Q: Fleeing and eluding when the cop only turned his siren on first and I didn't know he was a cop because it was dark?
Illinois. He followed me dangerously close for about 3 minutes claiming his siren was on the whole time but my music was up. It was dark. I pulled over as soon as he turned his lights on. I thought someone was trying to run me off the road so I was scared and going fast. Quit looking at my speedometer, just watching the road and my rear view mirror but my speed was increasing. He wrote down that I was going 125 in a 55. I don't know if my car even goes that fast. I wasn't mirandized, simply arrested. He didn't let me explain what happened until after he had wrote the tickets. I got fleeing and eluding and reckless driving. If nothing changes I am under the impression my license could be suspended and I could even get jail time. Talked to other cops and they said they would never use the siren to pull someone over for a speeding ticket like that. I have no prior traffic tickets. Should I get a lawyer? What are the worst and best possible outcomes? Thanks in advance.
A: These citations are misdemeanors. You should consult with an attorney as soon as possible. There is a potential for serious consequences in this situation.
Juan Ooink agrees with this answer
A: Yes, you should hire a criminal defense attorney right away. You are facing multiple Class A Misdemeanors, which are punishable by up to 364 days in jail and up to $2,500.00 in fines not including mandatory assessments. The sooner you hire an attorney the better.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
