It may be a common reaction to try running from trouble, but when police are involved, you need to stick around. Trying to get away from a police officer can lead to serious consequences. If you face charges of fleeing the police in Minnesota, you need a qualified defense attorney on your side.
Understanding Fleeing Police Charges
In the state of Minnesota, fleeing police is a crime and can even lead to felony charges. Whether a police officer is trying to pull you over, or just wants to speak with you, running away can result in very strict penalties. In some cases, fleeing police can lead to long jail time and steep fines.
There are several different situations in which you can be charged with fleeing police. The penalty you face will depend on the circumstances of the crime, in particular whether or not anyone was injured during your attempt to escape from the police.
One of the most common crimes related to trying to escape law enforcement is vehicular fleeing from a police officer. This often happens when an officer tries to pull someone over and the individual does not cooperate. Fleeing from a police officer in a vehicle is a felony, and can result in up to three years in prison and a fine of $5,000. If someone is injured as a result of the chase, the sentence can increase to 7 years in prison and a $14,000 fine. In the event that your vehicular fleeing of police results in a death, you can face a 40-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $80,000. Additionally, any attempt to flee a police officer in your vehicle can lead to the loss of that vehicle for a long period time.
You can also face serious charges if you try to escape police custody. Once you are arrested or detained, it is a felony to try to run away from the police. Escaping police custody, or even trying to do so, can lead to fines up to $10,000, and a prison sentence of up to 5 years.
Fleeing Police Defense Lawyer
A charge of fleeing from law enforcement is not something you can afford to take lightly. As soon as you are charged with any crime related to escaping the police, you need to contact a qualified lawyer. Your defense attorney may be the difference between a very long prison sentence and having your charges dropped.
Regardless of the circumstances behind your fleeing police charge, a qualified attorney can build your case. Your lawyer will gather the evidence necessary to assist you in getting the best possible result for your circumstances. This may include having your sentence reduced, or getting your charges dropped completely. In other cases, you may be acquitted of the crime. No matter what the final outcome is, having a lawyer on your side is the best way to deal with these serious charges.
Always a Free Consultation
When you are charged with fleeing police, our attorneys are here to help. The experienced attorneys with the Brown Law Offices, P.A., will work hard to defend you and get you the absolute best outcome. Don’t try to fight a charge of fleeing police by yourself. Call us today at 763-323-6555, or complete our free online consultation form.