Walk It Through: The Chase
Wilful or wanton disregard, evading in a vehicle, and force against an arrest.
A young driver weaves through traffic at high speed on a busy road at night.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
One driver and one stop. A death in the pursuit, deadly weapons, and federal special investigators are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Evading arrest or detentionIntentionally fleeing from a person known to be a peace officer who is attempting lawfully to arrest or detain the person. It is a Class A misdemeanor, and more in a vehicle or after a prior conviction.
- Resisting arrestIntentionally preventing or obstructing a person known to be a peace officer from arresting, searching or transporting anyone, by using force against the officer or another.
- State jail felonyThe felony level below third degree: 180 days to two years in a state jail, and a fine of up to $10,000.