MODEL PENAL CODE ANNOTATED
 

MODEL PENAL CODE

 
Section 242.0. Definitions.

 In this Article, unless another meaning plainly is required, the definitions given in Section 240.0 apply. 
 

Section 242.6. Escape.

 (1) Escape.  A person commits an offense if he unlawfully removes himself from official detention or fails to return to official detention following temporary leave granted for a specific purpose or limited period.  "Official detention" means arrest, detention in any facility for custody of persons under charge or conviction of crime or alleged or found to be delinquent, detention for extradition or deportation, or any other detention for law enforcement purposes;  but "official detention" does not include supervision of probation or parole, or constraint incidental to release on bail.

 (2) Permitting or Facilitating Escape.  A public servant concerned in detention commits an offense if he knowingly or recklessly permits an escape.  Any person who knowingly causes or facilitates an escape commits an offense.

 (3) Effect of Legal Irregularity in Detention.  Irregularity in bringing about or maintaining detention, or lack of jurisdiction of the committing or detaining authority, shall not be a defense to prosecution under this Section if the escape is from a prison or other custodial facility or from detention pursuant to commitment by official proceedings.  In the case of other detentions, irregularity or lack of jurisdiction shall be a defense only if:

  (a) the escape involved no substantial risk of harm to the person or  property of anyone other than the detainee;  or

  (b) the detaining authority did not act in good faith under color of law.

 (4) Grading of Offenses.  An offense under this Section is a felony of the third degree where:

  (a) the actor was under arrest for or detained on a charge of felony or following conviction of crime;  or

  (b) the actor employs force, threat, deadly weapon or other dangerous instrumentality to effect the escape;  or

  (c) a public servant concerned in detention of persons convicted of crime purposely facilitates or permits an escape from a detention facility.

 Otherwise an offense under this section is a misdemeanor.