The Consequences of Evading the Police in Indiana

When you learn that you are facing an arrest, it is normal to feel scared. There are only a handful of things that are scarier than getting arrested. If you are facing an arrest in Indiana, you may be tempted to evade the police by fleeing or resisting. However, fleeing and resisting the police in Indiana is an offense. You could face criminal charges if you try to escape from the police. Instead of fleeing or resisting the police, you should contact a qualified criminal defense attorney. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options.

What Does It Mean To Evade the Police?

Evading the police means trying to escape or avoid being arrested by law enforcement officers. Evading the police can take various forms, including the following;

• Running away from the police
• Driving away in a vehicle
• Trying to leave the state
• Physically resisting arrest
• Hiding from law enforcement officers
• Concealing your identity

If you try to flee from the police in Indiana, you could face legal consequences such as jail time and fines. The exact consequences you face are dependent on various factors, including the method used to evade the police, your criminal history, and whether any harm occurred as a result.

When Can You Be Charged With a Misdemeanors Offense?

Generally, fleeing or resisting the police is a Class A misdemeanor offense in Indiana. Class A misdemeanors are the most serious of all misdemeanor categories in Indiana. While a Class A misdemeanor is not as bad as a felony charge, this charge can still have serious consequences. If charged with a Class A misdemeanor, you could be looking at up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. However, certain factors can enhance penalties, such as prior criminal convictions.

Typically, you could be charged with a misdemeanor offense if the circumstances surrounding the evasion were not extremely dangerous or severe. The following are some situations where you may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor:

• Running away without causing harm or injuries
• Resisting arrest without using a weapon or using physical harm to the officer
• It is your first time fleeing or resisting the police

When Can You Be Charged With a Felony Offense?

Under certain circumstances, fleeing and resisting the police can be a felony offense in Indiana. You can be charged with a felony offense if your actions are considered extremely serious. Usually, the level of felony offense depends on the presence of aggravating factors and the harm caused. The following are some of the aggravating factors that can impact the level of felony for evading the police;

• If you were involved in a chase with the police, especially if you put people’s lives in danger
• If someone was seriously injured or killed
• If you used a firearm or another weapon
• If you caused property damage

Felony charges can carry significant jail terms and fines. Also, a felony on your criminal record can have long-term consequences on several aspects of your life.

Contact an Indianapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are facing an arrest, instead of evading the police, contact our skilled Indianapolis criminal defense lawyers at Rigney Law LLC for legal help. We can help you navigate through this challenging situation.

Source:

indianacourtrecords.us/criminal-court-records/types/#:~:text=Class%20A%20misdemeanors%E2%80%94Punishable%20with%20up%20to%20%245%2C000%20fine%20and%201%20year%20in%20jail