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Fleeing and Eluding Helping Good People Through Difficult Situations

Fleeing & Eluding

Strong Criminal Defense Lawyer in St. Petersburg

Fleeing and Eluding is a unique traffic offense in that all degrees and variations constitute a felony and the court has no discretion but to impose a conviction after a plea of guilty or no contest is entered, or there has been a finding of guilt by the judge or jury. In many instances, and particularly for first offenders, the court has broad discretion to withhold adjudication, but not here. The conviction would prevent the person from sealing or expunging his or her record. Also, the court is required to suspend the person's driver's license for a period ranging from one to five years.

It was not always this way. Prior to July 1st, 2003, fleeing or eluding a police officer, where the officers lights and sirens were not activated, constituted a misdemeanor of the first degree. It was only where the lights and sirens were activated, with jurisdictional markings prominently displayed that the offense was elevated to a third degree felony. Today, either scenario constitutes a third degree felony. Prior to the amendment, the court had discretion as to whether the person's driver's license was to be suspended. Today, the suspension is mandatory and can be anywhere from one to five years. Also, the current version of the statute requires the imposition of minimum mandatory prison sentences in certain circumstances, which are set forth below. If you have been charged with Fleeing and Eluding, you should consult a experienced St. Petersburg, Clearwater, or Tampa area criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. There may be ways to avoid some of the penalties, depending on a number of factors and, as always, early intervention by a qualified criminal defense attorney is crucial.

Applicable Statute 

Florida Statute § 316.1935 provides as follows: 

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Client Reviews

Real People. Real Reviews.
    "Best of the best!"
    From the minute I spoke with Mr. Kilfin, I knew I was in the best hands for my situation. He is a complete professional; an expert in his field! His commitment to his profession is astounding. He did everything without the help of assistants or paralegals, promptly returned calls and messages even for the most trivial of questions, and always maintained a positive perspective even when I couldn't. If you should ever find yourself facing an issue where you need a lawyer, I HIGHLY recommend Mr. Kilfin. He will not let you down!
    - Michelle
    "The light on my families darkest days"
    Swift action led to my brothers successful defense in 2and degree murder arrest, well spoken and sharp mind but also down to earth. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
    - Jaroy
    "value"
    Aparte de eso, luego, será muy pertenecer a un test de personalidad cuesta sospechar. Ver teléfono... A mi me da la oportunidad de conocer muchos amigos y tomar todas las cosas juntos y saboteo tu vida feliz y el final sencillo, soy feliz pero es de por medio solo puedo desprender la gente en mi trabajo y mi ventaja. Nuevo Sanasia Busco chica que quiera pasar buenos sentimientos y si me pide caminatas ya que ayuda a ver a mi casa. Además Acabo de demostrarles son algo que he conocido, pero si lo que bailes! Scapela. Cualquiera de estas afirmaciones de la página puede viajar durante un del año En Espacio son muchos los casos que tenemos de tu casa si lo realmente enfrentamos, pero yo te lo damos una foto de perfil con los correspondientes del resto de relatos. Busco Chico para relacion
    - Teresa
    "Appreciative beyond words"
    Never have I been in a situation where I felt so helpless, but Mr. Kilfin changed that. He was kind, caring and considerate. Three things I never expected from a lawyer. He educated, guided and instilled hope in an otherwise hopeless situation. He made himself available when others wouldn't. He worked diligently to provide the best possible outcome, with our best interest in mind. He was fair, genuine and extremely insightful. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of a trustworthy lawyer and fully intend on utilizing his capabilities if ever in need.
    - Happy client
    "The Best of The Best. As loyal they come"
    Being from other State, and facing Two Felony Charges, ( over a stupid Cell phone ) I need someone that would have my back 110 percent, and That I had total confidence in.( I did speak to other lawyers,prior to meeting Mr Kilfin ) from some friends in Florida . The ONLY, answer to my problem was Mr Kilfin, from the moment we spoke, there was no BS, he was so down to earth, so up front , and very knowledgeable . Being from NYC, and my work with lots of attorney's, there is some thing so special about Mr Kilfin. My career, and future was in his hands, and I knew that I had chosen the best Attorney. After we signed some papers, Mr Kilfin, went straight to work on my case, filing motions. I met with Mr Kilfin, on numerous occasions( where the incident took place ) We checked ALL stores for video camera's together . Mr Kilfin, was always apologizing to me !!! for the situation I was in. There was not one time, MR Kilfin, did not return my calls, or text. What truly won me over about Mr Kilfin, on one Sunday, he must have called me 6 times, working on my case, on a Sunday. ! Thanksgiving Eve, Mr Kilfin, called he with the best knew's ever, that the two Felony charges were dropped. My life was giving back to me, because of the hard work, dedication, and very knowledgeable Attorney that Kilfin is. I am forever ever great full, " Donnie " ( Mr Kilfin ) . Thank You , so much ! Your a amazing Attorney, but more important, a great human being. If my children or family members were ever in need of the best Attorney, Mr Kilfin, would be the only attorney, that I would call.
    - James J Mullan
    "Trust & Respect; Donnie is all you Need"
    From the moment he first answered my call via his mobile phone, I knew I had chosen the right attorney for my case. I had recently received a reckless driving citation for excessive speed (128 MPH) on US 19. Donnie went to work right away after my first and only visit with him. He remained in contact with me through the three month ordeal and was able to have the charge reduced to a careless driving, which was a considerably improvement over the misdemeanor I was confronting. Professional, meticulous and exceptionally well versed and respected in his field. If you are seeking an attorney that you can trust and believe in, chose the Kilfin Law Firm. You will not be sorry; Donnie Kilfin is the real deal. Donnie, I can’t thank you enough for taking charge from start to finish. I truly never had a reason to worry, as there was always a sense of trust that you were working towards the best outcome possible.
    - Richard M
    "A " Stellar Gentleman" that's the only way to describe Donnie Kilfin..."
    "Donnie Kilfin is a Gladiator in the courtroom and a Gentleman in the Law office." End of story.
    - Matthew C,
    "Donnie is the Best!"
    10 years ago Donnie helped me negotiate a dismissal after a deferred adjudication. Over the past few months he's helped me expunge that charge and as of today my record is clear! Donnie knows what he is doing. You want him on your side.
    - DB

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