Fugitive From Justice

When people think of the term “fugitive from justice,” they might think of a person who fled from the state where a criminal prosecution would occur. A fugitive from justice might flee the jurisdiction to:

• avoid prosecution for a felony or a misdemeanor;
• evade the law; or
• avoid punishment.

A fugitive from justice is subject to domestic extradition if wanted by one state but living in another state. If the person is wanted by authorities in one country but living in another, then the fugitive from justice is subject to international extradition.

When it comes to extradition cases, however, the term “fugitive from justice” has a much broader definition that includes any person who:

• has been charged with a crime in one state in the regular course of judicial proceedings but is found to be present in another state;
• regardless of whether the person left the state before or after being charged; and
• regardless of the motive that induced the departure.

The public sometimes uses “wanted person” when referring to a “fugitive from justice.”

Attorney for a Fugitive from Justice in Florida

If you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Sammis Law Firm in Tampa, FL. We can help you determine whether the warrant exists, the underlying charges pending against you, possible defenses, and the best way to fight the case.

Our attorneys represent clients during the extradition process to or from Florida. Over the years, we have also represented clients in international extradition cases.

Depending on the circumstances, we can help you avoid the extradition process entirely with an extradition bond if you can voluntarily return to your home state.

Call 813-250-0500.

Federal Definitions of the “Fugitive from Justice”

The federal sentencing guidelines provide for a harsher sentence if the person is classified as a “prohibited person” under U.S.S.G. § 2K2.1(a)(4)(B). Under the sentencing guidelines, the definition of “prohibited person” under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) includes any person “who is a fugitive from justice.”

Under Federal law, Section 921 defines a fugitive from justice as “any person who has fled from any State to avoid prosecution for a crime or to avoid giving testimony in any criminal proceeding.”

For the sentencing enhancement, a literal reading of the definition of “fugitive’ requires some express intent to avoid prosecution or testimony. See United States v. Soza, 874 F.3d 884 (5th Cir. 2017).

Possession of a Firearm While a Fugitive From Justice

Federal law provides for ten categories of persons who are not eligible to purchase or possess a firearm as found in Title 18, United States Code 922(g)(1)-(9), (n). Under 18 U.S.C. s. 922(g), a person is disqualified from purchasing a firearm or possessing a firearm or ammunition if the person is a “fugitive from justice.”

If you attempt to purchase a firearm, ATF Form 4473 must be completed at the licensed business premises when a firearm is transferred over the counter. When you fill out an ATF Form 4473 (5300.0), Question 21(f) asks:

“Are you a fugitive from justice?”

Federal law also prohibits you from possessing a firearm if you are under indictment or formally charged with any felony crimes while awaiting trial or final disposition.

Consequences of Being a Fugitive from Justice

Under Federal law, you lose many of your civil rights while you are a fugitive from justice, even if the crime is just a misdemeanor. If the warrant was issued in Florida and you leave the state of Florida, then you are considered a fugitive from justice.

While you are a fugitive from justice, you cannot purchase or possess a firearm under Federal law. For example, 18 U.S.C. § 922[g](2) prohibits certain individuals from possessing firearms or ammunition, including anyone considered to be a fugitive from justice. You might also lose access to certain government benefits.

The term “fugitive from justice” is defined as “[a]ny person who has fled from any State to avoid prosecution for a felony or a misdemeanor; or any person who leaves the State to avoid giving testimony in any criminal proceeding.”

The term also includes anyone who knows that misdemeanor or felony charges are pending against such person and who leaves the State of prosecution. Even if you left the state before you were aware of the criminal investigation, you might still be considered a fugitive from justice after you find out about the warrant but refuse to surrender.

The penalty for violating this federal law by possessing a firearm while a fugitive is up to ten years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

Charges under 18 USC Chapter 49: Fugitives from Justice

Under federal law, Chapter 49 of 18 USC is devoted to charges related to fugitives from justice. Sections under 18 USC Ch.49 include:

• Sec 1071. Concealing a person from arrest
• Sec 1072. Concealing escaped prisoner
• Sec 1073. Flight to avoid prosecution or giving testimony
• Sec 1074. Flight to avoid prosecution for damaging or destroying any building or other real or personal property.

The charge under §1071 for concealing a person from arrest prohibits concealing or harboring any person “for whose arrest a warrant or process has been issued under the provisions of any law of the United States, to prevent his discovery and arrest, after notice or knowledge of the fact that a warrant or process has been issued for the apprehension of such person….”

The federal charge of concealing a fugitive under §1071 is punishable by imprisonment not more than one year and/or a fine except that if the warrant or process issued on a charge of felony, or after conviction of such person of any offense, the punishment shall be up to five years in prison and/or a fine. In addition to these federal charges related to fugitives, most states have similar laws in place.

Additional Resources

Definition of Fugitive from Justice – Visit the Merriam-Webster website to find the definition of “fugitive from justice.” The noun is “a person (such as a criminal suspect or witness) who tries to elude law enforcement, especially by fleeing the jurisdiction.”

Identify the Most Wanted Fugitives—Visit the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) website to find a list of the most wanted fugitives from justice or persons of interest wanted by the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals, and Violence Criminal Apprehension Program (ViCAP). 

Florida’s Concealed Weapon License while a Fugitive from Justice – Visit the website of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to find information about disqualifying conditions that might make you ineligible to obtain a “Concealed Weapon License” in Florida if you are a “fugitive from justice.” For obtaining a concealed weapons license, the term “fugitive from justice” means any person who has fled from any state to avoid prosecution for a crime or to avoid giving testimony in any criminal proceeding.

This article was last updated on Friday, September 20, 2024.