In Tulsa, which is subject to Oklahoma state law, you have a duty to obey peace officers when operating a motor vehicle. Failure to do so is a crime, which is defined as follows, “Any operator of a motor vehicle who has received a visual and audible signal, a red light and a siren from a peace officer driving a motor vehicle showing the same to be an official police, sheriff, highway patrol or state game ranger vehicle directing the operator to bring the vehicle to a stop and who willfully increases the speed or extinguishes the lights of the vehicle in an attempt to elude such peace officer, or willfully attempts in any other manner to elude the peace officer, or who does elude such peace officer, is guilty of a misdemeanor.”
Under this section, if found guilty, the misdemeanor conviction for fleeing and eluding can get you up to one year in jail and a fine of no more than $2,000. If found guilty additional times, your potential jail time remains the same, but the fine increases to up to $5,000.
If Injuries Result, The Punishment Increases
Simply endangering other people by fleeing and eluding, even without actual injuries, makes the crime a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and/ or a $5,000 maximum fine. Anyone who actually causes “great bodily injury,” which is an injury that carries a risk of permanent disfigurement or impairment, carries the same felony punishment.
If Facing These Serious Charges, Consult With A Tulsa Criminal Defense Attorney
Fleeing and eluding are serious charges that carry consequences. You should consult with a Tulsa criminal defense attorney to discuss your options. Contact the Seventh Street Tulsa Law Office today for a initial and confidential consultation by calling (918) 932-2777.