What to Expect If You’re Charged With Reckless Endangerment in PA

Whether you’re facing this charge after a fight, traffic incident, or alleged accident, here’s what you need to know about REAP in Pennsylvania—and how a criminal defense attorney can help you protect your rights and your future.

What Is REAP (Recklessly Endangering Another Person)?

REAP is defined under 18 Pa. C.S. § 2705. You can be found guilty if:

“You recklessly engage in conduct which places or may place another person in danger of death or serious bodily injury.”

It’s important to note:

• No injury needs to occur

• The focus is on risk, not outcome

• “Recklessly” means you consciously ignored a known risk

This makes REAP one of the most flexible criminal charges—and one that can be difficult to interpret without context.

Examples of Situations That Can Lead to REAP Charges

• Driving at high speeds through residential areas or around pedestrians

• Handling a firearm carelessly, even if no shots are fired

• Leaving a child unattended in a dangerous situation

• Throwing objects near someone during a heated argument

• Starting a fight in a crowded public space

• Causing a fire hazard through careless behavior

Sometimes, REAP is added to other charges—like assault, DUI, or endangering the welfare of a child—as a secondary charge to increase potential penalties.

What Are the Penalties for REAP in Pennsylvania?

REAP is a second-degree misdemeanor, which carries:

• Up to 2 years in jail

• A fine of up to $5,000

• A permanent criminal record

• Possible probation and community service

For many first-time offenders, the judge may impose probation rather than jail—but a conviction still has serious long-term consequences, especially on background checks.

Defending Against REAP Charges

Because REAP is such a broad and subjective charge, your defense attorney will focus on whether the conduct truly created a serious risk—and whether your actions were actually “reckless.”

Strong defense strategies include:

✅ Challenging the Level of Risk
Your lawyer may argue that your actions did not create a real danger, or the alleged victim was never actually at risk of serious injury.

✅ Lack of Intent or Recklessness
If your actions were accidental, unintentional, or done with reasonable care, you cannot be guilty of “reckless” behavior under the statute.

✅ No Victim Present
REAP requires that another person was actually put in danger. If no one else was nearby, your attorney may seek dismissal.

✅ Credibility of the Alleged Victim or Witnesses
Your lawyer may question the motives or reliability of people making the accusation, especially if it’s part of a larger dispute (e.g., custody, neighbors, or road rage).

✅ Negotiating a Summary Offense or Withdrawal
In some cases, your attorney can negotiate to reduce the charge to a summary offense, or have it dismissed altogether—especially for first-time offenders.

Can REAP Be Expunged in Pennsylvania?

REAP is a misdemeanor, so it cannot be expunged unless:

• The charge is dismissed or withdrawn

• You are found not guilty, or

• You receive a pardon from the governor

This is why avoiding a conviction—or having the charge downgraded—is so important.

Why You Need an Attorney for a REAP Charge

Even though it’s a misdemeanor, REAP can:

• Damage your employment prospects

• Prevent you from owning a firearm

• Affect child custody or immigration status

• Show up on background checks

A criminal defense attorney will review the facts, file motions to suppress or dismiss weak evidence, and fight for a resolution that protects your record.

📞 Contact Mark D. Hauser, Criminal Defense Attorney, Today

A reckless endangerment charge is too serious to ignore—even if no one was hurt. With over 30 years of experience in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania, Mark D. Hauser has helped hundreds of clients fight misdemeanor charges and avoid life-altering consequences.

📞 Contact Mark D. Hauser, criminal defense attorney, today for a confidential case evaluation.