Fleeing and Eluding Lawyer – Charges in Wisconsin

As an experienced Wisconsin criminal defense attorney with over two decades of legal practice, I have represented countless clients facing charges of fleeing and eluding, a Class I felony in Wisconsin, resulting from police pursuits where a defendant fails to stop after receiving a signal from an officer. In my practice, I have learned that these charges are often coupled with allegations of reckless endangerment, especially if high-speed chases or other risky situations occur during the pursuit.

Fleeing and eluding a police officer in Wisconsin is a serious offense that can carry significant penalties, including potential prison time. If you have been charged with this crime, it will be in your best interest to retain an experienced fleeing and eluding lawyer as soon as possible, as these charges should not be faced alone. At Avena Law Office, we invite you to call us to schedule a free consultation. Our team is ready to provide the aggressive representation to help protect your rights and your future.

If you’ve been charged with fleeing and eluding, I invite you to call me today for a free consultation. I offer fixed fee representation for most cases, and accept credit card payments.

What is Fleeing and Eluding an Officer in Wisconsin?

Under section 364.04(3) of the Wisconsin Statutes, fleeing or eluding an officer is defined as knowingly disregarding a visual or audible signal from a law enforcement officer, leading to a willful attempt to flee or elude the officer. This could manifest through an increase in vehicle speed or extinguishing vehicle lights in an attempt to escape, as well as other tactics to avoid arrest.

The following are a few additional examples of fleeing and eluding law enforcement:

• A driver receiving a signal to pull over from a law enforcement vehicle but choosing to increase their speed in an attempt to escape.
• A motorist extinguishing their vehicle lights at night after noticing a police car signaling them to stop, intending to become less visible and evade the officer.
• A motorcyclist engaging in risky maneuvers such as weaving through traffic or going off-road to elude a pursuing police officer.
• An individual ignoring a roadblock set up by law enforcement and speeding through in an attempt to avoid capture.
• A driver deliberately taking abrupt turns or entering a prohibited area like a pedestrian zone to escape from a pursuing law enforcement vehicle.
• Abandoning a vehicle after a police stop and attempting to escape on foot, thereby eluding the officer.

What Are The Elements of Fleeing and Eluding in Wisconsin?

The legal definition of a crime is broken down into elements, all of which the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. The following are the elements for fleeing and eluding an officer in Wisconsin:

• The defendant operated a motor vehicle on a roadway after receiving a visual or audible signal from a law enforcement officer, with the knowledge that the officer is indeed a law enforcement officer.
• The defendant knowingly fled or attempted to elude the officer by willfully disregarding the signal, thereby endangering the operation of other vehicles, pedestrians, or the police vehicle itself.

What Are The Penalties for a Fleeing and Eluding Conviction in Wisconsin?

Fleeing and eluding a police officer in Wisconsin is considered a Class I felony, carrying significant consequences. If convicted, a defendant could face up to 3.5 years in prison. Penalties can be even more severe in urban counties, where prosecutors often recommend prison as part of plea agreements, and may add additional charges, such as recklessly endangering safety, escalating the potential penalties. The severity of these charges underscores the need for experienced criminal defense representation.

As an experienced Madison criminal defense attorney, my mission is to fervently advocate for my clients. I aggressively challenge the prosecution’s case, aiming to reduce charges, mitigate penalties, or even seek full dismissals. If a case goes to trial, I am tenacious in seeking a not guilty verdict.

Regardless of the complexity of the case, I am dedicated to crafting a robust defense strategy tailored to each client’s unique circumstances, with the ultimate goal of securing the best possible outcome.

Call Today To Schedule A Free Consultation With Experienced Madison Fleeing and Eluding Attorney Glenn Avena.

If you are facing fleeing and eluding charges in Wisconsin, your first step should be to reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney. At Avena Law Office, our dedicated team has the knowledge and courtroom experience to navigate these complex legal waters.

Whether it’s your first offense or not, the consequences of a conviction could be life-altering. It is crucial to remember that you have the right to a trial and to file motions. Even if a plea deal is accepted, the judge ultimately determines your sentence, and a strong argument from your attorney can significantly influence that outcome.

Get the experienced criminal defense representation you need. Call Avena Law Office immediately at (608) 271-2271 to schedule your free consultation.