Resisting or evading law enforcement is a serious crime in California, especially when the act involves reckless behavior that places others in danger. Under California Penal Code / Vehicle Code 2800.2, evading a peace officer in a willful and unsafe manner can be charged as a felony, often carrying harsh penalties and long-term consequences.
For residents of Roseville and the greater Placer County area, an arrest under Penal Code 2800.2 is overwhelming and stressful — particularly because of the speed at which charges escalate. Situations involving resisting arrest can unfold suddenly, leaving families unsure of what to do next. Understanding exactly how Penal Code 2800.2 works, what penalties it carries, and how a Bail Bondsman can help is crucial.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about felony resisting arrest, including penalties, examples, the role of the Placer County Sheriff, and why Bail House Bail Bonds remains the top choice for securing release through a bailbond.
Although commonly referred to as “resisting arrest,” Penal Code 2800.2 specifically deals with evading a police officer in a reckless or dangerous manner. This often includes vehicle pursuits, failure to stop during a traffic stop, or fleeing in a way that risks the safety of the public or law enforcement.
Under the law, a person violates Penal Code 2800.2 when they:
Willfully flee or attempt to evade a pursuing peace officer
While driving a vehicle
And commit reckless behavior that shows disregard for the safety of others
This is more serious than basic resisting arrest because 2800.2 includes behavior that endangers lives, often involving high-speed chases.
Understanding real-life examples helps clarify what acts fall under felony evading:
A driver accelerates and attempts to outrun a patrol vehicle after lights and sirens are activated.
Recklessly weaving in and out of traffic puts other drivers at risk.
Ignoring traffic laws while fleeing is a key indicator of reckless driving.
If the initial attempt to escape with a vehicle involved reckless actions, the entire event may fall under Penal Code 2800.2.
Any crash, whether with another vehicle, object, or pedestrian, can significantly increase charges.
The underlying factor across all these examples is “disregard for public safety.”
Felony evading arrest is one of the more serious traffic-related felonies in California. Because of the potential danger to others, courts in Placer County and Roseville take these cases seriously.
Convictions under Penal Code 2800.2 can result in:
16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison
Fines can reach up to $10,000, especially in cases involving property damage or injury.
Some defendants may receive probation instead of prison but will still face:
Mandatory check-ins
Strict behavioral terms
Potential community service
A conviction may result in:
6 months to 3 years suspension
Potential restrictions on reinstatement
A felony evading conviction affects:
Employment
Background checks
Future sentencing
Penalties may increase if:
Someone was injured or killed
A child was in the fleeing vehicle
The defendant has prior felony convictions
In Roseville, law enforcement agencies — including the Roseville Police Department and the Placer County Sheriff — respond aggressively to situations involving evading arrest. These incidents are often dynamic, stressful, and chaotic.
A typical arrest process may involve:
Once a police vehicle signals a driver to stop, failure to do so initiates the offense.
Depending on the situation, this may involve:
Vehicle pursuit
Helicopter support
Multiple units
When officers finally stop the suspect, the arrest occurs immediately.
The suspect is then booked, photographed, and fingerprinted.
Because Penal Code 2800.2 is a felony, the bail amount is typically high. Many defendants cannot afford the full amount upfront and rely on a bailbond to secure release.
This is where calling an experienced Bail Bondsman becomes essential.
A felony resisting arrest charge moves quickly through the legal system. Being released from jail through a bailbond allows the defendant to:
Continue working
Care for family obligations
Meet with lawyers
Prepare a legal defense
Defendants who remain in jail often struggle to manage their case effectively.
A professional Bail Bondsman helps by:
Guiding families through the bail process
Explaining charges and expectations clearly
Posting the bailbond fast for quicker release
Communicating directly with the Placer County Jail
Helping ensure defendants attend all future court hearings
Because resisting arrest charges can escalate, having timely support is crucial.
While every case is different, common defenses include:
The person may not have realized the officer was trying to stop them.
Even if a person failed to stop, reckless behavior may not have occurred.
Medical emergencies or fear for safety may explain the behavior.
Police camera footage, witness testimony, and officer reports must align for a conviction.
Legal counsel will determine which defense is most effective.
Choosing the right bail agency matters, especially for serious felony cases. Bail House Bail Bonds continues to be the top choice for Roseville and Placer County residents facing difficult arrests.
Here’s why:
Bail House works closely with:
Placer County Jail
Placer County Sheriff
Roseville Police Department
This ensures faster release times and smooth communication.
Resisting arrest incidents can occur at any time. Bail House Bail Bonds is always open — nights, weekends, and holidays.
Facing a felony arrest is stressful. Bail House treats every client with professionalism, respect, and care.
No delays. Bail House understands that families need immediate help to bring their loved one home.
Bail House is transparent, with no hidden fees or unexpected charges. Families always know exactly what to expect.
Not exactly. Resisting arrest can involve physical resistance, but Penal Code 2800.2 specifically involves reckless evading in a vehicle, which is more serious.
Bail varies, but because this is a felony involving public safety risk, it is often set very high. A bailbond allows families to pay only a small percentage instead of the full amount.
Yes. Felony evading under Penal Code 2800.2 can lead to up to 3 years in state prison, along with fines and license suspension.
Absolutely. Bail House serves all of Placer County, including Roseville, providing fast and reliable bail support.
Because fleeing recklessly puts officers, drivers, and pedestrians at risk. Courts and law enforcement emphasize public safety in these cases.
A felony resisting arrest charge under Penal Code 2800.2 can change a person’s life in an instant. From the emotional stress of the arrest to the heavy penalties that follow, defendants and their families need clear guidance and strong support.
With help from a professional Bail Bondsman, individuals accused of resisting or evading arrest can return home quickly, focus on their defense, and take the necessary steps to move forward.
Bail House Bail Bonds is the trusted, compassionate choice in Roseville and throughout Placer County. When your loved one is facing an arrest, they are the agency you want by your side.