Under Virginia Code § 46.2-817, eluding law enforcement occurs when a driver willfully ignores a police officer’s signal to stop. This can involve:
Eluding police can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the incident.
Even a misdemeanor conviction can permanently affect your driving record, insurance rates, and criminal history.
For an eluding charge to hold, the prosecution must prove you were aware of the officer’s signal and willfully ignored it. If visibility was poor, lights were obstructed, or you did not hear the siren, we can argue lack of intent.
Felony eluding requires proof that your actions created a risk of serious injury or demonstrated reckless disregard for others. If no evidence supports this claim, we can work to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor or have it dismissed.
In some cases, individuals hesitate to stop due to unsafe conditions, poor lighting, or fear of a dangerous situation. If you had a valid reason for delaying your stop, we can present this as part of your defense.
Yes. Even a misdemeanor conviction can lead to a mandatory license suspension. However, we can work to challenge the charge, reduce penalties, or negotiate for restricted driving privileges.
Yes. Potential defense strategies include:
The sooner you act, the better your chances of a favorable outcome. Contact Mattox Law immediately to discuss your defense.
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