Endangering the Safety of Others with a Dangerous Weapon in WI

 Posted on June 20, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Two people were recently arrested after shots were fired during a parking lot argument in Johnson Creek. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was called to the location early Monday morning, June 16th. Witnesses say that one person fired shots at another during a verbal argument, but did not cause any injuries. The suspect left the scene but was apprehended by the Sheriff’s Office.

While it is unclear what the suspect will be charged with, it is essential to note that Endangering Safety by Use of a Dangerous Weapon in the state is a serious crime, carrying severe penalties. This offense can be found in Chapter 941, Crimes Against Public Health and Safety, 941.20. If you have been charged with this offense or another weapons charge, you need legal assistance from an experienced Ozaukee County, WI criminal defense attorney.  

What Is the Crime of Endangering Safety by Use of a Dangerous Weapon?

A person who endangers the safety of another through the negligent operation or handling of a dangerous weapon or who is armed with a firearm while impaired can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. If a person intentionally points a firearm at or toward another person or discharges a firearm within 100 yards of any building designated for human occupancy, they can also be charged with a Class A misdemeanor.

When a firearm is intentionally discharged into a vehicle or building under circumstances under which the shooter knew or should have known there could be a human present, the offense is a Class G felony. Pointing a firearm at or towards a law enforcement officer, firefighter, EMS, or EMT, an ambulance driver or a commission warden will be charged with a Class H felony. In the state of Wisconsin, a person does have the right to point a gun at another person in self-defense if it is reasonable to believe that the threat of force is necessary.

What Are the Penalties for Endangering Safety by Use of a Dangerous Weapon?

A Class A misdemeanor is the most severe misdemeanor in Wisconsin and is punishable by a maximum fine of $10,000 and up to nine months in jail. A Class F felony conviction is punishable by up to 12.5 years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000. A Class G felony conviction is punishable by up to 10 years in state prison and a maximum fine of $25,000. A Class H felony conviction is punishable by up to six years in state prison and a maximum fine of $25,000.  

What Are Common Defenses to Endangering Safety by Use of a Dangerous Weapon?

The circumstances surrounding your detainment, arrest, and interrogation will determine what defense your criminal defense attorney will use to defend against your charges. Some of the most common defenses to weapons charges include:

• Illegal search and seizure
• Violations of constitutional protections
• Self-defense
• Defense of others
• Mistakes made by police during the investigation
• Actual innocence, meaning you were misidentified or you have an alibi

Contact a Milwaukee County, WI Weapons Charges Attorney

If you are facing any type of weapons charge, it is important that you reach out to a Dodge County, WI weapons charges lawyer from Bucher Law Group, LLC. Attorney Butcher has litigated some of the most high-profile, complex cases in the state while directing or personally handling dozens of homicides, hundreds of DUIs, and thousands of serious drug cases. Attorney Butcher spent two decades as the Waukesha County District Attorney, serving on state-wide task forces on violent crimes. This gives him a unique perspective that benefits his clients.