Legal Definitions - Fugitive Felon Act

The Fugitive Felon Act is a federal law that makes it a crime to run away across state lines to avoid being prosecuted for a felony or to avoid being put in jail for a felony. This law also applies to people who run away to avoid giving testimony in a felony case.

For example, if someone commits a felony in one state and then runs away to another state to avoid being caught and prosecuted, they could be charged with violating the Fugitive Felon Act. Similarly, if someone is called to testify in a felony case and they run away to another state to avoid testifying, they could also be charged with violating this law.

The Fugitive Felon Act is designed to prevent people from escaping justice by fleeing across state lines. It ensures that people who commit serious crimes are held accountable for their actions, no matter where they try to hide.