Lisa Kay Clay

It is illegal to knowingly fail to appear in court when you've been summoned, arrested with a court-ordered release condition, cited instead of arrested, or issued a criminal summons. Failure to appear is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months 29 days in jail and a $2,500 fine. A defense exists if you had a reasonable excuse for missing the court date.

Penalty: Class A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500

It is illegal to hide from or run away from a police officer you know is trying to arrest you, or to flee in a vehicle when signaled to stop by a police officer. Evading arrest is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a $2,500 fine, with mandatory driver's license suspension of 6 months to 2 years. This offense can be enhanced to a felony if you flee in a vehicle in dangerous circumstances or if the attempted arrest was lawful.

Penalty: Class A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500