A criminal defense attorney in Broward County can explain that the crime of fleeing and eluding occurs when a person fails to stop or remain stopped when instructed to by a law enforcement officer. There are multiple types of fleeing and eluding charges that a person may confront. These offenses carry significant penalties. A criminal defense attorney in Broward County can explain these important aspects of your case.

Legal Definitions 

The general definition of the offense of fleeing and eluding is for a driver who knows he or she has been lawfully ordered to stop by a law enforcement officer to willfully refuse to stop. However, there are additional elements that may be involved that make the offense an aggravated one. Aggravated offenses include fleeing and eluding when sirens and lights are activated, sirens and lights activated with high speed or reckless driving, or sirens and lights activated with high speed or reckless driving causing serious bodily injury or death.

Potential Penalties 

The potential penalties you face depend on whether you are charged under the general offense or an aggravated offense. These penalties include:

• General offense – This offense is considered a third-degree felony. It carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine up to $5,000. Your driver’s license will also be revoked for between one and five years.
• Sirens and lights activated – This crime is also considered a third-degree felony that carries the same potential punishments as the general offense.
• Sirens and lights activated with high speed or reckless driving – This offense is considered a second-degree felony offense. It carries a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment and a fine up to $10,000. Your driver’s license can be revoked for one to five years.
• Sirens and lights activated with high speed or reckless driving causing serious bodily injury or death – This offense is a first-degree felony. The maximum penalty is 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. There is a minimum term of imprisonment of 3 years. You will also lose your driving privileges for one to five years.

As you can see, fleeing and eluding can result in very serious penalties. It is important that you have an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side to help you avoid or minimize potential penalties.