Title: In Re: Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases

State: florida

Issuer: Florida Supreme Court

Document:

Supreme Court of Florida 
 
 
____________ 
 
No. SC17-1714 
____________ 
 
 
IN RE:  STANDARD JURY INSTRUCTIONS IN CRIMINAL CASES—
REPORT 2017-05. 
 
[February 8, 2018] 
 
PER CURIAM. 
 
The Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal 
Cases (Committee) has submitted proposed changes to the standard jury 
instructions and asks that the Court authorize for publication and use the amended 
standard instructions.  We have jurisdiction.  See art. V, § 2(a), Fla. Const. 
The Committee proposes amending the following standard criminal jury 
instructions:  28.4 (Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving [Death] [Serious 
Bodily Injury] [Injury]); 28.4(a) (Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Only 
Damage to an Attended Vehicle or Attended Property); 28.4(b) (Leaving the Scene 
of a Crash Involving Damage to an Unattended Vehicle or Unattended Property); 
28.6 (Fleeing to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer); 28.7 (Fleeing to Elude a Law 
Enforcement Officer (Siren and Lights Activated)); 28.8 (Fleeing to Elude a Law 
 
 
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Enforcement Officer (Siren and Lights Activated with High Speed or Reckless 
Driving); 28.8(a) (Fleeing to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer (Siren and Lights 
Activated with High Speed or Reckless Driving Causing Serious Bodily Injury or 
Death)); 28.8(b) (Aggravated Fleeing or Eluding (Leaving a Crash Involving 
Serious Bodily Injury, Injury or Death then Causing Serious Bodily Injury or 
Death)); 28.8(c) (Aggravated Fleeing or Eluding (Leaving a Crash Involving 
Damage to a Vehicle or Property then Causing Serious Bodily Injury or Death)); 
28.8(d) (Aggravated Fleeing or Eluding (Leaving a Crash Involving Serious Bodily 
Injury, Injury or Death then Causing Injury or Property Damage to Another)); and 
28.8(e) (Aggravated Fleeing or Eluding (Leaving a Crash Involving Damage to a 
Vehicle or Property then Causing Injury or Property Damage to Another)). 
The Committee published all of the proposals in the January 15, 2017, 
edition of The Florida Bar News.  The Committee made responsive changes to a 
majority of the proposals following its receipt of comments.  The Court did not 
publish the proposals after they were filed.  Having considered the Committee’s 
report, we authorize for publication and use the above-listed instructions as 
proposed. 
 
 
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We note the more significant amendments to the standard criminal jury 
instructions1 as follows.  First, instructions 28.4, 28.8(b), 28.8(c), 28.8(d), and 
28.8(e) are amended to remove the phrase “or accident” from the elements of the 
offenses.  Second, the Leaving the Scene instructions, 28.4, 28.4(a), and 28.4(b), 
and the Aggravated Fleeing or Eluding instructions, 28.8(b), 28.8(c), 28.8(d), and 
28.8(e), are amended to add a citation to Gaulden v. State, 195 So. 3d 1123 (Fla. 
2016), with the definition for the phrase “a vehicle is ‘involved in a crash,’ ” 
meaning “if it collides with another vehicle, person, or object.” 
Having considered the Committee’s report, we authorize the amended 
instructions, as set forth in the appendix to this opinion, for publication and use.2  
New language is indicated by underlining, and deleted language is indicated by 
struck-through type.  In authorizing the publication and use of these instructions, 
we express no opinion on their correctness and remind all interested parties that 
                                          
 
 
1.  Comments to the instructions also are amended based upon the 
Committee’s proposals but are not discussed, as we caution all interested parties 
that any comments associated with the instructions reflect only the opinion of the 
Committee and are not necessarily indicative of the views of this Court as to their 
correctness or applicability.    
 
2.  The amendments as reflected in the appendix are to the Criminal Jury 
Instructions as they appear on the Court’s website at www.floridasupremecourt.org 
/jury_instructions/instructions.shtml.  We recognize that there may be minor 
discrepancies between the instructions as they appear on the website and the 
published versions of the instructions.  Any discrepancies as to instructions 
authorized for publication and use after October 25, 2007, should be resolved by 
reference to the published opinion of this Court authorizing the instruction. 
 
 
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this authorization forecloses neither requesting additional or alternative 
instructions nor contesting the legal correctness of the instructions.  The 
instructions as set forth in the appendix shall become effective when this opinion 
becomes final. 
 
It is so ordered. 
LABARGA, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, QUINCE, CANADY, POLSTON, 
and LAWSON, JJ., concur. 
 
NOT FINAL UNTIL TIME EXPIRES TO FILE REHEARING MOTION AND, 
IF FILED, DETERMINED. 
 
Original Proceeding – Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury Instructions in 
Criminal Cases 
 
Judge F. Rand Wallis, Chair, Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury 
Instructions in Criminal Cases, Daytona Beach, Florida; and Bart Schneider, Staff 
Liaison, Office of the State Courts Administrator, Tallahassee, Florida, 
 
 
for Petitioner 
 
 
 
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APPENDIX 
28.4  LEAVING THE SCENE OF A CRASH INVOLVING [DEATH] 
[SERIOUS BODILY INJURY] [INJURY]  
§ 316.027(2), Fla. Stat.; § 316.062, Fla. Stat. 
To prove the crime of Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving [Death] 
[Injury], the State must prove the following four elements beyond a 
reasonable doubt: 
1. 
(Defendant) was the driver of a vehicle involved in a crash or 
accident occurring on public or private property resulting 
in [injury to] [death of] any person. 
2. 
(Defendant) knew that [he] [she] was involved in a crash or 
accident. 
Give 3a if death is charged or 3b if injury or serious bodily injury is 
charged. 
3. 
a. 
(Defendant) knew, or should have known from all of 
the circumstances, including the nature of the crash 
or accident, of the injury to or death of the person. 
b. 
(Defendant) knew, or should have known from all of 
the circumstances, including the nature of the crash 
or accident, of the injury to the person. 
Give 4a, 4b, or both as applicable. 
4. 
a. 
(Defendant) willfully failed to stop at the scene of the 
crash or accident or as close to the crash or accident 
as possible and remain there until [he] [she] had given 
“identifying information” to the [injured person] 
[driver] [occupant] [person attending the vehicle] and 
to any police officer investigating the crash or 
accident. 
          [or] 
 
 
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b. 
(Defendant) willfully failed to render “reasonable 
assistance” to the injured person if such treatment 
appeared to be necessary or was requested by the 
injured person. 
If the State proves that the defendant willfully failed to give any part of 
the “identifying information” or willfully failed to give reasonable assistance, 
the State satisfies this element of the offense. 
Give if serious bodily injury is charged. § 316.027(1)(a), Fla. Stat.; 
 
§ 316.027(2)(b), Fla. Stat. 
If you find that (defendant) committed the crime of Leaving the Scene 
of a Crash Involving Injury, you must then determine whether the State 
proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the injury was a serious bodily injury. 
“Serious bodily injury” means an injury to a person, including the 
driver, which consists of a physical condition that creates a substantial risk of 
death, serious disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function 
of a bodily member or organ. 
Enhancement. Give when the State alleged the victim was a “vulnerable 
road user.” § 316.027(2)(f), Fla. Stat. 
If you find that (defendant) committed the crime of Leaving the Scene 
of a Crash Involving [Death] [Serious Bodily Injury] [or] [Injury], you must 
then determine whether the State proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the 
[injured person] [person who died] was: 
[a pedestrian]. 
[actually engaged in work upon a highway]. 
[actually engaged in work upon utility facilities along a highway]. 
[engaged in the provision of emergency services within the right- 
of-way]. 
[operating a [bicycle] [motorcycle] [scooter] [moped] lawfully on  
the roadway]. 
[riding an animal]. 
[lawfully operating [a farm tractor or similar vehicle designed  
primarily for farm use] [a skateboard] [roller-skates] [in-line  
skates] [a horse-drawn carriage] [an electric personal assistive  
mobility device] [a wheelchair] on [a public right-of-way] 
[crosswalk] [shoulder of the roadway]]. 
 
