Fleeing and eluding arrest are criminal offenses that refer to trying to evade law enforcement. Fleeing is generally described as leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident, while eluding means escaping from custody or arrest, for example, by speeding away from law enforcement.
In North Carolina, fleeing and eluding law enforcement can lead to a number of penalties, including fines, jail time, and driver’s license suspensions. Fleeing and eluding also carry a potential criminal charge. If convicted, the fleeing or eluding sentence could include a prison term and a fine.
The Penalties for Fleeing an Accident Scene in North Carolina
If you flee the scene of an accident in North Carolina, you may be charged with a felony or misdemeanor. Fleeing the scene of an accident is a Class F or Class H felony if the person has prior convictions for fleeing or attempting to flee an accident or if the person has caused bodily harm to others in the accident. Fleeing the scene of an accident is also a Class 1 misdemeanor if there is no injury to others or if it is a first-time hit-and-run.
You may also be subject to civil penalties, including a loss of a driver’s license or vehicle registration. In most cases, you will also be liable for any damages that occurred as a result of your fleeing the scene.
The Penalties for Eluding Arrest by Traffic Police in North Carolina
If you are being pulled over by a traffic officer and you attempt to flee the scene, or if you evade arrest by fleeing the scene, depending on the surrounding circumstances, you may be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. The penalties for each charge depend on the type of offense of which you are convicted.
A Class 1 misdemeanor charge, which is what you will be charged with, typically includes a variable fine, up to 120 days in jail, or both. Felony (Class H Felony) charges in this case involve a variable fine as well as damages.
What Should You Do if You Have Been Slapped With Fleeing or Eluding Charges in North Carolina?
If you have received fleeing or eluding charges in North Carolina, there are a few key things you should do.
First, you should talk to an attorney. They can help you understand your rights and what steps you need to take to protect yourself.
Second, work with the lawyer to get together all of the evidence that is relevant to your case. This includes contact information for any witnesses who may have seen what happened, any physical evidence that was collected at the scene, and any documents related to the case.
Finally, be prepared to go to trial. Trials can be stressful, but if you are prepared and follow your lawyer’s advice, you will likely be able to avoid a conviction.
Coastal South Law
If you have been arrested for fleeing an accident scene or for eluding arrest in North Carolina, it is important that you speak with an experienced defense attorney at Coastal South Law as soon as possible. Our lawyers know how to present your case in the most favorable light possible and can help protect your rights.
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