Representation by a Criminal Defense Attorney in Fort Lauderdale for Fleeing a Police Officer

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4th Aug 2015

A criminal defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale can explain that a criminal charge can arise when a suspect refuses to stop a vehicle that he or she is driving when ordered to do so by a police officer. Likewise, a criminal defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale can explain that criminal responsibility can result when the suspect has stopped and then attempts to drive off or otherwise flee. Committing this offense can result in a conviction of a variety of felony penalties.

Individuals who then engage in a high-speed chase can face more serious consequences, especially if such a chase results in the death or serious bodily injury of an innocent bystander or other individual including a law enforcement officer.

There is also a separate Florida statute that deals with using a boat to flee or attempt to flee a law enforcement officer. A boat operator is required to stop when a law enforcement officer makes this request. Committing this offense can result in a conviction of a felony in the third degree. Additionally, the boat can be seized by law enforcement as a result of such an attempt to elude police.

Cases involving the fleeing of a police officer are extremely fact-specific and a defense may be present based on details that defendants may not even know matter, such as whether the law enforcement officer was driving a vehicle with insignia on it or identified himself or herself as a law enforcement officer. Likewise, certain charges may require the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the law enforcement officer had activated his or her lights and siren.

Being convicted of a fleeing a police officer in Florida can result in years of imprisonment and the loss of driving privileges which can affect every facet of life.