What does Fleeing the police in Minesota mean?

Fleeing the police in Minnesota means that you are running away from the peace officer. The term peace officer actually extends above just police officers or federal agents but also includes several other facets of law enforcement as well. Whether the officer is asking you to pull over or simply wants to speak with you, running away is considered a major crime and can result in felony charges and very strict penalties, including jail time, steep fines, and suspension of your driver’s license.

An individual is considered guilty of fleeing the police in a motor vehicle when they increase speed, turn off the motor vehicle headlights or taillights, refuses to stop the vehicle, or uses other means with intent to try to escape, following a gesture or indication given by any peace officer to the driver.

You may not realize right away that you have been asked to pull over. However, the officer will determine based on your actions after a few minutes. Were you only distracted, or have you speed up to try to escape? There is a fine line between the good and bad intentions, and the officer is the one that will determine it according to your initial reaction.

Although it might be a common and many times unthinkable reaction, when it comes to deal with the police, it is best to manage self-control and abide by the law before it is too late, and the consequences can lead to tremendous repercussions in your life. Remember, real life is not a movie, and the legal matters can be devastated and last a lifetime.

Fleeing The Police in Minnesota

The 609.487 Statues: Fleeing Peace Officer, Motor Vehicle; other states that “Fleeing officer; motor vehicle. Whoever by means of a motor vehicle flees or attempts to flee a peace officer who is acting in the lawful discharge of official duty, and the perpetrator knows or should reasonably know the same to be a peace officer, is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment and/or payment of a fine.”

The imprisonment time and the fine amount will be determined by the judge and depends on the further consequences of the actions. It will add to the amount of jail time and fines if it results in death, great bodily harm, or substantial bodily harm in the course of fleeing. Also, the time your driver’s license will be suspended may vary according to the offense and the extension of its consequences.

Great bodily harm = It is defined by law as a “bodily injury which involves a temporary but substantial disfigurement, or which causes a temporary but substantial loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ, or which causes a fracture of any bodily member.”

Substantial bodily harm = It is defined by law as a “bodily injury which creates a high probability of death, or which causes serious permanent disfigurement, or which causes a permanent or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ or other serious bodily harm.”

When it comes to fleeing the police in Minnesota without conducting a motor vehicle, to avoid arrest, detention, investigation, attempting to destroy evidence related to a criminal investigation, trying to elude the officer, running or hiding, the law states the person is guilty of a misdemeanor.

What are the consequences for fleeing the police?

The consequences of being charged for fleeing a peace officer can vary from no more than three years in jail and a fine of $5,000 to 40 years in prison and a fine of $80,000 dollars ( if the course of fleeing results in death, to imprisonment for not more than 40 years or to payment of a fine of not more than $80,000, or both; or). It will also result in the suspension of your driver’s license. The length of suspension may vary according to the offense and if it is repeated:

• First offense – driver’s license suspended for up to 1 year.
• Second or subsequent offense – driver’s license suspended for up to 3 years.
• Offense resulting in substantial bodily harm – driver’s license suspended for up to 5 years.
• Offense resulting in great bodily harm – driver’s license suspended for up to 7 years.
• Offense resulting in death – driver’s license suspended for up to 10 years.

The devastating consequences of being charged for fleeing the police should not be taken lightly, and the individual must take actions to defend themselves and find legal advice and representation to guarantee a better outcome in their case.

What should I do now if charged with fleeing the police in Minnesota?

When you are being accused, investigated, or charged with fleeing the police in Minnesota, the consequences are frightening and could lead to a life-changing experience. Regardless of the circumstances behind your fleeing police charge, a qualified attorney can build your case.

It is imperative to find an experienced attorney to represent you in court, making sure that all your rights are secured, and your interests are guaranteed. The successful outcome relies upon a well-built case and a good defense team. Your lawyer will gather the evidence necessary to assist you in getting the best possible result for your circumstances.

Call an experienced criminal defense attorney now and discuss your case. Ask as many questions as you have and be as honest as possible.

Best Fleeing The Police Defense Lawyer in Minneapolis

The experienced team at the Law Office of Judith Samson is ready to help anyone in need of legal assistance and criminal defense in charges related to fleeing the police in Minnesota. We take these charges seriously as we are ready to take on your case and prepare a fair defense process to make sure you can get the best outcome. Contact us today for a free consultation and to discuss your options.

With over 20 years of experience, Judith Samson and her team work tirelessly to provide a welcoming and trustworthy environment while preparing the defense case for her clients, always providing an honest and straightforward options with realistic outcomes.

Call (612) 333-8001, email us at [email protected] or complete the online form. Our phones are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Judith Samson represents people throughout the State of Minnesota and can meet you anywhere, anytime.