Being confronted by law enforcement can be intimidating, particularly if you’ve been identified as a suspect. People react differently to these situations. Some people panic while others manage to remain composed. For many, the option they choose is to try and flee the situation.
What happens if you run from the police in Maryland?
Fleeing or eluding the police in a vehicle
One of the most common scenarios for police interactions is traffic stops. If law enforcement suspects you of driving over the speed limit or being intoxicated, it’s likely that they’ll pull you over.
If they pull up behind or beside you and signal that you must pull over, then you have to do this. Failing to stop could result in a charge of eluding the police and a prison sentence of up to one year and/or a $1,000 fine.
Resisting arrest
When law enforcement approaches you, there are certain things you can and cannot do. You can assert your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. What you can’t do is run away or become combative.
If you are being arrested then it’s best not to physically resist. Resisting the arrest in any way could result in criminal charges. Even if it later turns out that you did not commit the crime in question, you could still face resisting charges. Resisting arrest is a completely separate offense in itself.
You will have the opportunity to challenge the conduct of law enforcement and the charges against you. The best time to do this is after you have sought legal guidance and built a strong defense.