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Criminal charges

evading arrest or detention

A person commits a criminal offense (crime) if they intentionally flee from a person they know or should know is a peace officer or federal special investigator attempting to lawfully arrest or detain them. A person will be subject to higher penalties if they use a motor vehicle or watercraft while evading arrest or detention, or cause injury to another person. This criminal offense is also known as “fleeing and eluding.”

In Mississippi, fleeing or eluding a law enforcement officer is a criminal offense under Mississippi Code Section 97-9-72. An individual commits this crime if they willfully fail to stop their vehicle when signaled by a law enforcement officer in a marked police vehicle or boat. The law applies when the individual knows or should reasonably know that the officer is attempting to lawfully arrest or detain them. Penalties for this offense can be more severe if the person uses a motor vehicle or watercraft to flee, or if their actions result in injury to another person. The severity of the charge can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the circumstances, such as the presence of reckless driving or causing a death or serious injury. Enhanced penalties may include increased fines, imprisonment, and the suspension or revocation of the individual's driver's license.

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Criminal charges

evading arrest or detention

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

Mississippi State Code

Mississippi State Code

Criminal charges

evading arrest or detention

Articles