 
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Definitions. Give as applicable. § 316.003(75), Fla. Stat. 
Gaulden v. State, 195 So. 3d 1123 (Fla. 2016). 
A vehicle is “involved in a crash” if it collides with another vehicle, 
person, or object. 
§ 316.003(75), Fla. Stat. 
A “vehicle” is any device in, upon, or by which any person or property 
is, or may be, transported or drawn upon a highway, except devices used 
exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks. 
§ 316.062, Fla. Stat. 
“Identifying information” means the name, address, vehicle registration 
number, and, if available and requested, the exhibition of the defendant’s 
license or permit to drive. 
“Reasonable assistance” includes carrying or making arrangements to 
carry the injured person to a physician or hospital for medical treatment. 
Patterson v. State, 512 So. 2d 1109 (Fla. 1st DCA 1987). 
“Willfully” means knowingly, intentionally and purposely. 
If the “vulnerable road user” enhancement is given, insert applicable 
definitions from § 316.003, Fla. Stat. 
Lesser Included Offenses 
 
 
LEAVING THE SCENE OF A CRASH INVOLVING DEATH — 
316.027(2)(c) 
CATEGORY ONE 
CATEGORY TWO 
FLA. STAT. 
INS. NO. 
Leaving the Scene of a 
Crash Involving 
Serious Bodily Injury* 
 
316.027(2)(b) 28.4 
Leaving the Scene of a 
Crash Involving 
Injury* 
 
316.027(2)(a) 
28.4 
 
Attempt 
777.04(1) 
5.1 
 
 
 
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LEAVING THE SCENE OF A CRASH INVOLVING SERIOUS 
BODILY INJURY — 316.027(2)(b) 
CATEGORY ONE 
CATEGORY TWO 
FLA. STAT. 
INS. NO. 
Leaving the Scene of a 
Crash Involving Injury  
 
316.027(2)(a) 
28.4 
 
Attempt 
777.04(1) 
5.1 
 
Comments 
 
* In Williams v. State, 732 So. 2d 431 (Fla. 2d DCA 1999), the court stated 
in dictum that Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Injury is a necessarily 
lesser-included offense of Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death. In other 
areas, however, where there is no issue that a person was killed as a result of an 
incident giving rise to criminal charges, non-death lessers are not appropriate. See, 
e.g., State v. Barritt, 531 So. 2d 338 (Fla. 1988); Humphrey v. State, 690 So. 2d 
1351 (Fla. 3d DCA 1997).  
It is unclear whether the courts will interpret the statutory phrase of 
“involved in a crash” as including instances where the defendant’s vehicle did not 
collide with another vehicle, person, or object, but the defendant’s driving pattern 
caused vehicle 2 to collide with a person, an object, or vehicle 3. See State v. Elder, 
975 So. 2d 481 (Fla. 2d DCA 2007) (decided before Gaulden v. State, 195 So. 3d 
1123 (Fla. 2016)). 
This instruction was adopted in 1995 [665 So. 2d 212] and amended in 2008  
[973 So. 2d 432], 2015 [166 So. 3d 1361], and 2016 [192 So. 3d 1190], and 2018. 
 
28.4(a)  LEAVING THE SCENE OF A CRASH INVOLVING ONLY 
DAMAGE TO AN ATTENDED VEHICLE OR ATTENDED PROPERTY  
§ 316.061(1), Fla. Stat.  
To prove the crime of Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Only 
Damage to an Attended Vehicle or Attended Property, the State must prove 
the following four elements beyond a reasonable doubt:  
1. (Defendant) was the driver of a vehicle involved in a crash. 
2. The crash resulted only in damage to a vehicle or other property. 
 
 
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3. The [vehicle] [other property] was [driven] [attended] by [a person] 
[(name of person)]. 
4. (Defendant) failed to stop at the scene of the crash or as close to the 
crash as possible and remain there until [he] [she] had given 
“identifying information” to the [driver or occupant of the damaged 
vehicle] [person attending the damaged vehicle or property] [and to 
any police officer at the scene of the crash or who is investigating the 
crash]. 
If the State proves that the defendant failed to give any part of the 
“identifying information,” the State satisfies this element of the offense.  
Definitions. 
Gaulden v. State, 195 So. 3d 1123 (Fla. 2016). 
A vehicle is “involved in a crash” if it collides with another vehicle, 
person, or object.  
Fla. Stat. § 316.062(1), Fla. Stat.  
“Identifying information” means the name, address, vehicle registration 
number, and if available and requested, the exhibition of the defendant’s 
license or permit to drive.  
Fla. Stat. § 316.003(75), Fla. Stat. 
“Vehicle” means every device, in, upon, or by which any person or 
property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, excepting 
devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks. 
Lesser Included Offenses 
 
LEAVING THE SCENE OF A CRASH INVOLVING ONLY 
DAMAGE TO AN ATTENDED VEHICLE OR ATTENDED 
PROPERTY—316.061(1) 
CATEGORY ONE 
CATEGORY TWO 
FLA. STAT. 
INS. NO. 
None 
 
 
 
 
Attempt  
777.04(1) 
5.1 
 
 
 
 
 
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Comments  
 
It is unclear whether the courts will interpret the statutory phrase of 
“involved in a crash” as including instances where the defendant’s vehicle did not 
collide with another vehicle, person, or object, but the defendant’s driving pattern 
caused vehicle 2 to collide with a person, an object, or vehicle 3. See State v. Elder, 
975 So. 2d 481 (Fla. 2d DCA 2007), which was decided before Gaulden v. State, 
195 So. 3d 1123 (Fla. 2016). 
 
As of August 2017, there was no case law directly addressing the issue of 
whether the State must prove the defendant knew, or should have known, of either 
the crash or the property damage. Compare State v. Dorsett, 158 So. 3d 557 (Fla. 
2015), and Mancuso v. State, 652 So. 2d 370 (Fla. 1995), dealing with § 316.027, 
Fla. Stat., which, unlike § 316.061, Fla. Stat., contains an explicit willfulness 
requirement. 
 
