About: Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution

Also referred to as the Fugitive Felon Act (18 U.S.C. § 1073), Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution is a United States federal law. Though drawn as a penal statute, and therefore permitting prosecution by the federal government for its violation, the primary purpose of the Fugitive Felon Act is to permit the federal government to assist in the location and apprehension of fugitives from state justice. No prior US Justice Department Criminal Division approval is required to authorize unlawful flight complaints in aid of the states. However, the statute expressly requires "formal approval in writing" by a designated department official before a UFAP violation can be actually prosecuted in federal court. (See USAM 9-69.460.) For information regarding use of a grand jury to locate a fugitive,