This bill revises the laws concerning fleeing from or eluding a peace officer in Montana, specifically amending Section 61-8-316 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). It establishes clear classifications for misdemeanor and felony offenses related to this behavior, with penalties that vary based on the severity of the offense. A person convicted of fleeing from a peace officer will face misdemeanor charges, while aggravated fleeing, which includes prior convictions or reckless behavior, will be classified as a felony. Additionally, if the fleeing results in serious bodily injury or death, the penalties increase significantly.

The bill introduces new legal language that specifies the conditions under which a person commits aggravated fleeing, including reckless driving, causing property damage exceeding $5,000, or leaving the state. It also clarifies the penalties associated with these offenses, ensuring that individuals who plead guilty or are convicted are subject to the outlined consequences. The reorganization of these provisions aims to align them with existing patterns in Title 61, Chapter 8 of the MCA, enhancing the clarity and consistency of the law.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 61-8-316
HB0503_1(1): 61-8-316
HB0503_1(2): 61-8-316
HB0503_1(3): 61-8-316
HB0503_1(4): 61-8-316
HB0503_1(5): 61-8-316
HB0503_1(6): 61-8-316
HB0503_1: 61-8-316
HB0503_X(1): 61-8-316
HB0503_X(2): 61-8-316
HB0503_X(3): 61-8-316
HB0503_X(4): 61-8-316
HB0503_X(5): 61-8-316
HB0503_X: 61-8-316