This instruction was adopted in 2013 [131 So. 3d 720] and amended in 2018. 
 
 
28.4(b)  LEAVING THE SCENE OF A CRASH INVOLVING DAMAGE 
TO AN UNATTENDED VEHICLE OR UNATTENDED PROPERTY  
§ 316.063(1), Fla. Stat.  
To prove the crime of Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Damage 
to an Unattended Vehicle or Unattended Property, the State must prove the 
following four elements beyond a reasonable doubt:  
1. 
(Defendant) was the driver of a vehicle involved in a crash or 
collision. 
2. 
The crash or collision resulted in damage to another vehicle or 
other property. 
3. 
The vehicle or other property was not driven or attended by any 
person. 
4. 
(Defendant) failed to immediately stop at the scene of the crash or 
collision and then and there either  
 
 
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a. 
locate and notify the operator or owner of the vehicle 
or other property of [his] [her] name and address and 
the registration number of the vehicle [he] [she] was 
driving, or 
b. 
attach securely in a conspicuous place in or on the 
vehicle or other property a written notice giving [his] 
[her] name and address and the registration number 
of the vehicle [he] [she] was driving, and, without 
unnecessary delay, notify the nearest office of a duly 
authorized police authority. 
Gaulden v. State, 195 So. 3d 1123 (Fla. 2016). 
A vehicle is “involved in a crash” if it collides with another vehicle, 
person, or object. 
§ 316.003(75), Fla. Stat. 
“Vehicle” means every device, in, upon, or by which any person or 
property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, excepting 
devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks. 
Lesser Included Offense 
 
LEAVING THE SCENE OF A CRASH INVOLVING DAMAGE TO 
AN UNATTENDED VEHICLE OR UNATTENDED PROPERTY—
316.063(1) 
CATEGORY ONE 
CATEGORY TWO 
FLA. STAT. 
INS. NO. 
None 
 
 
 
 
Attempt  
777.04(1) 
5.1 
 
Comments 
 
It is unclear whether the courts will interpret the statutory phrase of 
“involved in a crash” as including instances where the defendant’s vehicle did not 
collide with another vehicle, person, or object, but the defendant’s driving pattern 
caused vehicle 2 to collide with a person, an object, or vehicle 3. See State v. Elder, 
975 So. 2d 481 (Fla. 2d DCA 2007) (decided before Gaulden v. State, 195 So. 3d 
1123 (Fla. 2016)). 
 
 
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As of September 2015August 2017, there was no case law directly 
addressing the issue of whether the State must prove the defendant knew, or should 
have known, of either the crash or the property damage. Compare State v. Dorsett, 
158 So. 3d 557 (Fla. 2015), and Mancuso v. State, 652 So. 2d 370 (Fla. 1995), 
dealing with § 316.027, Fla. Stat., which, unlike § 316.063, Fla. Stat., contains an 
explicit willfulness requirement. 
This instruction was adopted in 2016 [192 So. 3d 1190] and amended in 
2018.  
 
28.6  FLEEING TO ELUDE A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER 
§ 316.1935(1), Fla. Stat. 
To prove the crime of Fleeing to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer, the 
State must prove the following three elements beyond a reasonable doubt: 
1. (Defendant) was operating a vehicle upon a street or highway in 
Florida. 
2. A duly authorized law enforcement officer ordered the defendant 
to stop or remain stopped. 
Give 3a or 3b as applicable. 
3. (Defendant), knowing [he] [she] had been ordered to stop by a duly 
authorized law enforcement officer,  
a. willfully refused or failed to stop the vehicle in compliance 
with the order 
b. having stopped the vehicle, willfully fled in a vehicle in an 
attempt to elude the officer. 
Definitions. 
“Operator” means any person who is in actual physical control of a 
motor vehicle upon the highway [or who is exercising control over or steering 
a vehicle being towed by a motor vehicle]. 
 
 
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Fla. Stat. § 316.003(53), Fla. Stat. 
“Street or highway” means the entire width between boundary lines of 
every way or place of whatever nature when any part thereof is open to the 
public for purposes of vehicular traffic. 
Fla. Stat. § 316.003(75), Fla. Stat. 
“Vehicle” means every device, in, upon, or by which any person or 
property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, excepting 
devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks. 
Patterson v. State, 512 So. 2d 1109 (Fla. 1st DCA 1987).  
“Willfully” means intentionally, knowingly, and purposely. 
 
Lesser Included Offenses 
 
 
FLEEING TO ELUDE A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER — 
316.1935(1) 
CATEGORY ONE 
CATEGORY TWO 
FLA. STAT. 
INS. NO. 
Reckless Driving (if 
there was evidence 
that the fleeing was in 
a motor vehicle) 
 
316.192(1)(b) 28.5 
 
Disobedience to Police 
or Fire Department 
Officials* 
316.072(3) 
28.18 
 
Comments 
 
For the category two lesser included offense, see Koch v. State, 39 So. 3d 
464 (Fla. 2d DCA 2010).*The Second District Court of Appeal requires 
Disobedience to Police to be given as a lesser when the charging document tracks 
the Fleeing statute. See Koch v. State, 39 So. 3d 464 (Fla. 2d DCA 2010); Lucas v. 
State, 192 So. 3d 1269 (Fla. 2d DCA 2016). The Committee retained Disobedience 
to Police in the Category Two box, however, because Disobedience to Police 
requires the police order or direction to be lawful and the crime of Fleeing to Elude 
LEO does not contain that element. See State v. Kirer, 120 So. 3d 60 (Fla. 4th 
DCA 2013); Jackson v. State, 463 So. 2d 372 (Fla. 5th DCA 1985). 
 
 
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This instruction was adopted in 2000 [765 So. 2d 692] and amended in 2008 
[976 So. 2d 1081], 2011 [73 So. 3d 136], and 2015 [166 So. 3d 161], and 2018. 
 
 
28.7  FLEEING TO ELUDE A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER 
(Siren and Lights Activated) 
§ 316.1935(2), Fla. Stat. 
To prove the crime of Fleeing to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer, the 
State must prove the following three elements beyond a reasonable doubt: 
1. (Defendant) was operating a vehicle upon a street or highway in 
Florida. 
2. (Defendant), knowing [he] [she] had been directed to stop by a duly 
authorized law enforcement officer, willfully fled in a vehicle in an 
attempt to elude a law enforcement officer. 
3. The law enforcement officer was in an authorized law enforcement 
patrol vehicle with agency insignia and other jurisdictional markings 
prominently displayed on the vehicle and with siren and lights 
activated. 
Definitions. 
“Operator” means any person who is in actual physical control of a 
motor vehicle upon the highway [or who is exercising control over or steering 
a vehicle being towed by a motor vehicle]. 
Fla. Stat. § 316.003(53), Fla. Stat. 
“Street or highway” means the entire width between boundary lines of 
every way or place of whatever nature when any part thereof is open to the 
public for purposes of vehicular traffic. 
Fla. Stat. § 316.003(75), Fla. Stat. 
“Vehicle” means every device, in, upon, or by which any person or 
property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, excepting 
devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks. 
 
