Everybody panics when they hear a police siren and see flashing lights in their rearview mirror. However, refusing to stop for an officer in the city of Muskogee can result in a charge of fleeing and eluding a police officer, which can carry heavy penalties
What Does it Mean to Elude an Officer?
Muskogee, which follows Oklahoma law, requires citizens to bring their car to a stop when a peace officer of any kind either directs his siren or lights towards them. Anyone who increases their speed, turns off their headlights, or does anything else in an attempt to escape may be found guilty of fleeing and eluding an officer. In order to secure a conviction of eluding, a prosecutor will have to prove that the defendant 1) was a driver of motor vehicle; 2) received a red light and a siren from an officer; 3) the light and siren directed the defendant to stop; and 4) the defendant willfully eluded the officer. Therefore, passengers may not be charged with fleeing and eluding an officer, and the prosecution will have to present evidence that they acted with the intentions to evade the officer.
Penalties for Fleeing and Eluding an Officer
Someone who has committed this crime for the first time will face a misdemeanor charge, one year in jail, and a fine of up to $2,000. A second time offender may face one year in prison and up to $5,000 in fines. Penalties for this crime may result in a felony charge and up to five years in prison if one is found guilty of endangering or causing serious bodily harm to others in their attempt to elude an officer.
Low-cost Consultation: Muskogee Criminal Defense Lawyer
A conviction of fleeing and eluding an officer can result in lengthy jail time or hefty penalties. If you or anyone you know is faced with this charge, please contact a Muskogee Criminal Defense Attorney to discuss your available legal options. Consult with an experienced attorney at The Wirth Law Office – Muskogee, call today at (918) 913-0725, or call toll-free at 1-(888) 447-7262 (Wirth Law). If you prefer, you can use the box in the upper right-hand corner of this page to send a question or brief message.
