Ronald S. Chapman Reacts to New Sentencing Policy for Fleeing Law Enforcement

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida — Criminal defense attorney Ronald S. Chapman alerts Floridians to a major shift in state sentencing policy. Under House Bill 113, which takes effect on October 1, 2025, fleeing from law enforcement in a marked vehicle with sirens and lights activated is upgraded from a Level 4 to a Level 5 offense under Florida’s Criminal Punishment Code, triggering harsher sentencing exposure for defendants.

HB 113 raises the severity ranking for high-speed eluding with disregard for safety and increases aggravated fleeing (offenses involving injury or property damage) from a Level 5 to a Level 6 offense. Furthermore, the law introduces a 1.5× sentencing multiplier for repeat offenders, substantially escalating prison exposure for those with prior fleeing convictions.

Attorney Insight: “Just Running Away” Can No Longer Be Overlooked

Chapman notes the troubling disconnect between public perception and legal reality: “What many might dismiss as 'just running away' now carries serious, long-term consequences,” he said. “A single poor decision to speed away from the police in a marked patrol car can now mean a much harsher sentence, especially if you're charged at higher offense levels or have a prior record.”

He emphasizes the urgent need for a proactive defense:

• Early legal strategy matters: Defendants should consult counsel promptly to challenge whether the vehicle was properly marked or whether the offense truly meets Level 5 criteria.
• Repeat offenses carry greater weight: Those with prior fleeing convictions face significantly augmented sentencing due to the mandatory multiplier.
• Fines and incarceration rise: With higher offense levels come longer prison terms and larger fines, compounding the stakes for accused individuals.

For further information on HB 113 or to schedule a confidential consultation, contact Ronald S. Chapman, P.A. at (561) 832‑4348 or visit https://justiceflorida.com.

About Ronald S. Chapman, P.A.

Ron Chapman has 35 years of experience as a criminal defense lawyer. He represents people accused of committing a wide range of crimes in both State and Federal Court in Florida. Those crimes include DUI, battery, economic crimes such as theft and dealing in stolen property, animal abuse, traffic crimes such as reckless driving, murder, manslaughter, crimes against children, federal crimes involving guns and drugs, crimes against the elderly, appeals, and violations of probation.

If you or someone you know requires the assistance of a proven criminal defense attorney, look no further than the law firm of Ronald S. Chapman. Call him today at (561) 832-4348 or visit his website at https://www.justiceflorida.com/. His professional team is available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.