 
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Patterson v. State, 512 So. 2d 1109 (Fla. 1st DCA 1987). 
“Willfully” means intentionally, knowingly, and purposely. 
 
Lesser Included Offenses 
 
FLEEING TO ELUDE A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER — 
316.1935(2) 
CATEGORY ONE 
CATEGORY TWO 
FLA. STAT. 
INS. NO. 
Fleeing to elude 
 
316.1935(1) 
28.6 
Reckless Driving (if 
there is evidence that 
the fleeing was in a 
motor vehicle) 
 
316.192(1)(b) 28.5 
 
Disobedience to Police 
or Fire Department 
Officials* 
 
316.072(3) 
 
28.18 
 
Comments 
 
For the category two lesser included offense, see Koch v. State, 39 So. 3d 
464 (Fla. 2d DCA 2010).*The Second District Court of Appeal requires 
Disobedience to Police to be given as a lesser when the charging document tracks 
the Fleeing statute. See Koch v. State, 39 So. 3d 464 (Fla. 2d DCA 2010); Lucas v. 
State, 192 So. 3d 1269 (Fla. 2d DCA 2016). The Committee retained Disobedience 
to Police in the Category Two box, however, because Disobedience to Police 
requires the police order or direction to be lawful and the crime of Fleeing to Elude 
LEO does not contain that element. See State v. Kirer, 120 So. 3d 60 (Fla. 4th 
DCA 2013); Jackson v. State, 463 So. 2d 372 (Fla. 5th DCA 1985). 
This instruction was adopted in 2000 [765 So. 2d 692] and amended in 2008 
[976 So. 2d 1081], 2011 [73 So. 3d 136], and 2015 [166 So. 3d 161], and 2018. 
 
 
 
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28.8  FLEEING TO ELUDE A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER 
(Siren and Lights Activated with High Speed or Reckless Driving) 
§ 316.1935(3)(a), Fla. Stat. 
 
To prove the crime of Fleeing to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer, the 
State must prove the following four elements beyond a reasonable doubt: 
 
1. (Defendant) was operating a vehicle upon a street or highway in 
Florida. 
2. (Defendant), knowing [he] [she] had been directed to stop by a duly 
authorized law enforcement officer, willfully fled in a vehicle in an 
attempt to elude a law enforcement officer. 
3. The law enforcement officer was in an authorized law enforcement 
patrol vehicle with agency insignia and other jurisdictional markings 
prominently displayed on the vehicle and with siren and lights 
activated. 
4. During the course of the fleeing or the attempt to elude, (defendant) 
drove at high speed or in any manner demonstrating a wanton 
disregard for the safety of persons or property. 
Definitions. 
“Operator” means any person who is in actual physical control of a 
motor vehicle upon the highway [or who is exercising control over or steering 
a vehicle being towed by a motor vehicle]. 
Fla. Stat. § 316.003(53), Fla. Stat. 
“Street or highway” means the entire width between boundary lines of 
every way or place of whatever nature when any part thereof is open to the 
public for purposes of vehicular traffic. 
Fla. Stat. § 316.003(75), Fla. Stat. 
“Vehicle” means every device, in, upon, or by which any person or 
property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, excepting 
devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks. 
 
 
- 17 - 
Patterson v. State, 512 So. 2d 1109 (Fla. 1st DCA 1987). 
“Willfully” means intentionally, knowingly, and purposely. 
Lesser Included Offenses 
 
FLEEING TO ELUDE A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER — 
316.1935 (3)(a) 
CATEGORY ONE 
CATEGORY TWO 
FLA. STAT. 
INS. NO. 
Fleeing to elude 
 
316.1935(2) 
28.7 
Fleeing to elude 
 
316.1935(1) 
28.6 
Reckless Driving (if 
wanton disregard for the 
safety of persons or 
property is charged or if 
there is evidence that 
the fleeing was in a 
motor vehicle) 
 
316.192(1) 
28.5 
 
Disobedience to Police 
or Fire Department 
Officials* 
 
316.072(3) 
 
28.18 
 
Comments 
 
For the category two lesser included offense, see Koch v. State, 39 So. 3d 
464 (Fla. 2d DCA 2010).*The Second District Court of Appeal requires 
Disobedience to Police to be given as a lesser when the charging document tracks 
the Fleeing statute. See Koch v. State, 39 So. 3d 464 (Fla. 2d DCA 2010); Lucas v. 
State, 192 So. 3d 1269 (Fla. 2d DCA 2016). The Committee retained Disobedience 
to Police in the Category Two box, however, because Disobedience to Police 
requires the police order or direction to be lawful and the crime of Fleeing to Elude 
LEO does not contain that element. See State v. Kirer, 120 So. 3d 60 (Fla. 4th 
DCA 2013); Jackson v. State, 463 So. 2d 372 (Fla. 5th DCA 1985). 
This instruction was adopted in 2000 [765 So. 2d 692] and amended in 2008 
[976 So. 2d 1081], 2011 [73 So. 3d 136], and 2015 [166 So. 3d 161], and 2018. 
 
 
 
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28.8(a)  FLEEING TO ELUDE A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER 
(Siren and Lights Activated with High Speed or Reckless Driving Causing 
Serious Bodily Injury or Death) 
§ 316.1935(3)(b), Fla. Stat. 
To prove the crime of Fleeing to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer, the 
State must prove the following five elements beyond a reasonable doubt: 
1. (Defendant) was operating a vehicle upon a street or highway in 
Florida. 
 
2. (Defendant), knowing [he] [she] had been directed to stop by a duly 
authorized law enforcement officer, willfully fled in a vehicle in an 
attempt to elude a law enforcement officer. 
 
3. The law enforcement officer was in an authorized law enforcement 
patrol vehicle with agency insignia and other jurisdictional 
markings prominently displayed on the vehicle and with siren and 
lights activated. 
 
4. During the course of the fleeing or the attempt to elude, (defendant) 
drove at high speed or in any manner demonstrating a wanton 
disregard for the safety of persons or property. 
 
5. As a result of (defendant’s) fleeing or eluding at high speed or 
wanton disregard for safety, [he] [she] caused [the death of] [serious 
bodily injury to] [another person] [a law enforcement officer 
involved in pursuing or otherwise attempting to stop [his] [her] 
vehicle]. 
 
Definitions. 
“Operator” means any person who is in actual physical control of a 
motor vehicle upon the highway [or who is exercising control over or steering 
a vehicle being towed by a motor vehicle]. 
Fla. Stat. § 316.003(53), Fla. Stat 
“Street or highway” means the entire width between boundary lines of 
every way or place of whatever nature when any part thereof is open to the 
public for purposes of vehicular traffic. 
 
