Allegheny Pennsylvania Jury Instruction — Escape Allegheny Pennsylvania jury instructions are guidelines provided to jurors in a criminal trial to help them understand the law and apply it accurately when making a decision. One such jury instruction that may be given is related to the offense of escape. Escape is a criminal act where a person intentionally leaves or attempts to leave lawful custody without permission. In Allegheny Pennsylvania, there are different types of jury instructions related to escape, which may include: 1. Simple Escape: This instruction guides the jury on the basic elements of the offense of escape. It explains that for a person to be found guilty of simple escape, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant intentionally escaped or attempted to escape from lawful custody. 2. Aggravated Escape: This additional instruction is applicable in cases where the escape involves aggravating factors. Aggravated escape typically involves situations where the defendant uses or threatens to use force, possesses a weapon, causes injury to another person, or jeopardizes public safety in the process of escape. The jury would be instructed to consider these specific circumstances in order to determine whether the defendant should be charged with aggravated escape. 3. Escape from a Correctional Institution: This instruction is more specific and applies to cases where the defendant escapes or attempts to escape from a correctional institution, such as a prison, jail, or detention center. It would outline the elements required for the offense and provide guidance on how the jury should evaluate the evidence relating to the escape from a correctional facility. 4. Jury Instruction on Defenses: In addition to specific instructions on the offense of escape, there may be jury instructions regarding defenses that the defendant may raise. For example, if the defendant argues that they were unlawfully detained, the jury would be informed that it should consider this defense and evaluate whether it affects the determination of guilt. These Allegheny Pennsylvania jury instructions related to escape are crucial for ensuring that jurors have a clear understanding of the law and can fairly assess the evidence presented in a trial. By providing these instructions, the court aims to guide the jury's deliberation process and help them reach a just verdict. It is important for jurors to carefully consider these instructions and apply them in their evaluation of the evidence and arguments presented during the trial.