Never Attempt to Flee from the Scene when an Officer asks you to Stop

 

People often find themselves being stopped by the police when they are on the road, and it is their duty to stop their vehicle at the side of the road and wait calmly for the officer to arrive for questioning. However, some people who do not want to face the officer, especially if they know they have committed a crime or if they are too nervous to face the officer, will try to resist their arrest or flee from the scene.

 

In most states, resisting arrest and eluding an officer is considered a fourth degree crime. The process of fleeing from the scene could be in any form; whether the person tries to run away, uses a bike or other vehicle or takes any other mode. In the case if a car, truck or boat is used to flee from the scene, the repercussions are specific. Fleeing from the scene when an officer tries to stop you will only make matters worse.

 

In different scenarios, you can face different charges when you try to elude the police officer. A fourth degree crime is considered least severe when someone resists arrest or tries to elude the officer. The laws also differ from state to state. For example, in the state of New Jersey, if you fail to bring your vehicle to a complete stop when on a highway, street or waterway after being requested by the officer or other law enforcement, you will be guilty of a third degree charge of resisting arrest and eluding the officer. Similarly, if you injure someone and flee from the scene after being ordered by an officer to stop, your charges increase to a second degree. A second degree charge can result in up to 10 years in prison.

 

If you try to flee after committing a lesser offense such as shoplifting, you might have to face triple jail time. Fourth degree charges of resisting arrest and eluding the officer can result in up to 18 months of jail time.

 

What to do when the Police pull you over?

 

Follow these simple steps when you are asked to pull over by the police to avoid any problems:

 

• Look for a convenient spot to pull over by the side of the road, away from traffic
• Roll down your driver’s side window and any other tinted windows
• Turn off the ignition after placing the car in “park”
• Keep your hands where they are visible, preferably on the top of the steering wheel
• Let the officer start the conversation
• Keep your answers brief and to the point. Stay calm and never start an argument
• If the officer requests you to do something, follow the instructions and avoid any sudden movements
• Be polite and never start an argument, even if the officer gives you a ticket or handcuffs you

 

Unfortunately there is no defense in cases where the person tries to flee the scene or elude the officer. So never make such a mistake as it will only harm you.