MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

Fleeing and Eluding is charged as which type of offense?

1. Misdemeanor

2. Felony

3. Civil Infraction

4. Petty Offense

The correct answer is: Felony

Fleeing and Eluding is classified as a felony because it involves a willful attempt to evade law enforcement while being pursued. This behavior can pose significant risks not only to the officers involved but also to the public, making it a serious crime. When someone flees from police, particularly in a vehicle, it often leads to high-speed chases that can result in accidents, injury, or worse, thus justifying the felony designation. Felonies are more severe in nature compared to misdemeanors and civil infractions, reflecting the risk and societal impact associated with such actions. In contrast, misdemeanors typically encompass less severe offenses that usually carry lighter penalties. Civil infractions do not criminalize behavior in the same way and usually result in fines rather than criminal charges. Petty offenses might involve lesser charges that do not carry the same level of consequences. These distinctions help reinforce why fleeing and eluding is taken seriously within the criminal justice system.