If you are facing charges for fleeing a police officer, it is important to retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale.  A criminal defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale can explain the nature of the charges against you, the potential penalties and defenses that you may be able to raise.

Fleeing and Alluding Offenses

Florida refers to this set of offenses as fleeing and eluding. These crimes usually arise when a person is in a motor vehicle, is ordered to stop and continues to drive.  However, this offense can also be charged against you if you leave a traffic stop before you are told it is fine to go.

Penalties for Fleeing or Eluding

The basic offense of fleeing or eluding can result in a conviction of a third-degree felony, which can result in five years imprisonment.  However, additional aggravating factors can increase the level of a felony and the potential charges.  For example, if you are driving at a high rate of speed or driving recklessly and cause an accident that causes serious injury or death to another person, you can face a first-degree felony and up to 30 years imprisonment.

Potential Legal Defenses

There may be a variety of defenses to these charges.  The availability of defense depends on your particular circumstances.  Some more common defenses to the criminal charges of fleeing or eluding a police officer in Florida include:

• You did not hear the order to stop
• You did not see flashing lights
• The officer’s lights and sirens were not activated
• The officer’s vehicle was not marked as a law enforcement vehicle
• Your vehicle experienced a malfunction that prevented you from stopping the vehicle
• You experienced a medical emergency that prevented you from stopping the vehicle

Contact me today to learn more about how I can help with your defense.