When you’re being pulled over or stopped by the police, the last thing you want to do is anything that makes it appear that you’re running from them. Running from the police, also called evading police, is a crime.
It’s important to stay calm any time an officer wants to stop you. Evasion charges are possible whether you are on foot or in your vehicle. Don’t think you can’t be accused of evading an officer if you’re walking or running from the scene.
If you don’t stop right away after an officer gives you the order, you can be accused of this crime. You may be accused of evading, eluding or fleeing an officer of the law. In some cases, this criminal charge can be prosecuted as a felony, which is the last thing you want on your record.
What does the prosecution have to show to prove you ran from the police?
First, they need to show that the officer was clearly identifiable. He or she must have been in a full uniform or in a police vehicle at the time of the stop. The officer needs to use sirens before a stop if he or she is in a vehicle. If these factors weren’t present when you ran or fled the officer, you may be able to show that you didn’t know it was a police officer to defend yourself against these charges.
Evading police is something you should never do, even if you’re scared that you’ll face get arrested. Running away isn’t the solution; stay at the scene and remember to ask to speak to your attorney.
Source: FindLaw, “Evading Police,” accessed Sep. 26, 2017