What is Fleeing and Eluding?
If you attempt to escape from the police, the state will charge you with Fleeing and Eluding. Examples include failing to stop, speeding up, or trying to hide after a police officer signals for you to stop. Fleeing and eluding tickets always contain other charges such as speeding or disobeying traffic control devices.
Now that I have tickets for Fleeing and Eluding, what will happen in court?
You should have an attorney represent you on your court date. I can almost always have the state reduce or throw out the Fleeing and Eluding charges.
Will I have to speak in court?
No. I rarely have my clients speak in court. The whole purpose of having an attorney is to have the attorney represent you.
What is the most likely outcome?
In most cases, I can work out a deal to have the state completely dismiss the Fleeing and Eluding charges. In exchange, we will agree to plead guilty to the minor offense (such as speeding) you were charged with. As part of the agreement, no ticket will go on your record. This includes the ticket we will agree to accept responsibility for. So, ultimately, the Fleeing and Eluding ticket will be dismissed. Therefore, no convictions will go on your driving record.
Why should I use an attorney?
Although you have been charged with a serious crime, remember that everything is negotiable. An attorney could have the state dismiss or reduce the charges, or the charges could place you in jail. An attorney will be your representative that the prosecutor and judge understands is working for you. Also, an attorney is allowed to talk in court and in private with the prosecutor and judge about you and about what should be done. However, if you don’t have an attorney, no one will speak for you. Likewise, the prosecutor and the judge will not speak to you (other than on the record). They want to avoid misunderstandings because you are unfamiliar with the system and with what is acceptable to discuss. An attorney makes all the difference in the world.
For more specific information and to review the facts of your case, call Attorney Young for a no-obligation consultation.