As soon as you realize that a police officer is trying to pull you over, you need to stop your vehicle. It is your responsibility to stop and let the police officer ask you questions. Failing to do this could cause the police officer to follow you until you follow his or her request. This action is actually a crime. It is considered engaging police in pursuit. To learn more about this offense, read on.

Engaging Police In Pursuit

When a police officer signals for you to stop your vehicle, you need to stop. It is illegal to continue driving in an attempt to escape from the police. This action is engaging the police in pursuit. It gives the police officer no option but to follow you in order to reprimand you for a motor vehicle violation.

In most cases, engaging police in pursuit is a Class A misdemeanor. If convicted for this crime, you face a fine and a license suspension that will last one year. In some cases, engaging police in pursuit can be considered a Class C felony. This is generally the case for second or third offenses. It is also sometimes the case if your actions cause the death or serious injury of another person. If charged with a Class C felony, you face a jail sentence of one or more years. Also, the Department of Motor Vehicles will suspend your license for 18 months to two years.

If you notice that a police car is following you and signalling for you to pull over, you should do so. Especially if there is a visible or audible signal for you to stop, it is always in your best interest to do so. Even if you are concerned about the police searching your car or facing a motor vehicle violation, it is never a good idea to try to evade the police. This will only result in more serious penalties. If you are being charged with engaging police in pursuit, you need to find a way to defend yourself. One way to do this is by contacting an attorney. You can contact my office today for more information.