Any interaction with Oregon police officers can lead to criminal charges. However, a host of additional charges -- or upgraded charges -- can be included if people do not cooperate with police during a traffic stop or other police investigation. While people are under no obligation to tell police about illegal activity, they do need to comply with certain requests -- including the request to pull over.
Two Oregon residents are facing various felony charges following a standoff with police. According to police, the pair were in a car that drove through a stop sign. When police tried to stop the car, officers allege that the driver and his female passenger fled the scene. Officers claim that they drove through city streets and a field before abandoning the car in an alley and fleeing on foot.
After their initial disappearance, police say they tracked the couple to a residence. After a two hour standoff, SWAT team member stormed the house and took the two people into police custody. During their time in the house, the two apparently started a fire in the kitchen.
As a result of this incident, the 23-year-old woman was charged with reckless driving, attempt to elude on foot, attempt to elude in a vehicle and first-degree arson. The 23-year-old man was charged with first-degree arson, possession of a stolen vehicle, reckless driving, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, attempt to elude on foot and attempting to elude in vehicle.
Felonies, like these, can lead to serious punishments. People can face more than a year in prison, large fines, probation and a permanent criminal record. These penalties can inhibit a person's freedom for the rest of their lives -- convicted felons are not allowed to vote or carry firearms. They may also find it hard to obtain stable housing or employment.
To avoid additional felony charges, people should cooperate with police. As can be seen in this case, fleeing can lead to more charges and harsher penalties. Instead of fleeing, people may need to create an aggressive criminal defense strategy that can deal with the criminal charges.
Source: KOIN, "2 people in custody after standoff in Jefferson Co.," March 24, 2014
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