State of Indiana v. John Doe

Indianapolis, Indiana criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with eluding.

John Doe attempted to elude arrest by driving at more than 100 mph from Fortville to Indianapolis' near east side.

In Indiana, eluding, fleeing, or resisting law enforcement is typically a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and $5,000 in fines
. The charge escalates to a Level 6 felony (6 months to 2.5 years in prison) if a vehicle is used to flee or if the action causes injury to an officer or public.
Key Aspects of Indiana Resisting Law Enforcement (IC 35-44.1-3-1):

Definition: Knowingly or intentionally, by using a vehicle or fleeing on foot, fleeing from a law enforcement officer who has ordered the person to stop.
Felony Factors: Using a vehicle to flee, causing bodily injury, or creating a substantial risk of bodily injury during the act elevates the charge to a Level 6 felony.
Forcible Resistance: The law requires the resistance to be "forcible," which can include speeding away in a vehicle or physically fighting/pulling away from an officer.
Penalties:
Class A Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail, up to $5,000 fine.
Level 6 Felony: 6 months to 2.5 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine.

If the fleeing results in death or catastrophic injury, it can escalate to higher felony levels.

A criminal charge is not proof of guilt.