Having the Tahlequah, Oklahoma police flash their lights at you or your vehicle can, undoubtedly, cause panic and anxiety.
However, if you fail to stop or decide to run from the police, you can make a bad situation worse.
This is especially true if you end up being charged with fleeing and eluding in Oklahoma, on top of the underlying crime the officer accuses you of committing.
If you or someone you know has been charged with fleeing and eluding in Oklahoma, contact an experienced Tahlequah attorney today.
Defining Fleeing and Eluding In Oklahoma
Under Oklahoma law, it is illegal to fail to bring your car to a stop when a police officer directs their sirens or lights towards you.
Specifically, it is against the law to speed, turns off headlights, or do anything else in an attempt to escape an officer in Tahlequah.
However, a prosecutor must prove each of the following beyond a reasonable doubt in order to secure a guilty conviction of fleeing and eluding in Oklahoma.
- The defendant was a driver of motor vehicle;
- they received a red light and a siren from an officer;
- the light and siren directed the defendant to stop; and
- the defendant willfully eluded the officer by speeding, turning off their headlights, or doing anything else in an attempt to escape the officer.
Passengers cannot be charged with fleeing and eluding in Oklahoma.
Fleeing And Eluding Punishment
A first time conviction of fleeing and eluding in Oklahoma will result in a misdemeanor charge, up to a year in jail, and a fine of up to $2,000.
A second conviction may lead to a felony record and a $5,000 fine.
If the defendant also endangered or caused serious bodily harm to others while eluding an officer, they may receive up to five years in prison.
Low-cost Initial Consultation: Tahlequah Criminal Defense Lawyer
A charge of fleeing and eluding in Oklahoma can not only complicate your other legal case, but can ultimately lead to months or even years behind bars and thousands of dollars in fines.
If you or someone you know is facing this charge, please contact a Tahlequah criminal defense lawyer to discuss your available legal options.
For a low-cost consultation, call Wirth Law Office – Tahlequah at 918-458-2677 or toll free at 1-888-447-7262.
Or, if you prefer e-mail, you may enter a legal question in the form at the top right of this page and we’ll contact you by e-mail as soon as possible.
