Source: https://www.kannlawoffice.com/california-vehicle-code-2800-1-evading-an-officer
Timestamp: 2019-04-20 08:50:27+00:00

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California Vehicle Code § 2800.1 – Evading an Officer - When a California officer attempts to pull over a vehicle in the state, one of two things usually occurs. Either the driver of the vehicle pulls over to the side of the road or, in some circumstances, the driver refuses to pull over, maybe even weaving in and out of traffic to try and evade the officer. California Vehicle Code § 2800.1 prohibits an individual from attempting to evade or flee a California peace officer. It is closely related to California Vehicle Code § 2800.2 Felony Reckless Evading.
Vehicle Code 2800.1 for evading an officer is a misdemeanor. As such, it carries a maximum penalty of not more than one (1) year in the county jail and a fine of up to $1,000 dollars, a lesser penalty than the more serious § 2800.2 Felony Reckless Evading which can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.
What does California Vehicle Code § 2800.1 prohibit?
while the officer is pursuing you in a car or on a bicycle.
Marked Vehicle: The police officer must have pursued you in a marked police vehicle including a car, motorcycle or bicycle so that the public is protected from those non officers with lights or sirens.
Intent: It must be shown that you had the specific intent to evade the officer.
Red Light: The police vehicle had at least one visible red light that you either saw or reasonably should have seen. There must be evidence presented by the police vehicle was equipped with a red light that met visibility requirements.
Uniform: The officer must have been wearing a distinctive uniform which may not include a plain clothes officer with a badge.
As a misdemeanor, evading an officer carries a possible sentence of up to one (1) year in county jail as well as a fine of up to $1,000.00 dollars. Additionally, the vehicle that was being driven may be impounded for up to thirty days.
Example: The vehicle driven by the peace officer does not contain an insignia or logo that makes it look different from “regular” vehicles.
You did not see an insignia on the police vehicle and did not pull over because you were concerned for your safety believing that it was someone pretending to be an officer. The vehicle was not properly marked and you cannot be convicted of evading an officer.
Example: Your wife has serious allergies and appeared to be having an allergic reaction to something she ate. When a Santa Clarita police officer attempted to pull you over, you were concerned about your wife's safety and continued to drive to the hospital.
Because you did not intentionally attempt to evade police and were instead focused on the safety of your spouse, the prosecution cannot prove this essential element of the crime.
Example: A young lady is driving home from work late at night. A dark vehicle signals for her to pull over but she is too scared to stop in that neighborhood and she keeps driving until she reaches a well-lit public location.
The driver did not willfully evade the police and should not be convicted of the crime.
Vehicle Code § 2800.2 applies when a person flees or attempts to elude a police officer and the pursued vehicle is driven in with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
Both jail and a fine.
Or damage to property occurs.
To prove that the defendant is guilty of this crime, the People must prove that the driver willfully attempted to evade an officer and that the driver disregarded the safety of others or of property. The People must also show that both the officer and the vehicle driven by the officer were distinctively marked and that the vehicle had at least one red light.
An example of felony reckless evading might involve a driver with a suspended license who is afraid to be pulled over by the police for a minor traffic stop. Instead, the driver begins to weave in and out of traffic, runs red lights and threatens the safety of other drivers and property while attempting to evade the police.
When the willful flight or attempt to elude a peace officer causes serious bodily injury to any person, the driver can be charged with Vehicle Code § 2800.3.
If the willful flight or attempt to elude causes death, the driver shall be imprisoned in the state prison for 4, 6, or 10 years.
To prove that the defendant is guilty of this crime, the People must prove that the driver willfully attempted to evade an officer and that the driver disregarded the safety of others or of property. The People must also show that both the officer and the vehicle driven by the officer were distinctively marked and that the vehicle had at least one red light. As the name suggests, the People must also demonstrate that injury or death occurred as a result of the driver's attempt to evade police.
Similar to felony reckless evading, an example of evading an officer causing injury or death might involve a driver who was drinking at a holiday party and does not want to be pulled over by the police for a broken headlight. Instead, the driver begins to weave in and out of traffic, runs red lights and threatens the safety of other drivers and property while attempting to evade the police, ultimately striking another vehicle and injuring or killing the other driver and passengers.
California Penal Code §148(a)(1) applies when a person resists, delays, or obstructs any public officer, peace officer, or an emergency medical technician.
A maximum one thousand dollar ($1,000) fine.
To prove that the defendant is guilty of this crime, the People must prove that a person willfully resisted or delayed a police officer or emergency medical technician from performing their official duties.
An example of resisting arrest might be an individual who attempts to hit or kick a police officer who is placing them under arrest or someone who tries to physically prevent an officer from interviewing a witness.
Leave a note giving the name and address of the driver and information regarding the incident.
Vehicle Code 20002 can be charged as a misdemeanor when there is damage to property. If convicted, you could be sentenced to up to six months in county jail and a fine up to $1000.00 dollars. If someone was injured or killed, the offense can be charged as a felony (California Vehicle Code 20001(b)(1)).
To prove that the defendant is guilty of this crime, the People must prove that a driver involved in an accident caused damage but failed to stop at the scene or to provide the property owner with his contact information.
An example of a hit and run[13 is a driver who is involved in an auto collision. As the second driver stops and gets out of their vehicle to exchange contact information, the first driver speeds away and heads home.
Suspended license of 90 days up to 6 months.
To prove that the defendant is guilty of this crime, the People must prove that the driver willfully engaged in an exhibition of speed, driving at a dangerous and unsafe rate of speed to show off. An example of exhibition of speed could involve two teens driving separate cars. As they take off from a stop light, they both increase their speed, engaging in a road race down a busy highway.
What can I do if I am charged with evading an officer?
The attorneys at the Kann California Defense Group have a thorough understanding of the local courts and an extensive knowledge of California's criminal justice system including Ventura, Santa Clarita, Los Angeles, Encino, Pasadena, and many other Southern California cities. If you or someone you know has been arrested or charged with evading an officer, our team of attorneys will analyze the facts of your case and plan a defense strategy that will help you obtain the very best possible outcome in your case. Call the Kann California Defense Group today to schedule your free and confidential consultation.
3. When the defendant acted, (he/she) knew, or reasonably should have known, that the peace officer/emergency medical technician was (a/an) (peace officer/public officer/emergency medical technician) performing or attempting to perform (his/her) duties.
2. While so driving, the defendant willfully engaged in an exhibition of speed.

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