client and attorney shaking hands

Resources, Education, & News Blog

What Happens if You Do Not Pull Over?

If a police officer signals you over, it’s always in your best interest to pull over as safely and efficiently as you possibly can. If, however, you’re facing a charge that relates to not pulling over, the charge is – at best – a Class A misdemeanor, which is the most serious form of misdemeanor in the state. If this is the difficult position you find yourself in, retaining an experienced Greenville criminal defense attorney early in the process is the most important first step you can take.

It’s Illegal Not to Stop

It is illegal not to stop when the police let you know that they want you to pull over in the State of South Carolina. The charge is eluding a police officer, and claiming not to have heard the siren or to have seen the flashing blue lights isn’t an excuse – unless you have a valid reason backing you up, such as in the unlikely event that traffic was so heavy you couldn’t have realized the police officer was motioning you over.

Other potential affirmative defenses include the following:

The charge of eluding the police can stick even if you claim that you panicked and tried to outrun them, which is a uniquely bad idea. The bottom line is that the law builds protections that are intended to make our roads safer for everyone. These safeguards include requiring motorists to stop when motioned over by the police.

The Penalties You Face

If the charge of eluding the police is a first charge and there are no aggravating circumstances, such as causing someone to suffer serious bodily injury, it’s likely to be a misdemeanor that carries from 90 days to three years in jail and fines of up to $500 – along with at least 30 days of driver’s license suspension.

It’s important to note here that most states differentiate between misdemeanors and felonies by drawing the dividing line at one year of jail time, which means any charge that potentially carries more than a year in prison is a felony. A misdemeanor in South Carolina, however, can be far more serious – carrying up to three years behind the bars of a jail cell.

What Are Aggravating Circumstances?

If the charge of eluding the police isn’t your first, the charge will very likely be a felony, which carries even more serious fines and penalties. Other aggravating circumstance include:

Our Greenville Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You Today

The compassionate Greenville criminal defense attorneys at Ryan Beasley Law have an imposing track record of successfully defending the rights of our clients like you who are facing serious charges related to eluding arrest. Learn more by contacting us online or calling 864-679-7777 today.