Cops have several ways to tell motorists to pull over to the side of the road – they can use their overhead lights, their siren (usually both) or provide a verbal commands, usually through a microphone. Either way, regardless of what method the officer uses, you are required by law to comply. Even if you’ve done nothing wrong.
Even if you don’t believe the officer has any right to pull you over. Even if you’re in a serious hurry, or there’s an emergency. You HAVE TO pull over. Why? Because the law says you do, and not doing so is illegal and can get you into a lot of trouble!
What will a cop do if you don’t pull over?
If an officer signals or commands you to pull over and you don’t, for whatever reason, they’re going to assume that you’re fleeing for a reason. And as you can imagine, the reasons people usually avoid the cops, or actively run away from them, is because they’re doing something illegal.
Think: drugs, weapons, parole violators, kidnapping victims. Because when you don’t pull over for the cops, that’s exactly what they’re thinking! They’re going to assume the worst, and you’re going to pay the price for it. So if we can give you one piece of advice here, it would be this: Never ignore an order from a police officer! If you are not sure whether the cop is giving you an order, a suggestion or a request, ask the cop. If you cannot quickly ask, assume your are being ordered to stop and then stop.
So what do the cops do when they think you’re running away?
They chase you, lights and sirens blaring. And they call for backup. And they report you as a possible suspect. It’s not pretty. And once you finally pull over or crash your car, you’re probably going to be ordered from your car at gunpoint and roughly cuffed and thrown into the back of a cop car. And then they’ll tear your car apart, looking for those drugs or weapons that they suspect you of having.
Why? Because you tried to run. Which, as far as a cop is concerned, means you’re guilty of something. And they’d be right. Even if you weren’t breaking the law when the officer first ordered you to pull over, the fact that you didn’t obey meant that you were committing a crime. And you’re probably going to face criminal charges.
You might not like the cops, but you have to follow orders!
When an officer gives you an order, whether it’s to back up out of their space, go back into your house, stop interfering with someone, or pull your car over to the side of the road, you have to obey. Michigan law gives police officers the right to order civilians to do certain things, and civilians are required to obey, regardless of their personal beliefs or opinions on the matter.
Not obeying a cop when they tell you to pull over can result in:
- Losing your driver’s license
- Criminal charges
- Fines and court costs
- Jail time, or even prison time (depending on how serious the charges are!)
- Community service
- Probation or parole
Don’t risk your future because you’re scared, or you don’t agree.
Join us next time for a look at what kinds of criminal charges you may end up facing if you run from the cops in your car, and what you should do when an officer pulls you over. Until then, if you’re accused of fleeing from the police, you’re going to need help from a seasoned defense attorney with decades of experience and a track record of success. Which is where we come in. The Kronzek Firm is available 24/7 to help you through difficult time. Just call 866 766 5245 today, and get help from some of Michigan’s best.