Florida law contains many criminal acts that a person may be charged with while behind the wheel. Among the most serious are felonies that result from an apparent disregard for the safety of others. Charges that allege a fleeing to elude a police officer at high speed in Orlando are among these examples. These cases are felonies of the second degree where convictions are likely to bring multiple-year prison sentences and a lengthy loss of driving privileges.
A lawyer might be able to assist you if you are facing charges related to fleeing to elude a police officer. They work with you to explain the laws that control your case, evaluate the evidence that the prosecution intends to bring to court, and develop a defense that aims to protect your freedom and driving privileges.
All allegations that a person has refused to stop for law enforcement are serious matters under state law. At a minimum, these charges are felonies. However, state law treats incidents that occur at high speed even more harshly. Under Florida Statute § 316.1935 (3), it is against the law for any person to attempt to elude a police officer in a vehicle by driving at high speed or in any other manner that shows wanton disregard for the well-being of people or property.
Convictions under this law are felonies of the second degree. This means that a judge overseeing a case can impose multiple penalties, including:
Talking with a traffic attorney could help people to understand when these enhanced penalties apply and how to understand why these enhanced charges are in place.
With such heavy penalties possible upon conviction, it is critical to begin building a defense against charges alleging fleeing to elude a police officer at high speed in Orlando as soon as possible.
One option is to dispute the idea that pursuit occurred at high speed. The statute does not provide a strict definition of this concept, and the prosecutor’s decision to bring charges under this law often has little basis in fact. Ultimately, it is up to a jury to decide if a defendant’s actions were “high speed” as it fits into the definition of this offense.
Similar concepts apply to charges that move forward alleging a wanton disregard for the safety of people or property. An attorney could help argue that any supposed attempt to elude police did not endanger others or that a driver’s actions were for the purpose of protecting others on the road.
State law takes responsible behavior when behind the wheel seriously. Perhaps no statute provides as clear an example of this concept as that which prohibits traveling at high speed or in a wanton manner while evading police. Police officers have the right to demand that drivers stop while on public roads, and any attempt to evade this stop that travels at high speeds can result in a felony charge.
An attorney could help you avoid conviction under these charges and the subsequent harsh penalties. They are prepared to explain the state’s laws, evaluate the information that prosecutors have concerning the case, and challenge the accusation that your driving has endangered other people or property. Contact them now to discuss your case.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
