In March of 2017 a fatal shooting occurred in Stillwater, Oklahoma.  One man received multiple gunshot wounds to the head.  He later died.  Two women also suffered gunshot wounds to the head, hands and torso.  However, the women lived.  The gunman and his accomplice fled.  During this they also stole a duffel bag of marijuana from the victims.  The gunman was found in New Mexico and extradited to Payne County on first-degree murder charges.  The accomplice hid in a trailer belonging to 33 year old Melissa Butler several days after the incident.  Ms. Butler is now facing charges on harboring a fugitive.

Harboring a Fugitive and Oklahoma Statutes

You can find the legal designation of harboring a fugitive under Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes.  Section 440(A) specifically describes the offense.  It is helping or hiding a felon, a criminal, or anyone on the run from the law.

Helping or aiding a person for the purposes of hiding a fugitive can come in many forms.  For instance, if you conceal  the person’s whereabouts you are directly aiding  them.  But, you may also aid them in the form of cash and transportation for a getaway.  Further, giving a fugitive weapons and even food can be aiding and abetting under the law.

YOU MAY ALSO FIND OUR ARTICLE ON ELUDING THE POLICE USEFUL.

Consequences of Harboring a Fugitive

Harboring a fugitive is a serious offense in the State of Oklahoma.  In fact, it is a felony offense.  This comes with a possible jail term of up to 10 years.  However, the person facing harboring charges must know that the person they are hiding is on the run.  Further, this person does not have to be on the run from Oklahoma authorities only.  If the person is running from any authorities of any state, then you are still eligible for harboring a fugitive charges.

Rogers County Legal Help

Although many people do not realize it, harboring a fugitive occurs in Rogers County too.  It’s easy for a person to try and hide in rural communities where they are unknown to the local citizens.  If you find yourself in the precarious situation of facing harboring a fugitive charges, call Kania Law Office – Claremore Attorneys today.  The first consultation is free.  Don’t go this alone.