Fleeing and Eluding in Florida
January 28, 2010
In recent years the Florida legislature has increased the sanctions associated with Fleeing and Eluding. In some instances, conduct that was once only a misdemeanor crime has now become a felony. Florida law now mandates that if you are found guilty by a jury or enter of plea of guilty or no contest to this charge, you will become a convicted felon regardless of your prior criminal record. In addition, depending on the facts of the case, you may be facing a possible mandatory prison sentence and the revocation of your diver’s license for a period of 1 to 5 years. If convicted of Fleeing and Eluding your driver’s license may also be suspended or revoked under the statute designating you as a Habitual Traffic Offender.
- A person convicted of Fleeing and Eluding a law enforcement officer, faces a felony conviction, incarceration up to 5 years, and a revocation of their driver’s license from 1 to 5 years.
- A person convicted of Fleeing and Eluding a law enforcement officer in a marked vehicle while driving at a high speed or in any manner which demonstrates a wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property faces a felony conviction, incarceration up to 15 years, and a revocation of their driver’s license from 1 to 5 years.
- A person convicted of Fleeing and Eluding a law enforcement officer in a marked vehicle while driving at a high speed or in any manner which demonstrates a wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property and causes serious bodily injury or death to another person faces a felony conviction, a minimum prison sentence of 3 years and as high as 30 years, and a revocation of their driver’s license from 1 to 5 years.
