When an individual refuses to pull over after a police officer has attempted to stop the vehicle, he or she may be charged with fleeing and eluding. In Florida, many police officers have stopped chasing the vehicle after the driver has refused to stop in an effort to avoid a dangerous chase.

The penalties for a fleeing and eluding conviction — a felony crime — may include up to five years in prison. For aggravating fleeing and eluding charges, the penalties increase.

I am lawyer R. Lane Lastinger, and I have more than 17 years of experience handling complex criminal matters to clients throughout the St. Petersburg area. If you have been charged with fleeing and eluding, there may be steps I can take to help you avoid a conviction and the negative consequences associated with this felony crime.

No-Chase Policies in Florida

Many police departments in Florida have instilled a no-chase policy. Historically, police chases have resulted in many injuries and fatalities to innocent bystanders. Today, if a traffic stop was initiated, and the motorist does not stop, police officers will usually not continue to chase the vehicle unless pursuing a violent felon. This is in an effort to avoid a potentially dangerous car chase.

However, if an individual flees by car after a police officer has attempted to stop him or her, that individual will be charged with a felony crime. All fleeing and eluding charges are felonies. In certain cases, fleeing and eluding charges may be aggravated if the driver was fleeing at a high speed, for example.

Contact an Attorney in Clearwater, Florida: Fleeing Police Defense

Have you been arrested after resisting arrest or eluding law enforcement? Learn more about our fleeing and eluding defense services by contacting my law firm to schedule a free initial consultation.