Wanton Endangerment 2nd is defined as?

• A. Wantonly creates substantial danger of physical injury.
• B. Creates only minor risk.
• C. Only threatens without action.
• D. Causes temporary inconvenience.

Answer: (A)

Wanton endangerment in the second degree focuses on conduct where someone acts with a wanton disregard for others’ safety and, as a result, creates a substantial danger of physical injury to another person. The key idea is the combination of two elements: a conscious disregard for safety (wanton) and a real, significant risk (substantial danger) of harm. It isn’t satisfied by minor risks, by merely making threats without any action, or by causing only a temporary inconvenience. For this reason, the best description is that one wantonly creates a substantial danger of physical injury to another. An example would be firing a weapon in a crowded area or driving in a way that recklessly endangers others, where the risk of serious harm is clearly present.