Evading Arrest

In movies and on TV, police chases are hyped up and carefully choreographed to make for an intense, entertaining action scene. In real life, however, chases often become messy and are usually ended quickly. Evading arrest is a risky act that will lead to additional criminal charges when the offender is caught. If you or someone you know has been charged with evading arrest, contact Austin criminal lawyer Ian Inglis today at 512-472-1950 to discuss your defense.

Criminal Charges for Evading Arrest

Any attempt to intentionally flee from an officer to avoid lawful arrest or detention qualifies as evading arrest. The charges for evading arrest vary widely depending on a person's criminal history and whether or not a vehicle was used to flee. Charges for evading arrest are assigned as follows:

• Class A misdemeanor for a first offense made without use of a vehicle
• State jail felony if the offender has been previously convicted of evading arrest, OR if this is the person's first offense and a vehicle was used to evade arrest
• Third degree felony if the offender has been previously convicted of evading arrest and a vehicle was used, OR a person is injured during the chase by the officer attempting to catch the offender
• Second degree felony if a person is killed during the chase by the officer attempting to catch the offender

Penalties

Evading arrest is a serious offense that is often charged in addition to whatever crime(s) initially caused an officer to attempt an arrest. Depending on the severity of the charge, an offender may be punished with the following penalties if convicted:

• Imprisonment: Jail or prison sentence
• Fines: Up to $4,000 for a misdemeanor or up to $10,000 for a felony
• Probation

A convicted offender may also have his or her driver's license suspended if a vehicle was involved when she or he evaded arrest. Clearly even a single conviction can have a costly impact on a person's life. If you have been charged with evading arrest, it is important to consult with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case. Your attorney can help you prepare your legal defense and will fight on your behalf in court to ensure that your rights and interests are protected.

Contact Us

For sound legal advice and assistance regarding your criminal charges, contact Austin criminal lawyer Ian Inglis today at 512-472-1950.