouraging accountability and helping their child continue working toward their goals. While no parent wants to face this situation, informed decisions can make a meaningful difference in what comes next. Seeking legal guidance can help families better understand their options and choose the path that best supports their child's future.

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2026-07-21T11:12:09Z

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2026-07-21T11:11:08Z

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2026-07-21T11:08:53Z

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2026-07-21T11:08:00Z

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2026-07-21T11:06:46Z

I have known May Lee since she started practicing law as an Assistant District Attorney where I practice as a defense attorney. As an opponent, Attorney Lee was always respectful and open to hearing my arguments on behalf of my client. Which is a lot more than many brand new ADAs would do in such a busy high-pressured urban court setting. As a defense colleague, I have observed her in and out of the courtroom to be a passionate and eloquent advocate on behalf of her clients. A++

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2026-07-21T11:05:46Z

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2026-07-21T10:47:37Z

Attorney May Lee was referred to me by one of her clients. All I asked was that she fight for me. She listened to my concerns, hired private investigators and discovered information that proved the officer lied to get a search warrant which violated my Constitutional Rights as a United States citizen. Her skills and passion for her profession is expressed through her actions. Thank you Attorney May Lee.

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