Los Angeles California Jury Instruction — Escape is a set of legal guidelines provided to a jury during a criminal trial. This instruction specifically pertains to cases where the defendant is charged with the offense of escape or attempted escape. The purpose of this jury instruction is to inform the jurors about the legal elements that must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in order to find a defendant guilty of escape. Escape, as defined by the relevant laws in Los Angeles California, refers to the act of fleeing or attempting to flee from lawful custody or confinement. The specific wording of the jury instruction may vary depending on the circumstances of the case, but it typically encompasses the following key components: 1. Unlawful Confinement: The jury instruction may begin by defining what constitutes lawful custody or confinement. This includes situations where an individual is held in custody by law enforcement authorities, detained in a correctional facility, or confined under court-ordered supervision. 2. Intent to Escape: The instruction will emphasize that to convict the defendant of escape, the prosecution must prove that the defendant possessed the specific intent to escape from lawful custody or confinement. Intent can be inferred from actions or statements made by the defendant before, during, or after the escape attempt. 3. Physical Departure or Hurdle: The instruction may state that a defendant's escape is established if they physically depart from the place of custody or confinement without authorization. It may also include situations where the defendant attempts to overcome physical barriers or restraints in order to flee. 4. Knowledge of Unauthorized Departure: The jury instruction might require the prosecution to prove that the defendant knew that they did not have lawful authority to leave custody or confinement. This element ensures that a defendant cannot claim ignorance of the unlawfulness of their actions. It is important to note that there can be different types of Los Angeles California Jury Instruction — Escape based on the specific circumstances of each case. For example: 1. Escape from Law Enforcement Custody: This type of instruction applies when a defendant attempts to flee from police custody, such as while being arrested, transported, or detained in a police station. 2. Escape from Prison or Correctional Facility: In cases where a defendant escapes from a prison, jail, or any other type of correctional facility, the jury instruction may be tailored to address the unique elements and considerations of such escapes. 3. Escape from Courtroom or Court-Ordered Supervision: Some jury instructions may specifically cover situations where a defendant attempts to escape while inside a courtroom or while under court-ordered supervision, such as during a trial or temporary release. In conclusion, Los Angeles California Jury Instruction — Escape provides a comprehensive set of guidelines for the jury to assess the defendant's guilt in cases involving escape or attempted escape. By presenting the essential elements and legal requirements, this instruction ensures a fair and balanced evaluation of the evidence before a verdict is reached.