California Law on Eluding

Eluding a police officer is a misdemeanor in many states and can land you in jail.

To elude a police officer means to disobey a direct order from a police officer to stop. The order can be by voice command, hand, siren or emergency lights. In California, as in most other states, it is unlawful to elude a police officer who is wearing his uniform or who is displaying his badge. It is also unlawful to elude police if the officer is in a marked police car regardless of whether or not he is in uniform.

Misdemeanor

In California, if you elude a police officer in this way, you can be charged with evading law enforcement. According to the Kavinoky Law firm, a driver convicted of misdemeanor evading law enforcement can face a driving license suspension, fines and up to 6 months in jail.

Consequences

Kavinoky law firm also states that drivers who are charged with this offense more often than not face other charges in addition---hence the reason they were trying to evade the law in the first place. Examples include driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and hit-and-run accidents. These charges would be added on to the existing charge of evading law enforcement, leading to more serious consequences.

Felony

An additional charge of reckless driving could constitute a felony offense, which, if proven, could lead to up to 4 years in jail.

References

• Criminal Lawyers: Criminal Law Definitions. FAQ
• The Kavinoky Law Firm: Evading Law Enforcement