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Jason White got tired of his job on a cleaning crew and did what many people want to do when they get fed up and feel their jobs are dead ends. He just walked away.
One problem. White, 37, was in prison when he decided to take a stroll.
White was captured Thursday. A residence near West Craig Road and North Las Vegas Boulevard was White’s brief oasis while on the run.
White had been serving up to ten-years for larceny, a burglary, a gun charge and domestic battery.
Every year, thousands escape from custody. Most are, like White, ‘walk-aways.’ While it’s easy to drop the rake and walk down the road, escapes have occurred from maximum security prisons. When they’re found, they can face additional time behind bars.
Nevada Revised Statutes Section 212.090 establishes the penalties imposed for escape, or attempted escape, from prison. Penalties vary depending both upon the manner of escape and depending upon the underlying crime that led to the defendant being in custody or imprisoned.
A prisoner who is held on a felony charge or who is imprisoned due to the commission of a felony will be charged with a Category B felony for trying to escape or for escaping. The penalties could include between one and 10 years imprisonment and a maximum $10,000 fine.
A prisoner on a felony charge or who has been imprisoned for a felony conviction who takes hostages to facilitate an escape; who uses a deadly weapon in the escape; or who attempts to cause or causes bodily harm in the escape, can be charged with a Category B felony. The penalty for this offense is between two and 20 years imprisonment, and a fine up to $20,000.
A prisoner who is held on a misdemeanor charge, or who has been convicted of a misdemeanor (including a gross misdemeanor) will be charged with a gross misdemeanor for an attempted escape or for escaping, unless a dangerous weapon is used. If a dangerous weapon is used, the charge is a Category B felony, and the penalty includes one and six years imprisonment and a fine up to $5,000.
A prison term for escape runs consecutively following the sentence imposed for the initial crime, and the sentence will not be suspended. A defendant who is convicted of escape cannot be given probation before serving his minimum jail time.
Anyone accused of a prison escape should understand their options. Judges and juries are not sympathetic to anyone already in the criminal justice system who decides to take an unauthorized break.
Nicholas Wooldridge, a noted Las Vegas criminal defense attorney handles tough cases — including escape. Call today to schedule a private and confidential consultation to learn your options.
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