What is the Fleeing and Eluding Sentence in Wisconsin - Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Carlos Gamino

It’s a felony to flee from the police in Wisconsin, and when you’re caught, they’ll take you to jail. You can be charged with fleeing and eluding an officer, and if you’re convicted, the judge can sentence you to prison time. For most people, the best course of action is to get in touch with an attorney who understands fleeing and eluding charges in Milwaukee, Waukesha and the rest of the state.

What is Fleeing and Eluding?

Under Wisconsin law, you are not allowed to flee or attempt to elude a police officer after the police officer gave you a visual (lights) or audible (sirens) signal. You can’t turn off your headlights, speed up or ignore such a signal to stop; if you do, that’s when the state can charge you with fleeing or eluding.

What is the Fleeing and Eluding Sentence in Wisconsin?

In most cases, fleeing and eluding is a Class I felony. However, it can be a Class H, F or E felony under certain circumstances.

If you’re convicted of:

  • A Class I felony, you could spend 1 year and 6 months in prison and 2 years under extended supervision. The court can also order you to pay fines of up to $10,000.
  • A Class H felony, you could spend up to 3 years in prison with 3 years of extended supervision, and you may have to pay fines of up to $10,000. Fleeing and eluding is a Class H felony if you caused someone bodily harm or you caused damage to someone else’s property.
  • A Class F felony, you could spend up to 7 years and 6 months in prison with 5 years of extended supervision. Your fines could total up to $25,000. Fleeing and eluding is a Class F felony if you cause great bodily harm to another person.
  • A Class E felony, you could spend up to 10 years in prison and 5 years under extended supervision. Additionally, the judge could order you to pay fines of up to $50,000. Fleeing and eluding is a Class E felony if you cause someone else’s death.

Do You Need to Talk to a Lawyer About Fleeing and Eluding Sentences in Wisconsin?

If you’ve been charged with fleeing or eluding, your attorney can help you figure out the best path forward – one that gets you the best possible outcome. You can call us right now at 414-383-6700 or get in touch with us online to schedule your free consultation.

Carlos Gamino