In Oklahoma, felony fleeing charges are taken extremely seriously and can lead to significant legal consequences. Known legally as “eluding a police officer,” this charge is applied when an individual attempts to evade law enforcement while driving a vehicle. Given the potential risks to public safety and law enforcement officers, the penalties for this offense are severe and may include substantial fines, incarceration, and long-term impacts on one’s driving privileges and criminal record.
Let’s take a closer look at how these charges work.
What is a Felony Fleeing Charge?
Felony fleeing (i.e., eluding an officer) occurs when a driver, having received a signal from a police officer to bring the vehicle to a stop, willfully increases their speed, turns off their lights, or otherwise attempts to escape the officer. This charge is elevated from a misdemeanor to a felony under certain circumstances, such as when the pursuit results in bodily injury or death, or if the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Examples of actions that can lead to a felony fleeing charge include:
- Accelerating away from a police car after being signaled to stop.
- Turning off vehicle lights at night to avoid detection.
- Engaging in reckless driving behavior that endangers others while trying to evade the police.
Possible Legal Consequences of Eluding an Officer in Oklahoma
As you can imagine, the penalties for felony fleeing are severe in this state. If convicted, a defendant can face:
- At least one year of imprisonment and up to life in prison if the pursuit results in serious bodily injury or death.
- Fines that may exceed several thousand dollars.
- Revocation of driver’s license.
- A permanent felony record, which can affect employment, housing, and educational opportunities.
What to Expect After an Arrest
After being arrested for felony fleeing, the individual will be taken into custody and will likely face a bond hearing initially, followed by an arraignment where charges will be formally read. Given the severity of the charge, it is crucial for defendants to seek legal representation immediately to begin preparing a defense.
Several defenses can be employed by experienced attorneys in cases of felony fleeing. Here are a few of the most common examples:
- Mistaken Identity: Arguing that the defendant was not the individual driving the vehicle.
- Lack of Intent: Demonstrating that the defendant did not intentionally flee from the police or was unaware that the police were attempting to make a stop.
- Duress: Establishing that the defendant was compelled to flee due to threats of immediate harm.
- Unlawful Police Conduct: Challenging the legality of the police’s actions, such as proving that the stop was based on racial profiling or lacked probable cause.
Your Legal Representation is Crucial
Felony fleeing charges carry serious implications, so they demand a sophisticated defense strategy. Overman Legal Group specializes in criminal cases, leveraging a deep understanding of Oklahoma’s traffic and criminal laws to provide robust defense services. Our team will examine every last detail of your case, from checking if the police stop was legit to looking at what went down during the alleged fleeing incident. We will do what it takes to secure the best possible legal outcome so you can move forward with your life.
Put your case in the hands of an experienced firm with a proven track record in exceptional defense. Contact us as soon as possible for a free consultation.
