Charles Paul Chesnut

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

It is illegal to enter or stay on someone else's property without their permission. You violate this law if you go onto or remain on property knowing the owner did not consent to your presence, though consent is assumed for businesses open to the public. A violation is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $50 fine. You have a defense if you reasonably believed you had permission, your presence didn't significantly interfere with the owner's use, and you left immediately when asked—but only if the owner did not post visible "no trespassing" signs or purple paint marks at entry points.

Penalty: Class C misdemeanor; 30 days; fine up to $50

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