April 25, 2024 | Criminal Law
You might be inclined to avoid the police as a knee-jerk reaction to being at a crime scene or knowing you are facing an arrest. However, avoiding the police in Indianapolis can result in one or more criminal charges.
What Happens if I Avoid the Police in Indianapolis, IN?
Depending on the facts and circumstances of the situation, it is often a crime to avoid the police. These charges are often referred to as evading or resisting arrest. Examples of evading and resisting arrest include:
- Fleeing a crime scene
- Driving away in a vehicle
- Trying to leave the state
- Physically resisting arrest
- Running away from police officers
- Hiding from police officers
- Failing to stop when a police officer orders you to stop or pursues you with their lights and sirens activated
- Concealing your identity
The legal consequences of evading the police depend on the actual charges and the circumstances of the criminal offense. Factors that impact the legal consequences of evading the police include your criminal record, the method used to evade the police, and whether you caused injuries or harm in your attempt to flee from police officers.
Resisting arrest or avoiding the police is a wobbler criminal offense. The facts of the case dictate whether the person is charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense.
Evading the Police as a Misdemeanor Charge
Resisting arrest or evading police by force or by flight is generally charged as a Class A misdemeanor, the most serious level of misdemeanor charges. The penalty for a Class A misdemeanor is up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $5,000. Factors can enhance criminal penalties, such as prior criminal convictions.
Evading the Police as a Felony Charge
Under some circumstances, evading the police or resisting arrest can be charged as a felony. Felony charges range from a Level 1 felony (the most serious felony) to a Level 6 felony (the least serious felony).
Aggravating factors determine the level of felony for evading police or resisting arrest. Aggravating factors include:
High-Speed Chases
Evading the police in a car can constitute a crime. However, if you engage in a high-speed chase with law enforcement officers that could lead to especially dangerous situations. If you cause an accident during a high-speed chase, you could be charged with a higher-level felony.
Endangerment
This refers to actions to resist arrest or evade police that place others in danger of harm or injury. An example could be setting fire to a building to distract the police while you escape.
Previous Convictions
Prior criminal history can result in more serious charges. Previous convictions of evading law enforcement are taken very seriously when facing another charge for the same criminal offense.
Causing Serious Injury or Death
If your actions while evading the police cause the death of someone or someone to be seriously injured, you face felony charges. The level of the felony charge depends on the severity of the injuries to the other person.
Using Weapons or Firearms
Evading police is often charged as a felony when you use firearms or weapons to try to avoid the police. As with the other aggravating factors, the exact circumstances dictate the level of felony charge.
Property Damage
Causing property damage can result in a felony evading charge. The damage could be to public or private property.
The penalties for a felony charge for evading police depend on the level of the felony and the circumstances of the case. However, felony charges can carry significant prison terms and fines. A felony on your criminal history has long-term consequences for your career, legal rights, and other personal matters.
Contact the Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC For Help Today
Instead of running from the police, contact an Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer for help. An attorney can help you develop a legal strategy for turning yourself into the police with the goal of obtaining bail to avoid spending the night in jail. You also avoid additional criminal charges for evading the police.
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC give us a call today at (317) 759-2599 or visit us at our Indianapolis law office.
Suhre & Associates, LLC – Indianapolis
101 W Ohio St #2000
Indianapolis, In 46204
United States
