South Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
POLICE CONTACT
100 ‘most asked ‘ questions
WHAT IF I RUN?
Running away can be considered as an indication of guilt.
If an officer issues a command for you to stop you must do so. You do not have to cooperate or assist the officer in obtaining information which can lawfully empower him to arrest you.
If an officer commands you to stop you can consider yourself detained. All of your constitutional rights attach to the circumstances and subsequent actions of the officer. That means anything that happens after the issuance of the “stop” command by the officer is subject to review by a judge.
So if the officer says stop: stop. At that point exercise your right to remain silent and your right to counsel.
You gain control of the situation when you follow the law. Running is always an unwise response.
Remember the law can protect you if you know the law.