Preston R Royal

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

Reckless endangerment is when someone acts recklessly in a way that puts another person in immediate danger of death or serious injury. This happens when a person is aware of a serious risk but ignores it anyway—for example, firing a gun into a crowd or driving dangerously fast through a populated area. A basic conviction is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500. The offense is enhanced to a Class E, D, or C felony (1-15 years in prison) if the reckless conduct involves using a deadly weapon or firearm.

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

Reckless driving — Class B misdemeanor. Up to 6 months in jail and $500 fine. Penalty may be enhanced for prior offenses or aggravating factors.

Penalty: Class B misdemeanor; 6 months; fine up to $500

Compliance with financial responsibility law required – Evidence of compliance – Issuance of citations by police service technicians — Class C misdemeanor. Up to 30 days in jail and $50 fine. Penalty may be enhanced for prior offenses or aggravating factors.

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