 
- 19 - 
Fla. Stat. § 316.003(75), Fla. Stat. 
“Vehicle” means every device, in, upon, or by which any person or 
property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, excepting 
devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks. 
Patterson v. State, 512 So. 2d 1109 (Fla. 1st DCA 1987). 
“Willfully” means intentionally, knowingly, and purposely. 
Lesser Included Offenses 
 
FLEEING TO ELUDE A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER — 
316.1935(3)(b) 
CATEGORY 
ONE 
CATEGORY 
TWO 
FLA. STAT. 
INS. NO. 
Fleeing to elude 
 
316.1935(3)(a) 
28.8 
Fleeing to elude 
 
316.1935(2) 
28.7 
Fleeing to elude 
 
316.1935(1) 
28.6 
Reckless Driving 
(if wanton 
disregard for the 
safety of persons 
or property is 
charged or if there 
is evidence that the 
fleeing is in a 
motor vehicle) 
 
316.192(1) 
28.5 
 
Disobedience to 
Police or Fire 
Department 
Officials* 
 
316.072(3) 
 
28.18 
 
Comments 
 
For the category two lesser included offense, see Koch v. State, 39 So. 3d 
464 (Fla. 2d DCA 2010).*The Second District Court of Appeal requires 
Disobedience to Police to be given as a lesser when the charging document tracks 
the Fleeing statute. See Koch v. State, 39 So. 3d 464 (Fla. 2d DCA 2010); Lucas v. 
State, 192 So. 3d 1269 (Fla. 2d DCA 2016). The Committee retained Disobedience 
to Police in the Category Two box, however, because Disobedience to Police 
 
 
- 20 - 
requires the police order or direction to be lawful and the crime of Fleeing to Elude 
LEO does not contain that element. See State v. Kirer, 120 So. 3d 60 (Fla. 4th 
DCA 2013); Jackson v. State, 463 So. 2d 372 (Fla. 5th DCA 1985). 
This instruction was adopted in 2008 [976 So. 2d 1081] and amended in 
2011 [73 So. 3d 136], and 2015 [166 So. 3d 161], and 2018. 
 
28.8(b)  AGGRAVATED FLEEING OR ELUDING 
(Leaving a Crash Involving Serious Bodily Injury, Injury or Death then 
Causing Serious Bodily Injury or Death)  
§ 316.1935(4)(b) and § 316.027, Fla. Stat. 
To prove the crime of Aggravated Fleeing or Eluding, the State must 
prove the following seven elements beyond a reasonable doubt: 
1. 
(Defendant) was the driver of a vehicle involved in a crash or 
accident occurring on public or private property resulting 
in [serious bodily injury to] [injury to] [the death of] any 
person. 
2. 
(Defendant) knew that [he] [she] was involved in a crash or 
accident. 
Give 3a if death is charged or 3b if injury or serious bodily injury is 
charged. 
3. 
a. 
(Defendant) knew, or should have known from all of the 
circumstances, including the nature of the crash or 
accident, of the injury to or death of the person. 
b. 
(Defendant) knew, or should have known from all of the 
circumstances, including the nature of the crash or 
accident, of the injury to the person. 
Give 4a or 4b or both as applicable. 
4. 
(Defendant) 
a. 
willfully failed to stop at the scene of the crash or accident 
or as close to the crash or accident as possible and remain 
 
 
- 21 - 
there until [he] [she] had given “identifying information” to 
the [injured person] [driver] [occupant][person attending 
the vehicle or other damaged property] and to any police 
officer investigating the crash or accident. 
[or] 
b. 
willfully failed to render “reasonable assistance” to 
the injured person if such treatment appeared to be 
necessary or was requested by the injured person. 
5. 
A duly authorized law enforcement officer ordered 
(defendant) to stop. 
6. 
(Defendant), knowing [he][she] had been ordered to stop by 
a law enforcement officer, [willfully refused or failed to stop 
[his][her]vehicle in compliance with the order to stop] [and 
after having stopped in knowing compliance with the order 
to stop, willfully fled in a vehicle in an attempt to elude the 
law enforcement officer.] 
7. 
As a result of (defendant) fleeing or eluding, [he] [she] 
caused [serious bodily injury to] [the death of] (name of 
victim). 
§ 316.027, Fla. Stat. 
A driver has the legal duty to immediately stop [his] [her] vehicle at the 
scene of the crash or accident or as close to the scene of the crash or accident 
as possible and provide “identifying information.” 
If the State proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant 
willfully failed to give any part of the “identifying information” or willfully 
failed to give reasonable assistance, the State satisfies this element of the 
offense. 
Enhancement. Give when the State alleged the victim was a “vulnerable 
road user.” § 316.027(2)(f), Fla. Stat. 
 
 
- 22 - 
If you find that the State proved beyond a reasonable doubt that 
(defendant) committed elements #1 – #4, you must then determine whether the 
State also proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the [injured person] [person 
who died] in element #1 was:  
[a pedestrian].  
[actually engaged in work upon a highway].  
[actually engaged in work upon utility facilities along a highway].  
[engaged in the provision of emergency services within the right-of-
way].  
[operating a [bicycle] [motorcycle] [scooter] [moped] lawfully on  
the roadway].  
[riding an animal]. 
[lawfully operating [a farm tractor or similar vehicle designed primarily 
for farm use] [a skateboard] [roller-skates] [in-line skates] [a horse-
drawn carriage] [an electric personal assistive mobility device] [a 
wheelchair] on [a public right-of-way] [crosswalk] [shoulder of the 
roadway]].  
Definitions. Give as applicable. 
Gaulden v. State, 195 So. 3d 1123 (Fla. 2016). 
A vehicle is “involved in a crash” if it collides with another vehicle, 
person, or object. 
Patterson v. State, 512 So. 2d 1109 (Fla. 1st DCA 1987). 
“Willfully” means intentionally, knowingly, and purposely. 
§ 316.062, Fla. Stat. 
“Identifying information” means the name, address, vehicle registration 
number, and, if available and requested, the exhibition of the defendant’s 
license or permit to drive. 
“Reasonable assistance” includes carrying or making arrangement to 
carry the injured person to a physician or hospital for medical treatment. 
 
 
- 23 - 
§ 316.003(75), Fla. Stat.  
“Vehicle” means every device, in, upon, or by which any person or 
property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, excepting 
devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks. 
§ 316.027(1)(a), Fla. Stat. 
“Serious bodily injury” means an injury to a person [including the 
driver,] which consists of a physical condition that creates a substantial risk of 
death, serious disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function 
of a bodily member or organ. 
Lesser Included Offenses 
 
AGGRAVATED FLEEING OR ELUDING  
(Leaving a Crash Involving Death and then Causing Serious Injury Bodily 
Injury or Death) — 
316.1935(4)(b) and 316.027(2)(c) 
CATEGORY ONE 
CATEGORY TWO 
FLA.STAT. 
INS. NO. 
Leaving Scene of a 
Crash Involving 
Death* 
 
316.027(2)(c) 
28.4 
Leaving the Scene of 
a Crash Involving 
Serious Bodily 
Injury* 
 
316.027(2)(b) 
28.4 
Aggravated Fleeing  
 
316.1935(4)(a) 
28.84 
Leaving Scene of a 
Crash Involving 
Injury* 
 
316.027(2)(a) 
28.4 
Fleeing to Elude LEO  
316.1935(1) 
28.6 
 
Fleeing to Elude LEO 
316.1935(3)(b) 
28.81 
 
Fleeing to Elude LEO 
316.1935(3)(a) 
28.8 
 
Fleeing to Elude LEO 
316.1935(2) 
28.7 
Reckless Driving (if 
there was evidence 
that the fleeing was in 
a motor vehicle) 
 
