Police report a man was arrested after attempting to hit an officer during a traffic stop and leading police on a high speed chase before crashing into a parked car. Police report that the accused was stopped on January 12th. Police also allege that when a police officer approached the driver’s side of the car; the accused turned his steering wheel toward the officer and accelerated. Police pursued him until he crashed his car into a parked car. Officers used a Taser to subdue the suspect after he refused to follow order. The suspect faces charges fleeing and eluding and other charges.
High speed police chases may fascinate us as we watch them on a new broadcast or read about them on social media. But this form of fleeing and eluding is dangerous crime which has serious consequences. If you have been charged with fleeing and eluding you should understand the way Florida law understanding fleeing and eluding.
What is Fleeing and Eluding?
Fleeing and eluding, is a serious traffic charge in Florida. If police arrest you for feeling and eluding, it means that a law enforcement officer believes you were trying to flee after you were ordered to stop your car. In most cases, people flee police officers because they have a warrant out for their arrest, their license is suspended, or there are drugs in the car.
Key Points to Remember about Fleeing and Eluding
If you are arrested for fleeing and eluding, there are a few points you will want to keep in mind about the charge. First, a prosecutor must be able to demonstrate that you knew had been told to stop by an officer. Second, a prosecutor must also demonstrate that you failed to stop after knowing a police officer was trying to stop you. This is important since many cases of fleeing and eluding occur when a person is intoxicated and they may not be aware that a police officer is following them and attempting to stop them. As a result, they are arrested for a DUI charge in addition to fleeing and eluding charge.
In addition to the base charge of Fleeing and Eluding, the Florida lawmakers have identified aggravating circumstances increase the penalties for fleeing and eluding:
- Siren and Lights Activated: an officer pursued you with lights and siren activated.
- High Speed or Reckless Driving: an officer pursued you with lights and siren activated and you drove at high speed or in any manner demonstrating a disregard for the safety of others.
- Serious Bodily Injury or Death: an officer pursued you with lights and siren activated and you caused the death or bodily injury to another person or the law enforcement officer pursuing you.
Additionally, fleeing and eluding charges come with a mandatory license suspension and a mandatory adjudication.
Let us Help you with Fleeing and Eluding Charges
Fleeing to Elude is serious felony charge under Florida law, and it will be important that you know your rights and protect your future. If you have been arrested for Fleeing to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer, contact the Orlando criminal defense attorneys at Moses & Rooth. we will help you develop a defense strategy and advocate for your in court. Please contact us at 407-377-0150 to schedule an appointment.
Andrew Moses
Andrew has been practicing criminal law his entire career. After graduating from law school he began working as an Assistant State Attorney prosecuting cases in Orange and Osceola Counties. During his time as an Assistant State Attorney, Andrew handled all types of cases ranging from misdemeanors to such serious felonies as drug trafficking and armed robbery. His experience as a prosecutor helped him gain perspective of the criminal justice system and how the government established its cases.
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