Iowa Code 321.279 – Eluding or attempting to elude pursuing law enforcement vehicle
Current as of: 2024 | Check for updates
|
Other versions
1. a. The driver of a motor vehicle commits a serious misdemeanor if the driver willfully fails to bring the motor vehicle to a stop or otherwise eludes or attempts to elude a marked or unmarked official law enforcement vehicle driven by a peace officer after being given a visual and audible signal to stop. The signal given by the peace officer shall be by flashing red light, or by flashing red and blue lights, and siren. For purposes of this section, “peace officer” means those officers designated under section 801.4, subsection 11, paragraphs “a”, “b”, “c”, “f”, “g”, and “h”.
b. The driver of a motor vehicle who commits a violation under this subsection and who has previously committed any violation under this section is, upon conviction, guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor.
Attorney's Note
Under the Iowa Code, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class C felony | up to 10 years | between $1,370 and $13,660 |
| Class D felony | up to 5 years | between $1,025 and $10,245 |
| Aggravated misdemeanor | up to 2 years | between $855 and $8,540 |
| Serious misdemeanor | up to 1 year | between $430 and $2,560 |
Terms Used In Iowa Code 321.279
- Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
- Driver: means a person who operates a motor vehicle for the transportation of railroad workers in the motor vehicle on behalf of a railroad worker transportation company, whether the person is employed by the company for wages or drives for the company as an independent contractor. See Iowa Code 327F.39
- Motor vehicle: means a self-propelled vehicle purchased or leased in this state, except as provided in section 322G. See Iowa Code 322G.2
- Vehicle: means any vehicle as defined in chapter 321. See Iowa Code 321H.2
2. a. The driver of a motor vehicle commits a class “D” felony if the driver willfully fails to bring the motor vehicle to a stop or otherwise eludes or attempts to elude a marked or unmarked official law enforcement vehicle that is driven by a peace officer after being given a visual and audible signal as provided in this section and in doing so exceeds the speed limit by twenty-five miles per hour or more.
b. The driver of a motor vehicle who commits a violation under this subsection and who has previously committed any violation under this section is, upon conviction, guilty of a class “C” felony.