316.192(1)(b) 
28.5 
 
 
- 24 - 
 
Disobedience to Police 
or Fire Department 
Officials** 
 
316.072(3) 
 
28.18 
 
Comments 
 
* § 316.1935(4), Fla. Stat., states that a person may be charged with both 
Aggravated Fleeing or Eluding and Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death, 
Serious Bodily Injury, or Injury. Therefore, if a Leaving the Scene crime is 
charged as a separate count, then Leaving the Scene should not be given as a 
lesser-included offense of Aggravated Fleeing or Eluding. 
For the category two lesser included offense, see Koch v. State, 39 So. 3d 
464 (Fla. 2d DCA 2010).**The Second District Court of Appeal requires 
Disobedience to Police to be given as a lesser when the charging document tracks 
the Fleeing statute. See Koch v. State, 39 So. 3d 464 (Fla. 2d DCA 2010); Lucas v. 
State, 192 So. 3d 1269 (Fla. 2d DCA 2016). The Committee retained Disobedience 
to Police in the Category Two box, however, because Disobedience to Police 
requires the police order or direction to be lawful and the crime of Fleeing to Elude 
LEO does not contain that element. See State v. Kirer, 120 So. 3d 60 (Fla. 4th 
DCA 2013); Jackson v. State, 463 So. 2d 372 (Fla. 5th DCA 1985). 
It is unclear whether the courts will interpret the statutory phrase of 
“involved in a crash” as including instances where the defendant’s vehicle did not 
collide with another vehicle, person, or object, but the defendant’s driving pattern 
caused vehicle 2 to collide with a person, an object, or vehicle 3. See State v. Elder, 
975 So. 2d 481 (Fla. 2d DCA 2007) (decided before Gaulden v. State, 195 So. 3d 
1123 (Fla. 2016)). 
This instruction was adopted in 2008 [976 So. 2d 1081] and amended in 
2011 [73 So. 3d 136], 2015 [166 So. 3d 161], and 2016 [192 So. 3d 1190], and 
2018. 
 
 
 
- 25 - 
28.8(c)  AGGRAVATED FLEEING OR ELUDING   
 
(Leaving a Crash Involving Damage to a Vehicle or Property then 
Causing Serious Bodily Injury or Death) 
§ 316.1935(4)(b) and § 316.061, Fla. Stat. 
 
To prove the crime of Aggravated Fleeing or Eluding, the State must 
prove the following seven elements beyond a reasonable doubt: 
1. 
(Defendant) was the driver of a vehicle involved in a crash or 
accident. 
2. 
The crash or accident resulted only in damage to a vehicle 
or other property. 
3. 
The [vehicle] [other property] was [driven] [attended] by [a 
person] [(name of person)]. 
4. 
(Defendant) failed to stop at the scene of the crash or 
accident or as close to the crash or accident as possible and 
remain there until [he] [she] had given “identifying 
information” to the [driver or occupant of the damaged 
vehicle] [person attending the damaged vehicle or property] 
[and to any police officer at the scene of the crash or 
accident or who is investigating the crash or accident. 
5. 
A duly authorized law enforcement officer ordered 
(defendant) to stop. 
6. 
(Defendant), knowing [he] [she] had been ordered to stop by 
a law enforcement officer, [willfully refused or failed to stop 
[his] [her] vehicle in compliance with the order to stop] [and 
after having stopped in knowing compliance with the order 
to stop, willfully fled in a vehicle in an attempt to elude the 
law enforcement officer]. 
7. 
As a result of (defendant) fleeing or eluding, [he] she] caused 
[serious bodily injury to] [the death of] (name of victim). 
If the State proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant failed 
to give any part of the “identifying information,” the State satisfies this 
element of the offense. 
 
 
- 26 - 
Definitions. 
Gaulden v. State, 195 So. 3d 1123 (Fla. 2016). 
A vehicle is “involved in a crash” if it collides with another vehicle, 
person, or object. 
Patterson v. State, 512 So. 2d 1109 (Fla. 1st DCA 1987).  
“Willfully” means intentionally, knowingly, and purposely. 
§ 316.062(1), Fla. Stat. 
“Identifying information” means the name, address, vehicle registration 
number, and, if available and requested, the exhibition of the defendant’s 
license or permit to drive. 
§ 316.003(75), Fla. Stat. 
“Vehicle” means every device, in, upon, or by which any person or 
property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, excepting 
devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks. 
Lesser Included Offenses 
 
AGGRAVATED FLEEING OR ELUDING  
(Leaving a Crash Involving Damage to a Vehicle or Property then Causing 
Serious Bodily Injury or Death) — 316.1935(4)(b) and 316.061 
CATEGORY ONE 
CATEGORY TWO 
FLA.STAT. 
INS. NO. 
Aggravated Fleeing  
 
316.1935(4)(a) 
28.85 
Fleeing to Elude LEO 
 
316.1935(1) 
28.6 
Leaving the Scene of a 
Crash Involving 
Damage to Vehicle or 
Property* 
 
316.061 
28.4(a) 
 
Fleeing to Elude LEO 
316.1935(3)(b) 
28.81 
 
Fleeing to Elude LEO 
316.1935(3)(a) 
28.8 
 
Fleeing to Elude LEO 
316.1935(2) 
28.7 
Reckless Driving (if 
there was evidence 
that the fleeing was in 
a motor vehicle) 
 
316.192(1)(b) 
28.5 
 
Disobedience to Police 
or Fire Department 
Officials** 
316.072(3) 
28.18 
 
 
- 27 - 
 
Comments 
 
* § 316.1935(4), Fla. Stat., states that a person may be charged with both 
Aggravated Fleeing or Eluding and Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving 
Damage to Attended Property. Therefore, if Leaving the Scene is charged as a 
separate count, then Leaving the Scene should not be given as a lesser-included 
offense of Aggravated Fleeing or Eluding. 
As of September 2015August 2017, there was no case law directly 
addressing the issue of whether the State must prove the defendant knew, or should 
have known, of either the crash or the property damage to violate this statute. 
Compare State v. Dorsett, 158 So. 3d 557 (Fla. 2015), and Mancuso v. State, 652 
So. 2d 370 (Fla. 1995), dealing with § 316.027, Fla. Stat., which, unlike § 316.061, 
Fla. Stat., contains an explicit willfulness requirement. 
For the category two lesser included offense, see Koch v. State, 39 So. 3d 
464 (Fla. 2d DCA 2010).**The Second District Court of Appeal requires 
Disobedience to Police to be given as a lesser when the charging document tracks 
the Fleeing statute. See Koch v. State, 39 So. 3d 464 (Fla. 2d DCA 2010); Lucas v. 
State, 192 So. 3d 1269 (Fla. 2d DCA 2016). The Committee retained Disobedience 
to Police in the Category Two box, however, because Disobedience to Police 
requires the police order or direction to be lawful and the crime of Fleeing to Elude 
LEO does not contain that element. See State v. Kirer, 120 So. 3d 60 (Fla. 4th 
DCA 2013); Jackson v. State, 463 So. 2d 372 (Fla. 5th DCA 1985). 
It is unclear whether the courts will interpret the statutory phrase of 
“involved in a crash” as including instances where the defendant’s vehicle did not 
collide with another vehicle, person, or object, but the defendant’s driving pattern 
caused vehicle 2 to collide with a person, an object, or vehicle 3. See State v. Elder, 
975 So. 2d 481 (Fla. 2d DCA 2007) (decided before Gaulden v. State, 195 So. 3d 
1123 (Fla. 2016)). 
This instruction was adopted in 2008 [976 So. 2d 1081] and amended in 
2011 [73 So. 3d  136], 2015 [166 So. 3d 161], and 2016 [192 So. 3d 1190], and 
2018. 
 
