Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

The amount of time you can get for holding or helping a fugitive depends on how involved you were and if it was done knowingly. In most cases, harboring or aiding a fugitive is a serious crime that can lead to felony charges. Both federal and state laws make it illegal to hide, shelter, or assist someone who is wanted by law enforcement. The punishment varies by jurisdiction, but it can include several years in prison and significant fines.

Federal Law Penalties

• Under federal law, harboring or assisting a fugitive is punishable by up to five years in prison and fines up to $250,000.
• If the fugitive is wanted for a felony offense, you can face the same felony classification or a related charge, depending on the seriousness of their crime.
• If you help someone wanted for a capital offense (such as murder), the penalties can be even harsher.
• Federal prosecutors must prove you knew the person was a fugitive and intentionally helped them avoid arrest or capture.

Kansas State Law Penalties

• In Kansas, helping a fugitive is typically charged as obstructing apprehension or prosecution under state law.
• This crime can be a Class E felony if the fugitive is wanted for a felony offense, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $100,000.
• If the fugitive is wanted only for a misdemeanor, you could face up to one year in county jail and smaller fines.
• Even allowing a wanted person to hide in your home or car can lead to arrest if done knowingly.

Examples Of Illegal Actions

• Hiding a fugitive in your home or providing them with shelter.
• Giving them money, transportation, or fake identification to avoid arrest.
• Failing to report their location to law enforcement when you know they are being actively pursued.
• Lying to police or destroying evidence to protect them.

Possible Defenses

• You did not know the person was a fugitive or did not intentionally help them evade police.
• You were coerced or threatened into helping the person.
• You had no control over their actions or access to your property at the time.
• Your actions were not meant to hinder law enforcement or delay arrest.

Helping or hiding a fugitive can lead to felony charges under both federal and Kansas law. Penalties range from one year in jail for helping a misdemeanor offender to up to five years in prison and heavy fines for aiding a felony fugitive. The severity of the punishment depends on the fugitive’s crime, your level of involvement, and whether you acted knowingly.