Question: Is Reckless Endangerment a Felony in Washington State?
Direct answer: No. In Washington, reckless endangerment is a gross misdemeanor, not a felony. RCW 9A.36.050 defines the offense, and RCW 9A.20.021 sets the maximum gross-misdemeanor penalties at up to 364 days in jail and up to a $5,000 fine. If the case involves aggravating factors (e.g., a DV tag, weapon, or child), additional court conditions can apply.
Washington law caps gross-misdemeanor sentences at 364 days and $5,000.
“Clients often think ‘not a felony’ means ‘not serious.’ A reckless-endangerment conviction can still damage careers, licensing, and firearm rights, and it may complicate related DUI or family matters.
Getting counsel involved immediately helps preserve defenses and can change the outcome.” — Linda M. Callahan, J.D. | Author, Washington DUI Practice Manual (Thomson Reuters) | Factory-trained by NPAS | Notre Dame Law School
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RCW 9A.36.050 makes it a crime to recklessly create a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury; subsection (2) confirms it’s a gross misdemeanor. Penalties for gross misdemeanors are set in RCW 9A.20.021. Knowing this classification matters for plea strategy, licensing, and collateral consequences.
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Goal: Give a clear definition in simple terms. Link to related pages without duplicating them.
Reckless driving in Washington means driving with a willful or wanton disregard for safety. That is more than a mistake. It means you knew your driving put people or property at risk and did it anyway.
Statutory definition.
Washington criminalizes conduct that recklessly creates a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury to another person. See RCW 9A.36.050. The focus is on the risk you created, not whether someone was actually hurt.
Plain English.
Unsafe firearm handling around others. Leaving a child in a dangerous situation. Extreme, aggressive driving with passengers. If you are under investigation, speak with us before you talk to the police. See Areas We Serve or request help now on Contact Us.
Examples to set context.
Unsafe firearm handling around others. Leaving a child in a dangerous situation. Extreme, aggressive driving with passengers. If you are under investigation, speak with us before you talk to the police. See Areas We Serve or request help now on Contact Us.
Reckless endangerment is a gross misdemeanor. It is not a felony. RCW 9A.36.050 sets the offense. RCW 9A.20.021 caps the sentence at up to 364 days in jail and up to a $5,000 fine.
Some cases include aggravating facts such as a child victim or a domestic violence designation. These do not convert the charge to a felony, but they can add strict court conditions like no-contact orders and firearm restrictions. For felony comparisons and background, see our overview of Felony DUI penalties and the broader DUI penalties.
As a gross misdemeanor, the court can order up to 364 days in jail and up to $5,000 in fines under RCW 9A.20.021. Courts also impose probation, community service, classes, or treatment depending on the facts.
A domestic violence tag can trigger a no-contact order and firearm restrictions. Convictions can affect background checks, professional licensing, and immigration. Vehicle-related facts can draw attention from the Dep
Many gross misdemeanor convictions can be vacated if you meet the waiting periods and conditions. Read more on DUI expungement and speak with us about eligibility.
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Charging decisions often turn on risk to others. Common scenarios include:
Every situation is unique. The state must prove reckless conduct and a substantial risk. Witness credibility, video, 911 audio, and scene reconstruction all matter. If your case involves driving or controlled substances, review our guidance on Driving Offenses and Drug DUI. Then speak with our team on Contact Us.
Some DUI cases resolve as reckless endangerment when the evidence is weak or the risk facts are disputed. Reductions are case-specific. Prosecutors consider BAC, driving pattern, presence of passengers, any injury, and your record. Start on our DUI hub for the process and see how evidence is challenged on DUI Evidence.
Vehicle-related facts can trigger Department of Licensing actions that run on a separate track from court. Strict deadlines apply. Learn about hearings and paperwork on License Suspension and the DOL Hearing Request.
These charges sound similar, but they are different.
If you hold a CDL, protect it early. A reckless driving conviction can affect your commercial driving status and your job. Even if the incident happened in your personal vehicle, your employer may still see the record.
Clients choose us for our deep Washington criminal and DUI experience. Linda M. Callahan is the author of the Washington DUI Practice Manual published by Thomson Reuters. She is factory-trained by NPAS on breath testing and graduated from the University of Notre Dame Law School. These credentials help when reckless endangerment is connected to driving or alcohol.
We maintain offices in Seattle, Olympia, and Shelton for convenient meetings. Read more on Meet Our Attorneys and hear from clients on Testimonials. If cost is a concern, ask about options on Flat Fees.
Linda Callahan and her staff were compassionate, professional, and extremely knowledgeable. My DUI charge was reduced, and I felt supported every step of the way.
From my first phone call with Chris, I felt calmer. He took the time to listen, explained the process clearly, and connected me with Linda. The outcome was better than I ever expected.
Toni and the intake team treated me with such kindness. They never judged me and made sure all my questions were answered. I can’t thank them enough.
Callahan Law is the real deal. My case was dismissed after Linda challenged the breath test results. She’s smart, strategic, and incredibly thorough.
They worked with me on payments and never made me feel pressured. Communication was always fast and clear. I’d recommend them to anyone facing a DUI in Washington.
I was terrified after my arrest, but Linda and her team walked me through everything. I felt like I had real advocates who cared about my future.
From my first call, I knew I was in good hands. They were understanding, knowledgeable, and fought hard for my case.
Callahan Law turned an overwhelming situation into a manageable one. Their professionalism and compassion made all the difference.
Court dates and DOL deadlines move fast. Evidence can disappear, and conditions can tighten.
Do not risk a permanent mark on your record. Contact Callahan Law P.S., Inc. for a free consultation with a proven Washington defense team.
Seattle: Serving King and Snohomish County
Olympia: Serving Thurston and Pierce County
Shelton: Serving Mason and Kitsap County
We represent clients arrested throughout King, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston, Kitsap, and Mason Counties. Our attorney is the author of the Washington DUI Practice Manual. Ask how that experience can help in your case.
