You have, in all likelihood, seen it on the television or perhaps in the episode of Cops, where someone attempts to keep someone away from being arrested. But ultimately, finally ends up hiding out at a friend’s or relative’s home to stay away from the police. Harboring a fugitive is a criminal offense where, even with understanding the person is a fugitive, others assist them in hiding, providing resources or assisting in keeping away from arrest. In this article, we will talk about the offense of harboring a fugitive.
Who Is A Fugitive?
Before you pass into the details of information about what harboring a fugitive is true, you need to realize who a fugitive is.
A fugitive is an individual who’s fleeing from custody or hiding with the motive of avoiding the police. This is specially finished for the purpose of heading off and being stuck by law enforcement. Moreover, this includes escaping prison, government arrest, wandering, outraging non-public individuals, or vigilante violence.
However, a fugitive can also be someone who has intentionally fled a jurisdiction or state where they are charged with a crime. Moreover, they are also expected to be arrested or have been convicted of a crime. Similarly, awaiting sentencing or punishment.
You might be wondering if fugitives are always fugitives. No, they are not. Other names for fugitives include runaway, deserter, refugee, or an outlaw. Well, now you have understood the true meaning of a fugitive. Now, let’s go to the intricacies of harboring a fugitive.
What Is Meant By Harboring A Fugitive?
Harboring a fugitive is a crime in the US. You have probably seen it on TV or in crime dramas where an outlaw who’s fleeing the police is presenting safe haven or useful resource to accomplish that. Even though it seems interesting and adventurous on TV, in reality, it’s against the law.
In layman’s words, harboring a fugitive is a method of knowingly helping a person who has committed an offense and seeking to avoid arrest by the police.
How Can The Prosecution Prove Harboring A Fugitive?
If you are wondering how the prosecution can prove that a person is harboring a fugitive, they have to showcase certain evidence. A few of them encompass:
- The prosecution must show off that the character has committed an offense.
- Moreover, the prosecution also has to prove that the defendant knew that the individual they may be aiding had committed the crime.
- Similarly, the prosecution will also have to prove that the defendant, in spite of knowing all these, has helped the individual hide from the police.
Laws Varying Regarding Harboring A Fugitive?
The criminal offense of harboring a fugitive is a crime in all states across the United States. But, federal and state laws related to this crime vary. Some examples include:
- In the state of Pennsylvania, the crime of harboring a fugitive is punishable by means of upto seven years in jail and high fines.
- On the other hand, in Florida, harboring a fugitive is charged with a 3rd-degree felony offense. Moreover, it is punishable through a $ 5,000 fine and/or 5 years in state prison.
Defenses Of Harboring A Fugitive In The US
If you’ve been caught in charge of harboring a fugitive, you will be required to showcase your defenses. Moreover, when your case is going to trial, it will be necessary for your defenses to decide and the prosecution. The defenses for this crime are referred to below:
You Were Not Aware The Person Was A Fugitive
This is one defense you can portray during the trial to avoid fines and imprisonment. You will have to notify the legal parties that the person you were aiding or providing shelter is a friend/relative from another state who had visited you without any prior notice.
Moreover, as a good friend/relative, you could not deny their request to stay at your home. Similarly, you were also not aware that this person is facing criminal charges and has been on the lookout for the police.
Besides, if your criminal defense attorney can effectively prove that you had no prior knowledge of the offense or the fact that your friend/relative is a fugitive. Similarly, you cannot be charged with the offense of harboring a fugitive.
The Suspected Fugitive Does Not Know That They Are Facing Criminal Charge
This is the second defense you can say in a trial. Similarly, it is that the friend/relative that you allowed to stay over did not know they were facing charges. Moreover, this means while they were visiting you from another state, they had no idea that they were being charged.
Similarly, as your friend/relative had no idea regarding their chage, you also had no concept that you have been harboring a fugitive. Another issue is that the friend/relative can’t be termed a fugitive. Similarly, when they themselves are not aware of the charges they may be dealing with. Your criminal defense attorney has to show this defense in trial to remove your charges of harboring a fugitive.
Legal Advice
The offense of harboring a fugitive is a serious crime with consequences like long prison time. So, if you are charged with such an offense, Similarly, it is crucial that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Moreover, the lawyer will assist you in building an understandable defense for the trial to prevent you from being in prison time and paying a large fine. Similarly, you are also advised that the earlier you hire a criminal lawyer, the better. Having a team of legal experts will aid you in getting released. Similarly, from the criminal charge in an earlier time period.
Final Words
Now, you have a fair idea regarding the criminal offense of harboring a fugitive. Moreover, this crime is known to have varied consequences based on the state you reside in the US. Similarly, you need not worry about the charges if you have the right criminal defense lawyer by your side.
Read Also:
