Montgomery County Attempt to Elude an Officer Lawyer
Fleeing or eluding an officer is when a driver willfully fails or refuses to bring a vehicle to a stop or otherwise feels or attempts to elude the pursuing officer after they are given a visual and audible signal to bring the vehicle to a stop. This offense is graded either as a misdemeanor in the second degree or a felony in the third degree depending on the facts of the traffic stop.
If you are facing allegations of fleeing or eluding an officer, you should contact an accomplished traffic attorney. Let a Montgomery County attempt to elude an officer lawyer fight for you and help you understand your legal options.
Elements of an Attempt to Elude an Officer Charge
To prove one was attempting to elude an officer, it must be shown that the defendant was operating the vehicle and willfully failed and refused to pull the vehicle over after receiving visual or audio signals by the officer. There could be certain defenses to this charge based on the reasons why the driver did not pull over.
This offense is typically a misdemeanor in the second degree if the defendant fails to pull over in a short period of time. However, it could be third-degree felony if the person endangered law enforcement or the general public due to a high-speed chase. Also, there are aggravating factors that could increase the severity of a charge. For example, if the driver had drugs in the car or was driving on a suspended driver’s license.
Common Factors Concerning Attempting to Elude an Officer Charge
It is common in DUI situations for the indvidiual to not stop immediately and be charged with fleeing and eluding. This is because the driver might panick and refuse to stop immedaitely and end up being charged with a more serious offense. That being said, the driver, should bring the vehicle to a halt and then contact an accomplished attempt to elude an officer lawyer in Montgomery County who could help build a defense.
Defense for Attempting to Elude an Officer
It is a defense to fleeing and eluding if someone simply was unable to find a safe place and they had a reasonable concern for their safety, which is why they did not pull over. Some of the factors of why one may not pull over right away might include the time and location of where they are being pulled over, the type of police vehicle used, and the defendant’s general circumstances at the time of the car stop.
Some people are slow to realize an officer wants them to be pulled over. Others may not want to pull over because they are driving a dark stretch of the highway. For help with building a strong defense, reach out to an attempting to elude an officer attorney in Montgomery County.
How a Montgomery County Attempt to Elude an Officer Attorney Could Help
Attempting to elude an officer offenses can carry significant penalties and consequences. If you are facing charges, you should consult with a Montgomery County attempt to elude an officer lawyer right away. An attorney could assess your case and help you develop a defense strategy. Call today to set up your consultation.