Aiding A Fugitive Could Make You A Criminal

A fugitive is someone who runs away from unpleasant circumstances or from government or private groups. This article, however, will concentrate on fugitives of the United States government. A person who escapes from prison or who absconds from government custody is considered to belong to this category of fugitives.

Aiding A Fugitive Of The Law

If a fugitive was able to escape or stay at large due to assistance from a civilian or even from a government officer, the latter will be charged with a crime as well. The criminal offense committed here is called "aiding or harboring a fugitive." An offender of this law knowingly tolerates and abets fugitives of the United States government. Although this is recognized as a criminal act all throughout the United States of America, some states have revised the specifications for the practice of this law.

The State Law of Maryland, for instance, had modified the definition of "fugitive." The law against “aiding a fugitive” would only be applicable if the fugitive at large was issued a felony warrant during his arrest. In addition, valid felony warrants include those issued by the state of Maryland as well as those that came from any other state, the federal government, or any other country in the world. The descriptions of a “fugitive,” however, are subject to differ per state.

Penalty / Punishment

Like any other crime, a penalty or punishment could be imposed onto the person who has committed the unlawful act of aiding or harboring a fugitive.  The penalty or punishment, again, may vary per state. Nevertheless, the usual format for the punishment could be imprisonment, fine, or a combination of both. Jail time would usually depend on the severity of the case. The same rule applies for the fine imposed on an offender. In some cases, the government would enforce a penalty of both fine and imprisonment.

In Maryland, this crime is a misdemeanor and subjects offenders to maximum penalties of a $1,000 fine and/or one year imprisonment. On the other hand, the state of Michigan has three sets of penalties based on the severity of the offense. Aiding a fugitive from lawful custody is considered a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to ninety-three days and/or a fine of up to $500.

However, if the fugitive was wanted on an arrest or bench warrant for a misdemeanor or for a civil case, the penalty would include a maximum of four years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $500. Lastly, if the fugitive is a felon, then the offense is also considered a felony punishable by imprisonment of up to 4 years and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

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