 
 
- 28 - 
28.8(d)  AGGRAVATED FLEEING OR ELUDING  
 
(Leaving a Crash Involving Serious Bodily Injury, Injury or Death then 
Causing Injury or Property Damage to Another) 
§ 316.1935(4)(a) and § 316.027 Fla. Stat. 
 
To prove the crime of Aggravated Fleeing or Eluding, the State must 
prove the following seven elements beyond a reasonable doubt: 
1. 
(Defendant) was the driver of a vehicle involved in a crash or 
accident occurring on public or private property resulting in 
[serious bodily injury to] [injury to] [the death of] any 
person. 
2. 
(Defendant) knew that [he] [she] was involved in a crash or 
accident. 
Give 3a if death is charged or 3b if serious bodily injury or injury is 
charged. 
3.       a. 
(Defendant) knew, or should have known from all of the 
circumstances, including the nature of the crash or 
accident, of the injury to or death of the person. 
b. 
(Defendant) knew, or should have known from all of the 
circumstances, including the nature of the crash or 
accident, of the injury to the person. 
Give 4a or 4b or both as applicable. 
4. 
(Defendant) 
a. 
willfully failed to stop at the scene of the crash or 
accident or as close to the crash or accident as 
possible and remain there until [he] [she] had given 
“identifying information” to the [injured person] 
[driver] [occupant] [person attending the vehicle or 
other damaged property] and to any police officer 
investigating the crash or accident. 
[or] 
 
 
- 29 - 
b. 
willfully failed to render “reasonable assistance” to 
the injured person if such treatment appeared to be 
necessary or was requested by the injured person. 
5. 
A duly authorized law enforcement officer ordered 
(defendant) to stop. 
6. 
(Defendant) knowing [he] [she] had been ordered to stop by 
a law enforcement officer, [willfully refused or failed to stop 
[his][her]vehicle in compliance with the order to stop][and 
after having stopped in knowing compliance with the order 
to stop, willfully fled in a vehicle in an attempt to elude the 
law enforcement officer.] 
7. 
As a result of (defendant) fleeing or eluding, [he] [she] 
caused [an injury to] [damage to the property of] (name of 
victim). 
§ 316.027, Fla. Stat. 
A driver has the legal duty to immediately stop [his] [her] vehicle at the 
scene of the crash or accident or as close to the scene of the crash or accident 
as possible and provide “identifying information.” 
If the State proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant 
willfully failed to give any part of the “identifying information” or willfully 
failed to give reasonable assistance, the State satisfies this element of the 
offense. 
Enhancement. Give when the State alleged the victim was a “vulnerable 
road user.” § 316.027(2)(f), Fla. Stat. 
If you find that the State proved beyond a reasonable doubt that 
(defendant) committed elements #1 – #4, you must then determine whether the 
State also proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the [injured person] [person 
who died] in element #1 was:  
[a pedestrian].  
[actually engaged in work upon a highway].  
[actually engaged in work upon utility facilities along a highway].  
 
 
- 30 - 
[engaged in the provision of emergency services within the right-of-
way].  
[operating a [bicycle] [motorcycle] [scooter] [moped] lawfully on  
the roadway].  
[riding an animal]. 
[lawfully operating [a farm tractor or similar vehicle designed primarily 
for farm use] [a skateboard] [roller-skates] [in-line skates] [a horse-
drawn carriage] [an electric personal assistive mobility device] [a 
wheelchair] on [a public right-of-way] 
[crosswalk] [shoulder of the roadway]].  
 
Definitions. Give as applicable. 
Gaulden v. State, 195 So. 3d 1123 (Fla. 2016). 
A vehicle is “involved in a crash” if it collides with another vehicle, 
person, or object. 
Patterson v. State, 512 So. 2d 1109 (Fla. 1st DCA 1987). 
“Willfully” means intentionally, knowingly, and purposely. 
§ 316.062, Fla. Stat. 
“Identifying information” means the name, address, vehicle registration 
number, and, if available and requested, the exhibition of the defendant’s 
license or permit to drive. 
“Reasonable assistance” includes carrying or making arrangement to 
carry the injured person to a physician or hospital for medical treatment. 
§ 316.003(75), Fla. Stat. 
“Vehicle” means every device, in, upon, or by which any person or 
property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, excepting 
devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks. 
§ 316.027(1)(a), Fla. Stat. 
“Serious bodily injury” means an injury to a person [including the 
driver,] which consists of a physical condition that creates a substantial risk of 
death, serious disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function 
of a bodily member or organ.  
 
 
- 31 - 
Lesser Included Offenses 
 
AGGRAVATED FLEEING OR ELUDING  
(Leaving a Crash Involving Death and then Causing Injury or Property 
Damage to Another) — 
316.1935(4)(a) and § 316.027(2)(c) 
CATEGORY ONE 
CATEGORY TWO 
FLA.STAT. 
INS. NO. 
Leaving Scene of a 
Crash Involving 
Death* 
 
316.027(2)(c) 
28.4 
Leaving Scene of 
Crash Involving 
Serious Bodily 
Injury* 
 
316.027(2)(b) 
28.4 
Leaving Scene of a 
Crash Involving 
Injury* 
 
316.027(2)(a) 
28.4 
Fleeing to Elude LEO  
316.1935(1) 
28.6 
 
Fleeing to Elude LEO 
316.1935(3)(b) 
28.81 
 
Fleeing to Elude LEO 
316.1935(3)(a) 
28.8 
 
Fleeing to Elude LEO 
316.1935(2) 
28.7 
Reckless Driving (if 
there was evidence 
that the fleeing was in 
a motor vehicle) 
 
316.192(1)(b) 
28.5 
 
Disobedience to Police 
or Fire Department 
Officials** 
 
316.072(3) 
 
28.18 
 
Comments 
 
* § 316.1935(4), Fla. Stat., states that a person may be charged with both 
Aggravated Fleeing or Eluding and Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death, 
Serious Bodily Injury, or Injury. Therefore, if a Leaving the Scene crime is 
charged as a separate count, then Leaving the Scene should not be given as a 
lesser-included offense of Aggravated Fleeing or Eluding. 
For the category two lesser included offense, see Koch v. State, 39 So. 3d 
464 (Fla. 2d DCA 2010).**The Second District Court of Appeal requires 
 
