What Happens If You Do Not Pull Over for Police?

 Posted on March 18, 2022 in Criminal Law

The last thing most drivers want to see in their rear-view mirror is flashing blue and red lights. Some drivers may even start to panic when they see the police are pulling them over. In a moment of fear or anxiety, the driver may speed off in an attempt to outrun the police. Alternatively, drivers who are not paying attention to their surroundings may not even realize police are attempting to pull them over for a traffic stop. Whatever the reasons, failing to pull over and stop the vehicle for police can lead to criminal charges for fleeing or attempting to elude police.

Fleeing and Eluding Police Officers in Illinois is a Criminal Offense

Illinois law requires individuals to comply with police directions. Police may use the vehicle's sirens, spoken directions, or other means to signal a driver to pull over. If the driver does not pull over, he or she may be charged with fleeing and eluding a police officer. Usually, fleeing and eluding is considered a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a maximum jail sentence of one year and a fine up to $2,500. If you are convicted of misdemeanor fleeing and eluding, you also face a six-month license suspension. It is illegal to drive any vehicle if your license is suspended and doing so can result in additional criminal charges.

Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding Police is a Felony

Fleeing and eluding police may be considered a felony offense if certain aggravating circumstances are present. You may face felony charges for failing to stop for police if one of the following is true:

• You were driving more than 20 miles an hour over the speed limit
• You injure someone while fleeing the police
• You cause more than $300 worth of property damage while fleeing the police
• You fail to obey three or more traffic signs or signals while fleeing the police
• You tried to hide or alter your license plate

Felony fleeing and eluding is punishable by up to three years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000. If you are convicted of aggravated fleeing and eluding, your driver’s license will be revoked, and your vehicle will be subject to seizure and forfeiture.

Contact a DuPage County Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you or a loved one are facing charges for fleeing and eluding police or another criminal offense, contact Wheaton criminal defense attorney Stephen A. Brundage for help. Call 630-260-9647 for a consultation.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-204