N.Y. Penal Law § 270.25: Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree

Under New York Penal Law § 270.25, it is a crime to knowingly flee or attempt to elude a police officer while driving a motor vehicle after the officer has signaled you to stop. This signal can come through flashing lights, sirens, or a verbal command from an officer in uniform or marked police vehicle. The law aims to protect public safety by discouraging dangerous high-speed chases and reckless driving.

New York Penal Law § 270.25 focuses not on the level of injury or harm caused, but rather on the speed at which a driver flees. A person is guilty of third-degree unlawful fleeing if they attempt to escape law enforcement at more than 25 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. Third degree fleeing is a Class-A misdemeanor. The possible sentence is a maximum of one year in jail plus. A misdemeanor will be a criminal conviction with the myriad of consequences that come along with a permanent criminal record.

Statute

The exact wording of the statute is as follows:

§ 270.25 Unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the third degree.

A person is guilty of unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the third degree when, knowing that he or she has been directed to stop his or her motor vehicle by a uniformed police officer or a marked police vehicle by the activation of either the lights or the lights and siren of such vehicle, he or she thereafter attempts to flee such officer or such vehicle by driving at speeds which equal or exceed twenty-five miles per hour above the speed limit or engaging in reckless driving as defined by section twelve hundred twelve of the vehicle and traffic law. Unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the third degree is a class A misdemeanor.

Benjamin Goldman Law Office

If you are facing a charge under New York Penal Law § 270.25 for unlawfully fleeing a police officer, you can contact the Benjamin Goldman Law Office. We are a New York State law firm that handles all types of traffic related charges. Our firm handles criminal charges such as DWI and Aggravated Unlicensed Operator. Attorneys at our firm have experience handling Fleeing charges and will be glad to take on your case. The Benjamin Goldman Law Office has received hundreds of five star reviews over the years across several platforms. The verified testimonials speak to the efforts we put into each case and the trust we endeavor to create with our clients. Contact us about your case at your convenience. We look forward to working with you.

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