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What happens if I do not stop when the police pull me over?

On Behalf of | May 24, 2023 | Criminal Defense |

Law enforcement officers may sometimes request you to pull over. For some people, such an experience can be understandably anxiety inducing, and nerves may compel them to ignore the directive and drive away. You should avoid doing this in most situations as it might land you in trouble with the law.

Why are police officers telling you to stop?

Officers should have a valid reason to stop you. These reasons could include the following:

  • Exceeding the speed limit
  • Failing to signal your turn
  • Texting while driving
  • Having flat tires or broken lights
  • Throwing trash through your window

Sometimes, the officer may also stop you because they noticed something concerning about your car or the way you are driving. In any case, it is not always because you did something wrong.

What should you do if they ask you to pull over?

It is generally best to comply, stop on the side of the road, and wait for the officer to come over and inform you why they stopped you. Panicking might lead them to suspect illegal activity, so it helps to behave calmly.

What happens if you do not stop?

If a police officer gave a signal telling you to stop and you continued to drive, you might get charges for evading or eluding law enforcement. Such charges could be a felony or misdemeanor, depending on certain factors.

Unfortunately, building a solid defense against such charges is not always easy. A criminal law attorney can help you navigate the complexities of the law and protect your rights.