Fleeing or Eluding

Understanding Fleeing and Eluding Charges

When you see police signals like flashing lights, sirens, or even hand gestures, you are required by law to pull over your vehicle. If you don’t stop, you could be charged with attempting to flee or elude a police officer. It’s a serious situation, but it’s important to know that many people face these charges without ever intending to break the law. Sometimes, confusion or panic takes over. In these moments, it’s vital to have a skilled criminal defense attorney from Wheeling who can build a strong defense for your case. The penalties for a conviction can be severe, going far beyond simple fines.

The common image of fleeing from police is a deliberate chase to avoid arrest. However, the reality can be different. Imagine you’re driving and suddenly see police lights in your rearview mirror. The sound of sirens can cause a rush of adrenaline. A Wheeling criminal lawyer knows that in that split-second, your natural fight-or-flight instinct can take over, leading you to drive away without thinking about the consequences. It’s a moment of panic, not a calculated decision to commit a crime. This distinction is a key part of building a defense strategy.

Why Is It Important to Fight These Charges?

If you are accused of fleeing or eluding the police in West Virginia, you must defend yourself. The laws can be complex and sometimes lead to incorrect charges. By challenging the accusations, you can protect your rights and potentially avoid harsh penalties. Under state law, fleeing or eluding is typically a misdemeanor. However, the charge can become a felony if certain circumstances are present, which a Wheeling DUI attorney can explain in detail.

Willfully fleeing or eluding an officer, especially in a way that endangers others, can lead to a third-degree felony if specific conditions are met:

• You are driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs.
• You cross state lines while attempting to evade the police.
• You cause an accident that results in injury to another person.

A felony conviction can have devastating consequences, including significant jail time and fines. It also leaves a permanent mark on your criminal record, which can make it difficult to find a job in the future. Protecting your freedom and future should be your main priority, making it essential to fight these charges with the help of a seasoned Wheeling criminal lawyer.

Remember, the penalties for eluding the police are serious and can include jail, steep fines, and the suspension of your driver’s license. If you are arrested, stay calm and do not try to talk your way out of it. You have the right to remain silent and to request the presence of an attorney. Politely refuse to answer questions until your legal counsel arrives.

Potential Defenses for Fleeing or Eluding

A Wheeling criminal lawyer in Wheeling can use several strategies to defend you against fleeing or eluding charges. A common defense is to show that you did not stop because you feared for your personal safety. For example, if you were in a dark, isolated area, you might have driven to a well-lit, public place before pulling over.

Another defense strategy is to question whether you knew you were being pursued by law enforcement. If the police vehicle was unmarked, or if the officer was not in uniform and did not display a badge, it could be argued that you were unaware you were required to stop. An experienced Wheeling DUI attorney can investigate these details to build your case. To ensure you have the best possible defense, it is critical to work with a highly skilled traffic ticket attorney like Sean Logue. He will meticulously review the details of your case and provide outstanding legal representation.

How Sean Logue Can Help You

As a top-rated 10.0 AVVO attorney, I have successfully helped many clients facing charges for fleeing or eluding police. I will use my expertise to carefully examine all the evidence against you and challenge its validity. My process includes a thorough review of the time and location of the incident, your behavior during the alleged pursuit, and whether the officers followed proper procedures. My proven track record in effectively defending clients against traffic violations speaks for itself. It is crucial that any charge of fleeing or eluding is contested vigorously.

Wheeling DUI attorney Sean Logue has consistently been a strong advocate for his clients, providing unwavering and robust legal representation when they need it most. Your future is too important to leave to chance.

Logue Law Group

For immediate help fighting your fleeing and eluding charges in Wheeling, call Logue Law Group now at 844.PITT.DUI. You can also contact us online to schedule a consultation. Logue Law Group proudly serves Wheeling, West Virginia, the surrounding counties, as well as the states of Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Don’t wait to get the help you need. Calling now is the first step toward a better outcome.