 
- 32 - 
Disobedience to Police to be given as a lesser when the charging document tracks 
the Fleeing statute. See Koch v. State, 39 So. 3d 464 (Fla. 2d DCA 2010); Lucas v. 
State, 192 So. 3d 1269 (Fla. 2d DCA 2016). The Committee retained Disobedience 
to Police in the Category Two box, however, because Disobedience to Police 
requires the police order or direction to be lawful and the crime of Fleeing to Elude 
LEO does not contain that element. See State v. Kirer, 120 So. 3d 60 (Fla. 4th 
DCA 2013); Jackson v. State, 463 So. 2d 372 (Fla. 5th DCA 1985). 
It is unclear whether the courts will interpret the statutory phrase of 
“involved in a crash” as including instances where the defendant’s vehicle did not 
collide with another vehicle, person, or object, but the defendant’s driving pattern 
caused vehicle 2 to collide with a person, an object, or vehicle 3. See State v. Elder, 
975 So. 2d 481 (Fla. 2d DCA 2007) (decided before Gaulden v. State, 195 So. 3d 
1123 (Fla. 2016)). 
This instruction was adopted in 2008 [976 So. 2d 1081] and amended in 
2011 [73 So. 3d 136], 2015 [166 So. 3d 161], and 2016 [192 So. 3d 1190], and 
2018. 
 
28.8(e)  AGGRAVATED FLEEING OR ELUDING 
 
 
(Leaving a Crash Involving Damage to a Vehicle or Property then 
Causing Injury or Property Damage to Another) 
§ 316.1935(4)(a) and § 316.061, Fla. Stat. 
To prove the crime of Aggravated Fleeing or Eluding, the State must 
prove the following seven elements beyond a reasonable doubt: 
1. 
(Defendant) was the driver of a vehicle involved in a crash or 
accident. 
2. 
The crash or accident resulted only in damage to a vehicle 
or other property. 
3. 
The [vehicle] [other property] was [driven] [attended] by [a 
person] [(name of person)]. 
4. 
(Defendant) failed to stop at the scene of the crash or 
accident or as close to the crash or accident as possible and 
 
 
- 33 - 
remain there until [he] [she] had given “identifying 
information” to the [driver or occupant of the damaged 
vehicle] [person attending the damaged vehicle or property] 
[and to any police officer at the scene of the crash or 
accident or who is investigating the crash or accident]. 
5. 
A duly authorized law enforcement officer ordered 
(defendant) to stop. 
6. 
(Defendant), knowing [he] [she] had been ordered to stop by 
a law enforcement officer, [willfully refused or failed to stop 
[his] [her] vehicle in compliance with the order to stop] [and 
after having stopped in knowing compliance with the order 
to stop, willfully fled in a vehicle in an attempt to elude the 
law enforcement officer]. 
7. 
As a result of (defendant) fleeing or eluding, [he] [she] 
caused [injury to] [damage to the property of] (name of 
victim). 
If the State proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant failed 
to give any part of the “identifying information,” the State satisfies this 
element of the offense. 
Definitions. 
Gaulden v. State, 195 So. 3d 1123 (Fla. 2016). 
A vehicle is “involved in a crash” if it collides with another vehicle, 
person, or object. 
 
Patterson v. State, 512 So. 2d 1109 (Fla. 1st DCA 1987). 
“Willfully” means intentionally, knowingly, and purposely. 
§ 316.062(1), Fla. Stat.  
“Identifying information” means the name, address, vehicle registration 
number, and, if available and requested, the exhibition of the defendant’s 
license or permit to drive. 
§ 316.003(75), Fla. Stat. 
“Vehicle” means every device, in, upon, or by which any person or 
property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, excepting 
devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks. 
 
 
- 34 - 
Lesser Included Offenses 
 
AGGRAVATED FLEEING OR ELUDING 
(Leaving A Crash Involving Damage to a Vehicle or Property then Causing 
Injury or Property Damage to Another) — 316.1935(4)(a) and 316.061 
CATEGORY ONE 
CATEGORY TWO 
FLA.STAT. 
INS. NO. 
Fleeing to Elude LEO 
 
316.1935(1) 
28.6 
Leaving the Scene of a 
Crash Involving  
Damage to Vehicle or 
Property* 
 
316.061 
28.4(a) 
 
Fleeing to Elude LEO 
316.1935(3)(b) 
28.81 
 
Fleeing to Elude LEO 
316.1935(3)(a) 
28.8 
 
Fleeing to Elude LEO 
316.1935(2) 
28.7 
Reckless Driving (if 
there was evidence 
that the fleeing was in 
a motor vehicle) 
 
316.192(1)(b) 
28.5 
 
Disobedience to Police 
or Fire Department 
Officials** 
316.072(3) 
28.18 
 
Comments 
 
* § 316.1935(4), Fla. Stat., states that a person may be charged with both 
Aggravated Fleeing or Eluding and Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving 
Damage to Attended Property. Therefore, if Leaving the Scene is charged as a 
separate count, then Leaving the Scene should not be given as a lesser-included 
offense of Aggravated Fleeing or Eluding.  
As of September 2015August 2017, there was no case law directly 
addressing the issue of whether the State must prove the defendant knew, or should 
have known, of either the crash or the property damage to violate this statute. 
Compare State v. Dorsett, 158 So. 3d 557 (Fla. 2015), and Mancuso v. State, 652 
So. 2d 370 (Fla. 1995), dealing with § 316.027, Fla. Stat., which, unlike § 316.061, 
Fla. Stat., contains an explicit willfulness requirement. 
For the category two lesser included offense, see Koch v. State, 39 So. 3d 
464 (Fla. 2d DCA 2010).**The Second District Court of Appeal requires 
 
 
- 35 - 
Disobedience to Police to be given as a lesser when the charging document tracks 
the Fleeing statute. See Koch v. State, 39 So. 3d 464 (Fla. 2d DCA 2010); Lucas v. 
State, 192 So. 3d 1269 (Fla. 2d DCA 2016). The Committee retained Disobedience 
to Police in the Category Two box, however, because Disobedience to Police 
requires the police order or direction to be lawful and the crime of Fleeing to Elude 
LEO does not contain that element. See State v. Kirer, 120 So. 3d 60 (Fla. 4th 
DCA 2013); Jackson v. State, 463 So. 2d 372 (Fla. 5th DCA 1985). 
It is unclear whether the courts will interpret the statutory phrase of 
“involved in a crash” as including instances where the defendant’s vehicle did not 
collide with another vehicle, person, or object, but the defendant’s driving pattern 
caused vehicle 2 to collide with a person, an object, or vehicle 3. See State v. Elder, 
975 So. 2d 481 (Fla. 2d DCA 2007) (decided before Gaulden v. State, 195 So. 3d 
1123 (Fla. 2016)). 
This instruction was adopted in 2008 [976 So. 2d 1081] and amended in 
2011 [73 So. 3d 136], 2015 [166 So. 3d 161], and 2016 [192 So. 3d 1190], and 
2018.