Baby Driver (2017) is a stylish action film that follows the story of a young getaway driver, known as Baby, who uses his extraordinary driving skills to assist a group of criminals in executing a series of high-stakes heists. The movie is filled with adrenaline-pumping car chases, meticulously planned robberies, and a deep exploration of crime and morality. While the film is set in Atlanta, Georgia, analyzing the criminal activities depicted in Baby Driver under Washington State law highlights the serious legal consequences that the characters would face if these events occurred in Washington. This article explores the key crimes committed in the movie and how they would be prosecuted under Washington law.
1. Armed Robbery (RCW 9A.56.200)
The central crimes in Baby Driver are the armed robberies that Baby helps facilitate by serving as the getaway driver. These heists involve the use of firearms and other weapons to threaten and intimidate bank employees and customers, with the intention of stealing large sums of money. Under RCW 9A.56.200, robbery in the first degree is defined as taking personal property from another person against their will while being armed with a deadly weapon or inflicting bodily injury.
- Washington State Application: In Washington, first-degree robbery is a class A felony, punishable by up to life imprisonment and a fine of up to $50,000. Baby and his criminal associates would face multiple counts of first-degree robbery for each of the heists they commit, leading to severe legal consequences if they were caught and prosecuted.
2. Reckless Driving (RCW 46.61.500)
Baby Driver is known for its intense and skillfully executed car chases, where Baby drives at dangerously high speeds, performs risky maneuvers, and evades law enforcement. RCW 46.61.500 defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
- Washington State Application: In Washington, reckless driving is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. Baby’s numerous high-speed chases and dangerous driving maneuvers would likely result in multiple counts of reckless driving, with significant legal consequences if he were apprehended.
3. Eluding a Police Officer (RCW 46.61.024)
Throughout the film, Baby repeatedly evades law enforcement during his getaway drives, often leading the police on high-speed pursuits through city streets. RCW 46.61.024 makes it a felony to willfully fail to stop and elude a pursuing police vehicle after being given a visual or audible signal to stop.
- Washington State Application: In Washington, eluding a police officer is a class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Baby’s actions in evading the police would result in multiple felony charges for eluding law enforcement, with severe penalties if he were prosecuted in Washington.
4. Assault with a Deadly Weapon (RCW 9A.36.021)
The film includes several instances where Baby and his associates use firearms and other weapons to threaten or harm others during the commission of their crimes. RCW 9A.36.021 defines assault in the second degree as assaulting another person with a deadly weapon.
- Washington State Application: In Washington, assault in the second degree is a class B felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. The use of firearms and other weapons during the robberies in Baby Driver would lead to multiple counts of second-degree assault, further increasing the criminal liability of Baby and his accomplices.
5. Conspiracy to Commit a Crime (RCW 9A.28.040)
The heists in Baby Driver are the result of detailed planning and coordination among multiple individuals who each play a specific role in the execution of the crimes. RCW 9A.28.040 addresses conspiracy, making it illegal for two or more persons to agree to commit a crime and take any overt step toward its commission.
- Washington State Application: In Washington, conspiracy to commit a crime is treated as a serious offense and is typically prosecuted alongside the underlying crime. The conspirators in Baby Driver would face additional charges of conspiracy to commit robbery, assault, and other related crimes, further compounding their legal troubles.
6. Vehicular Assault (RCW 46.61.522)
During one of the film’s car chases, Baby’s reckless driving results in serious injuries to other drivers and pedestrians. RCW 46.61.522 covers vehicular assault in Washington, which occurs when someone causes serious bodily injury to another person through reckless driving or while driving under the influence.
- Washington State Application: In Washington, vehicular assault is a class B felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. The injuries caused by Baby’s reckless driving during the film’s car chases could lead to multiple charges of vehicular assault.
7. Money Laundering (RCW 9A.83.020)
After successfully completing the heists, Baby and his associates would need to find ways to launder the stolen money to avoid detection by law enforcement. RCW 9A.83.020 makes it illegal to conduct financial transactions with proceeds derived from illegal activities, a crime known as money laundering.
- Washington State Application: In Washington, money laundering is a class B felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. If the stolen money were laundered in Washington, Baby and his associates would face serious charges and significant penalties.
Conclusion
Baby Driver is a thrilling and stylish film that captivates audiences with its expertly choreographed car chases and intense action sequences. However, if the events depicted in the movie took place under Washington State law, the characters would face a wide range of serious criminal charges, including armed robbery, reckless driving, eluding police, assault with a deadly weapon, and conspiracy. These offenses carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences, substantial fines, and the possibility of life-altering criminal records.
While Baby Driver is a work of fiction, it serves as a reminder of the real-world consequences of criminal behavior and the importance of adhering to the law, even in high-pressure situations. Understanding Washington’s legal framework provides valuable insights into the risks and responsibilities associated with engaging in such activities.
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