Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Chicago man is facing five charges in Racine County after leading police on a high-speed chase. He is charged with reckless endangerment, grand theft of an automobile, unlawful possession of a firearm, and felony counts of attempting to elude police officers.
According to police, a deputy observed a white Infinity Sedan speeding on the I-94. The deputy began to pursue the vehicle, and road spikes were used to deflate the suspect’s tires. The vehicle began to lose one of its tires as it attempted to exit the highway. The suspect crashed the vehicle outside of a business and then began to flee on foot. The chase lasted for 16.7 miles reaching a top speed of 135 mph.
Deputies apprehended the suspect and searched the vehicle finding a handgun with an extended magazine on the floor of the passenger side of the vehicle. According to the complaint, there was one bullet in the chamber and another 18 in the magazine. The suspect did not have a valid concealed carry permit.
The vehicle was stolen from a Marriot hotel and reported stolen over the weekend. The suspect’s driver’s license was suspended when he stole the vehicle.
Reckless Endangerment
Reckless endangerment is a misdemeanor charge carrying a maximum sentence of one year in jail. In this case, the defendant was charged with reckless endangerment for operating his vehicle at a high rate of speed while attempting to elude officers. It is a common charge in a chase scenario.
Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle
Possession of a stolen motor vehicle is considered a class-3 felony in Illinois. The prosecution must establish that the defendant did not have the consent of the owner to possess the vehicle. In the case mentioned above, the vehicle was reported stolen earlier in the week. The defendant was found in possession of the vehicle. The charge carries a possible sentence of between three and seven years.
Aggravated Fleeing or Eluding Police
The defendant is charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding police. In this case, the charge is a felony. Aggravated fleeing or eluding police is considered a class-4 felony in Illinois. The defendant could face up to three years in prison on only one of the charges.
Analyzing the Weapons Charges
The defendant is facing potential charges that can result in over a decade of imprisonment. However, the prosecution will have to prove that the gun belonged to the defendant and not the owner of the vehicle. In cases like this, the prosecution must establish possession. It does not appear that the defendant has any prior felonies on his record. Otherwise, he would be charged with being a felon in possession of a weapon which carries a much longer sentence than unlawful weapons possession. Nonetheless, he is facing a long-term prison stay on the charges he is facing, and it does not look good as far as his defense goes.
Talk to a Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
David Freidberg represents the interests of those who are facing serious charges in Chicago. Call our office today at (312) 560-7100 to schedule an appointment, and we can begin preparing your defense immediately.
