If someone aids or assists a fugitive in Pennsylvania, they could be facing severe consequences. The consequences include paying large fines and serving jail time. It is important to know your rights if you are charged with giving aid or assistance to a fugitive. You deserve the legal guidance from a criminal defense attorney who is determined to fight for the best possible outcome.
If you are suspected of a crime but haven’t been charged, it is still helpful to contact a lawyer. The sooner we begin working on your case the more time we will have to develop an effective defense strategy. A criminal defense attorney from our firm will protect your rights.
Punishments for Giving Aid and Assistance to a Fugitive
According to the Pennsylvania General Assembly 18 Pa. C.S. § 5105, someone who aids and assists a fugitive could be charged with “hindering apprehension or prosecution.” They intend to hinder the apprehension, prosecution, or conviction of someone else. This includes:
- If they harbor or conceal the person who was charged with the crime.
- If they provide a weapon, transportation, helped create a disguise, or helped the person who is charged with a crime escape.
- If they concealed or destroyed evidence of the crime. This also includes tampering with witnesses or evidence.
- If they warn the person who has been charged with a crime of impending discovery or apprehension.
- If they provide false information to a law enforcement officer.
The amount of jail time or fines varies based on the type of conviction. The circumstances of the case will play a role in the level of charge you are convicted with. Depending on the circumstances, the punishment for hindering apprehension or prosecution according to 30 Pa. C.S. § 923 is:
- First-degree felony: A fine of up to $25,000 and/or prison time of up to 20 years.
- Second-degree felony: A fine ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 and/or prison time not to exceed 10 years.
- Third-degree felony: A fine ranging from $2,500 to $15,000 and/or prison time not to exceed 7 years.
- Second-degree misdemeanor: A fine ranging from $500 to $5,000 and/or prison time not to exceed 2 years.
Who Is Considered a Fugitive?
A fugitive is someone who is convicted or accused of a crime and hides from law enforcement. They might hide in the same state or flee across state lines to avoid prosecution, punishment, or to run from the law.
If someone is charged in one state, and found in another state, they are considered a fugitive from justice. If caught, a fugitive from justice can be extradited to the state where they have been charged to face prosecution.
Our Attorneys Can Help With Your Defense
If you have been charged with hindering apprehension or prosecution, an attorney can help you create a solid defense strategy. For you to be convicted, the prosecution has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt you were involved with the crime. Depending on the circumstances of your case, defensive strategies could include:
- You were unaware the person was a fugitive.
- You did not know your actions were helping someone avoid arrest.
- You knew there was an imminent arrest and only warned the fugitive so they would turn themselves in.
These are a few defense strategies our team might use to defend you from a hindering apprehension or prosecution charge. After reviewing your case, our attorneys will develop a solid defense strategy personalized to your circumstances. You have the right to retain an attorney who will help you defend your rights.
Benefits of Retaining the McKenzie Law Firm
Many benefits come with retaining our firm for your defense. Once you hire our firm, you will always be able to get a hold of your attorney. Our attorneys are accessible through phone, email, text, or social media. You can expect a prompt response to all correspondence. A team member from our firm is available 24/7 to answer your call. We will keep you updated with frequent updates throughout the entirety of your case.
Our attorneys can represent you both in and out of court. Attorney David McKenzie is a former prosecutor and has insider knowledge of how the other side works. He and his team will fight for you to stay out of jail and avoid paying large fines.
Learn How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You Today
If you or a loved one is facing charges for hindering apprehension or prosecution, our attorneys can help. We can develop a solid defense strategy to help get your charges reduced or dismissed. Our attorneys will fight so you don’t have to endure the long-term consequences of having a criminal conviction on your record.
If you are wondering what could happen to you if you aid or assist a fugitive in Pennsylvania, contact us today. We offer free consultations to all potential clients. During the consultation, we will explain your legal options and how our attorneys can defend you. Contact us today.
