We don’t always want to yield to authority, especially police officers if we suspect trouble may follow the sound of a siren.
However, fleeing and eluding an officer is a crime with significant penalties in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
What Does it Mean to Elude an Officer?
Tulsa law requires citizens to bring their car to stop when a peace officer of any kind either directs his siren or lights towards them.
Anyone who increases their speed, turns off their headlights, or does anything else in an attempt to escape may be found guilty of eluding an officer. Tulsa Municipal Ordinance Ch. 6 § 648
In order to secure a conviction of fleeing and eluding, a prosecutor will have to prove that the defendant:
- was driving a motor vehicle;
- received a red light and a siren from an officer;
- the light and siren directed the defendant to stop; and
- the defendant willfully eluded the officer.
Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 540A
Therefore, passengers may not be charged with fleeing and eluding an officer. The prosecution will have to present evidence that they acted with the intentions to evade the officer.
Penalties for Fleeing and Eluding in Oklahoma
If charged under Tulsa law, anyone convicted of fleeing and eluding an officer may face up to 90 days in jail, a fine between $100 and $1,250, and court costs, fees, and assessments.
Someone who has been charged under state law and committed this crime for the first time will face a misdemeanor charge, up to a year in jail, and a fine of up to $2,000.
A second time offender may face a year in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
Penalties for this crime may result in a felony charge and up to five years in prison if someone is found guilty of endangering or causing serious bodily harm to others in his attempt to elude an officer. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 540A
Free Consultation: Tulsa Criminal Defense Lawyer
A conviction of eluding an officer can result in lengthy jail time and or hefty financial penalties. If you or someone you know is faced with this charge, please contact a Tulsa criminal defense attorney to discuss your available legal options.
Consult with an experienced attorney today by calling 918-913-0725.
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