WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I’VE BEEN CHARGED WITH FLEEING AND ELUDING POLICE IN MISSOURI?

Being charged with fleeing and eluding police is a serious offense under Missouri law. Whether it happened during a moment of panic, a misunderstanding, or poor judgment, this charge can carry life-changing consequences. If you’ve found yourself in this situation in Kansas City or anywhere in Missouri, your first and most important step should be to contact an experienced Missouri traffic defense lawyer.

UNDERSTANDING FLEEING AND ELUDING IN MISSOURI

Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 575.150, a person can be charged with fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer if they willfully fail or refuse to stop their vehicle when signaled to do so by a police officer in uniform or operating a marked law enforcement vehicle.

In many cases, the incident begins as a routine traffic stop—perhaps for speeding, running a red light, or a minor infraction. But when a driver doesn’t pull over promptly or continues to drive after being signaled to stop, the situation can escalate quickly. Law enforcement and prosecutors take these incidents very seriously, especially when the alleged fleeing puts officers, pedestrians, or other drivers at risk.

DON’T MAKE YOUR SITUATION WORSE

Several aggravating factors can elevate a fleeing and eluding charge into a more serious criminal offense in Missouri:

• Driving 20 mph or more over the speed limit while fleeing
• Causing property damage or injury during the flight
• Driving while intoxicated or under the influence
• Running stop signs or red lights while fleeing
• Fleeing during the commission of another crime

If any of these apply, what may start as a misdemeanor can easily be enhanced to a felony offense—bringing the potential for jail time, license suspension, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record.

WHY DO YOU NEED A MISSOURI TRAFFIC DEFENSE ATTORNEY?

When you’re facing a charge as serious as fleeing and eluding police, representing yourself is not an option. Missouri courts don’t take these cases lightly, and neither should you. Hiring a seasoned traffic defense attorney—especially one based in Kansas City who understands local courts and procedures—can make all the difference.

Local Experience Matters: Municipal and state courts in Missouri have different ways of handling traffic-related criminal offenses. An experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyer will know the specific prosecutors, judges, and diversion options available in your jurisdiction. That insider knowledge can help in negotiating lesser charges or entering into pre-trial programs that may result in dismissed or reduced charges.

Your Rights Need Protection: In many fleeing and eluding cases, the police report may not tell the full story. An attorney can challenge whether the police had lawful authority to initiate the stop, whether you were aware that you were being pursued, or if there were extenuating circumstances such as a medical emergency, fear, or confusion. Without a lawyer to examine the facts, you may lose the chance to present a complete defense.

Avoiding a Criminal Record: A conviction for fleeing police in Missouri—especially if charged as a felony—can leave you with a permanent criminal record. That can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing for the rest of your life. A defense attorney may be able to negotiate the charge down to a non-criminal infraction or secure a plea that avoids a conviction altogether.

Preventing License Suspension: Fleeing and eluding can also lead to license suspension or revocation, especially when paired with other charges like reckless driving or DWI. A traffic defense lawyer can help protect your driving privileges, challenge administrative penalties, and work toward a solution that keeps you legally on the road.

CONTACT SPEEDING TICKET KC TODAY FOR A FREE CASE EVALUATION

If you’ve been charged with fleeing and eluding in Missouri, take these steps right away:

• Do not speak to law enforcement or prosecutors without your attorney present.
• Gather any evidence that could help your case, such as dashcam footage or witness contact information.
• Avoid discussing your case on social media.
• Contact a Missouri traffic defense lawyer as soon as possible.

At Speeding Ticket KC, our affordable Missouri traffic defense attorneys represent clients throughout the Kansas City metro area and across Missouri who are facing serious traffic charges—including fleeing and eluding. Our goal is to protect your rights, minimize the consequences, and guide you through a legal process that can otherwise be confusing and overwhelming.

If you’ve been charged with fleeing or eluding the police in Missouri, don’t wait. Use the “Get a Quote” form on our site to provide a few basic details about your situation. You can also call us directly at 816-750-2625 for immediate assistance.