It is a crime for the operator of any vehicle to willfully refuse or fail to stop in compliance with a directive by a police officer or if having stopped then willfully flees in an attempt to elude the officer. This is called “fleeing or attempting to elude”. This crime is punishable by imprisonment in the Department of Corrections for up to five years or a fine not to exceed $5,000.00 or both. The court also has the authority to revoke your driver’s license for a period not to exceed one year.  The crime is punishable by up to thirty years in prison with a mandatory three years if another person is injured during the commission of the crime.

Judges treat this offense quite seriously because it indicates a willful disregard for the safety of the public. Anybody charged with fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer faces a strong likelihood of a stiff sentence. Therefore, it is very important that you consult with a competent attorney before deciding how to proceed on such a charge.