Fleeing or Eluding

Traffic Attorney in Indiana, PA

When a law enforcement officer signals a driver to stop, it is mandatory to comply immediately. Signals can include the use of sirens, hand gestures, verbal commands, or flashing lights. Failure to obey these instructions may lead to fleeing or eluding charges. However, many individuals facing such accusations never intended to evade law enforcement. If you’re in this situation, it’s critical to consult with a lawyer experienced in defending such cases.

The consequences of being convicted for fleeing or eluding go far beyond fines or losing your license. It is a second-degree misdemeanor but may escalate based on the circumstances, making it vital to fight these charges.

What Leads to Charges of Fleeing or Eluding?

While fleeing or eluding usually involves an intentional act to evade law enforcement, not all drivers charged with this are guilty of such intent. Sometimes, panic plays a major role.

Imagine seeing flashing lights in your rearview mirror, hearing blaring sirens, and feeling adrenaline rush through your body. Often, the instinctual fight-or-flight response can take over. This split-second reaction may lead to unintended consequences, like accelerating instead of stopping. The law does not always account for these human mistakes, which is why working with an Indiana PA DUI attorney can help ensure your side of the story is heard.

Why You Should Fight Fleeing or Eluding Charges

If you are accused of attempting to flee or elude the police in Pennsylvania, it’s imperative to fight these charges. Traffic laws can sometimes be ambiguous, and this often leads to wrongful charges. Contesting these accusations not only protects your rights but may also help you avoid the stiff penalties attached to a conviction.

Consider these penalties under Pennsylvania law:

• Second-degree misdemeanor: Punishable by a $500 fine and license suspension.
• Elevated Charges: If the act includes aggravating factors like DUI, public endangerment, or crossing state lines, it may escalate to a third-degree felony with harsher penalties like an extended license suspension or even jail time.

Aggravating Factors That May Escalate Charges:

1. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the incident.
2. Creating undue risk to public safety or endangering police officers.
3. Crossing state lines in an effort to evade law enforcement.

A conviction can leave you with a permanent mark on your criminal record, potentially harming future employment opportunities. That is why defending against these charges should be your top priority. And the best way to do that is to hire an Indiana PA criminal lawyer right away.

How an Indiana PA Criminal Lawyer Can Defend You

A skilled attorney can build a strong defense tailored to your specific case. Common strategies include:

• Acting Out of Fear: If the driver failed to stop due to feeling unsafe or fearing an unmarked vehicle, this argument may hold up in court when supported with evidence.
• Improper Identification of Law Enforcement: If the pursuing officer’s vehicle was unmarked or the officer was not in uniform or displaying proper identification, the driver may not have known they were being pursued.

To present the best possible defense, seek a highly qualified Indiana PA criminal lawyer, like Sean Logue, who specializes in traffic violations.

Consequences of Fleeing or Eluding in Indiana, PA

The penalties of fleeing or eluding can be severe, impacting various aspects of your life. Consequences may include:

• Jail Time: Misdemeanor convictions can result in incarceration.
• License Suspension: A 12-month suspension is mandatory for willful evasion.
• Hefty Fines: Fines can heavily burden finances.
• Employment Challenges: A criminal record may limit job opportunities, particularly for positions requiring a clean background.

If charged, you should remain calm and avoid discussing the situation with law enforcement without legal representation. Request assistance from a trusted Indiana PA DUI attorney to handle the interrogation and build your defense.

How We Can Help

Facing charges of fleeing or eluding the police? Here’s how an experienced attorney can assist you:

1. Evidence Scrutiny: We examine the details of your case, from the time and place of the alleged offense to how the pursuit unfolded. Discrepancies in police actions or improper evidence collection will be challenged.
2. Mitigation of Penalties: We highlight factors that may lessen your sentence, such as demonstrating that the evasion was unintentional.
3. Legal Representation: Whether in court or during administrative hearings, we ensure your rights are respected while presenting a strong case to minimize penalties.

Sean Logue brings a proven track record of success in defending clients against complex traffic and criminal charges. His reputation as an excellent Indiana PA criminal lawyer stems from his meticulous approach and commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for his clients.

Steps to Take if Charged with Fleeing or Eluding

1. Do Not Panic: Stay calm and avoid escalating the situation.
2. Avoid Talking Without Counsel: Politely refuse to answer questions and request a legal representative immediately.
3. Get Legal Assistance: Contact an experienced attorney promptly to begin building your case.

Contact Logue Law Group Today

If you have been charged with fleeing or eluding in Indiana, PA, don’t wait to take action. Consulting with a knowledgeable Indiana PA DUI attorney is your first step toward protecting your future.

At Logue Law Group, we proudly serve Indiana, PA, along with neighboring counties and even the states of West Virginia and Ohio. With a deep understanding of Pennsylvania’s traffic laws, we provide expert advice and robust representation to fight for your rights.

Call us at 844.PITT.DUI or visit us online to schedule a free consultation. Delay only increases the risk of facing harsher penalties. Safeguard your freedom today.