Naperville Fleeing and Eluding Defense Lawyer

Protecting Your Rights Against Fleeing and Eluding Charges in Naperville, IL

Fleeing and eluding is a serious crime, and it is not something to take your chances with. When facing accusations of attempting to flee from law enforcement, consulting with a traffic defense attorney can ensure that you will understand the best approach to take. A skilled lawyer can review the details of your case and fight for the best possible outcome.

Attorney Craig Boston has over fourteen years of experience in litigating traffic law in Naperville, covering everything from speeding to suspended licenses to DUI. Craig can anticipate arguments against your case and plan around them, doing everything in his power to keep you out of prison. Craig's clients have praised his aggressive defense, and his representation has kept thousands of people on the road.

Defining Fleeing and Eluding

Ignoring an officer's order to stop your vehicle, whether through flashing lights or sirens, can result in an arrest and criminal charges. Turning off your lights, increasing your speed, or otherwise trying to avoid apprehension can result in a fleeing and eluding charge.

Penalties for Fleeing and Eluding

Without any aggravating factors, attempting to flee from police may result in Class A misdemeanor charges, which are just below a felony in severity. A conviction may result in no more than $2,500 fines and up to a year in prison. If you are arrested for this offense for a third or subsequent time, you may be charged with a Class 4 felony, which is punishable by fines as high as $25,000 and between one and three years of imprisonment.

A fleeing and eluding conviction also has immediate ramifications for your ability to drive. Your driver's license will be suspended for six months for a first offense or one year for any repeat offenses. Our traffic defense lawyer can consult with you to determine the most optimal defense. He will work to reduce your potential penalties or even have the charges dropped depending on the details of your case.

Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding

If a traffic stop escalates into a chase, you can face aggravated charges that may result in more serious penalties. Aggravating factors include:

• Causing more than $300 in property damage while evading the police
• Causing bodily injury to somebody else
• Ignoring at least two traffic signs or signals
• Making an effort to obfuscate or hide your license plate
• Exceeding the speed limit by 21 miles per hour or more

If it was your first offense, aggravated fleeing and eluding is a Class 4 felony. Class 3 felony charges will apply for a second offense, and a conviction may result in a prison sentence between two and five years. If you are convicted, your license will be revoked.

Defenses Against Charges of Fleeing From Police

If you are charged with a misdemeanor traffic offense, you may be able to appeal for court supervision, a period no longer than two years in which you agree to avoid any traffic infractions. After a successful period of court supervision, the charge will be dropped from your record, making it a preferable alternative to fines and/or jail time. However, this is not a guarantee, as a judge may decide against it in favor of a different sentence.

Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, Attorney Boston can make sound arguments to help prevent a conviction. For instance, you may have not been aware of a police officer's order to stop your vehicle, or an immediate medical emergency may have occupied your full attention and prevented you from complying with the officer's order.

Speak With Our Naperville, Illinois Fleeing and Eluding Defense Attorney Today

A felony or misdemeanor conviction can have a drastic impact on your life, with the potential for incarceration, the loss of your license, and thousands of dollars in fines. If you are facing charges of fleeing and eluding, speak with our traffic defense lawyer to start figuring out your best defense right away. Attorney Craig L. Boston is here to address any questions or concerns you may have. Contact the Law Office of Craig L. Boston at 630-445-2295 to arrange a complimentary consultation today.