Martin Perez

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

Vehicular homicide is recklessly killing someone through operation of a vehicle (car, airplane, boat, or other motor vehicle) when caused by conduct creating substantial risk of death, the driver's intoxication, drag racing, or construction zone violations. Punishment ranges from 2 to 12 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines for reckless conduct or drag racing; intoxication-related vehicular homicide is punished more severely as a Class B felony with a mandatory minimum 48 hours in jail, and sentences are enhanced for prior alcohol-related convictions.

Penalty: Class D felony; 2-12 years; fine up to $5,000