Why OJ Simpson Was Not Trialled for Leading Police on a High-Speed Chase

The infamous June 17, 1994, low-speed chase involving OJ Simpson and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) did not lead to a separate trial for Simpson. This is largely due to the much larger and more serious criminal case that was already in progress involving the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman.

Primary Legal Issues Faced by OJ Simpson

Instead of facing charges specifically related to leading the police on a chase, Simpson faced two primary legal issues:

Murder Charges

Simpson was charged with the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. These charges were the primary focus of the legal proceedings, as the murders attracted significant media attention and public interest.

Civil Liability

Following the criminal case, Simpson faced a civil lawsuit filed by the families of the victims. The lawsuit resulted in a judgment against him for wrongful death. This case was less high-profile but still significant in terms of legal and financial implications.

Legal Justifications for Not Prosecuting Simpson for the Chase

The chase itself, although dramatic, did not constitute a separate criminal offense that warranted its own trial. Here are three key reasons why Simpson was not tried for leading the police on a chase:

1. OJ Was Not Driving the Car

AC, Simpson's best friend, was actually driving the car during the chase, not OJ Simpson. AC was charged with aiding a fugitive, but the charges were later dropped. This means that Simpson was not the one driving and evading the police.

2. No Intent to Escape Arrest

Many argue that the slow speed and casual nature of the chase did not exhibit any intent to escape arrest. A car driven at a slow speed is hardly indicative of a 'felony flight.' This lack of clear intent, combined with the fact that AC was driving, significantly weakened any potential case against Simpson.

3. Prosecutorial Discretion and Legal Strategy

There are other legal and strategic reasons why prosecuting Simpson for the chase would have been seen as overkill. It is believed that the LAPD thought they had Simpson bagged for the murders. Prosecuting him for the chase would have been unnecessary and potentially damaging to their case, especially if Simpson had been acquitted.

The Impact of the Chase on the Legal Proceedings

Although the chase did not lead to a separate trial, it did become a key part of the narrative surrounding the criminal trial. Many interpreted the chase as either a clear indication of guilt or as a dramatic flight from justice. However, from a legal standpoint, it did not lead to separate charges or a trial specifically for the chase.

Acacia Clark, a prosecutor, was heavily scrutinized for her handling of the case. Her interpretation of events, including inferring intent from seven years prior, was challenged. Clark's actions, including her restrained approach, post-verdict book deal, and subsequent retirement, have been closely examined.

There was also a belief that prosecuting OJ Simpson after his acquittal would have been seen as malicious prosecution, leading to further criticism and potential legal repercussions for the prosecution.