What action constitutes second-degree escape?

Second-degree escape is specifically defined as the act of escaping from a penal facility. This definition highlights that the escape must characterize the unauthorized departure from a place of detention such as a jail or prison, which is a critical aspect of the charge. The legal framework around escape is grounded in the protection of the community and the integrity of the penal system.

While employing physical force to escape might involve a more serious offense, it typically falls under first-degree escape, given the level of violence or aggression involved. Threatening law enforcement is also a serious matter but does not relate directly to the act of escaping. Being a convicted felon does not in itself constitute an escape, as it pertains to a person's legal status rather than their actions. Thus, the focus on escaping from a penal facility is what categorizes the offense as second-degree escape.