Lake County Fleeing And Eluding Attorney

The criminal charge of fleeing and eluding is a serious criminal offense with serious criminal penalties in Florida. Unlike other felony offenses, the court is not allowed to withhold adjudication for the felony offense of fleeing and attempting to elude. That means if the charge is not amended your civil rights can be permenantly revoked. Additionally, the police may be able to criminally forfeit your vehicle unless you act quickly. Under Florida law if a vehicle is used in the commision of a felony it can be subject to forfieture proceedings. Clermont fleeing and eluding attorney Kevin Pitts can investigate the defenses that exist in your case. Kevin J. Pitts is a former Florida prosecutors with extensive criminal defense experience. Contact Tavares fleeing and eluding and DUI Attorney Kevin Pitts today to discuss your arrest for fleeing and attempting to elude a law enforcement officer in the Lake County area, including Tavares, Clermont, Eustis, Lady Lake, Fruitland Park, Leesburg, Umatilla, Mount Dora and Groveland. Criminal defense attorney Kevin J. Pitts worked as a prosecutor for 25 months before going into private practice in 2010.

What Does The State Have To Prove In A Lake County Fleeding And Eluding Case:

Florida law provides for several versions of fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer under Florida Statutes Section 316.1935. Florida Statute Section 316.1935(1) and 316.1935(2) for fleeing to elude a law enforcement officer. Although Florida law in the past provided for a misdemeanor version of fleeing and eluding, now any charge for fleeding and eluding is a felony offense. To establish a fleeing and eluding in Lake County case the prosecutor must prove that the driver was:

  • operating a motor vehicle;
  • having knowledge that he has been ordered to stop the vehicle by a duly authorized law enforcement officer;
  • willfully refusing or failing to stop the vehicle in compliance with such order or having stopped in knowing compliance with such order, willfully to flee in an attempt to elude the officer.
  • If serious injury or death occurs as a result of fleeing and eluding the penalties can dramatically increase. Fleeing and Attempting to Elude Penalties

Fleeing and Attempting to Elude Penalties

The crime of fleeing and attempting to elude a law enforcement officer in Florida is a third degree felony punishable by a $5,000.00 fine and Five (5) years in Florida State Prison.

Aggravated Fleeing and Attempting to Elude Penalties

Florida Statute Section 316.1935(3)(a), for fleeing to elude a law enforcement officer while siren and lights activated with high speed or reckless driving provides for an enhanced charge if the defendant drives at a high rate of speed, or with a wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.

The penalty for the aggravated version of the offense is enhanced to a second degree felony which is punishable by fifteen (15) years in Florida State Prison.

Aggravated Fleeing and Attempting to Elude with Serious Bodily Injury or Death Penalties

Florida Statute Section 316.1935(4)(b), for Aggravated Fleeing or Eluding by leaving a crash involving injury or death then causing serious bodily injury or death is enhanced even further. Under this charge the prosecutor must prove that the driver, while driving at a high rate of speed or with a wanton disregard for the safety of person or property causes serious bodily injury or death of another. This offense is a first degree felony punishable by thirty (30) years in Florida State Prison with a three (3) year minimum mandatory prison sentence.