INCREASE PENALTIES FOR FLEEING POLICE
House Bills 4700 and 4701
Sponsor: Rep. Gary Woronchak
Committee: Criminal Justice
Complete to 8-27-01
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILLS 4700 AND 4701 AS INTRODUCED 5-2-01
Currently, the Michigan Vehicle Code and the Michigan Penal Code contain identical provisions prohibiting a person from fleeing and eluding a police officer in a motor vehicle. Penalties for this felony offense range from a term of imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of no more than $500, or both, for a first-time offender convicted of fourth-degree fleeing and eluding to imprisonment up to 15 years or a fine of not more than $10,000, or both, for a person convicted of first-degree fleeing and eluding. The bills would amend the two acts to increase the penalties for repeat violations of leading police officers in car chases.
House Bill 4700 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.602a) and House Bill 4701 would amend the Michigan Penal Code (MCL 750.479a). Under the bills, a person convicted of a second or subsequent violation of the fleeing and eluding statutes would face a mandatory minimum sentence of six months imprisonment in addition to the penalties currently prescribed under law. A court could order a sentence imposed under the fleeing and eluding statutes to be served consecutively to a sentence that was imposed for any other violation that arose out of the same transaction. In addition, the bills would establish a mandatory minimum fine of not less than $200 for a first offense of fourth-degree fleeing and eluding. (The current maximum for the amount of a fine - $500 - and the maximum length of imprisonment - two years - would remain the same.)
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.