What Happens if You Take Off from a Traffic Stop in Connecticut?

Being pulled over by the police can be nerve-wracking. The flashing lights in your rearview mirror, the sound of the siren — it’s enough to make anyone anxious. But what if you panic and drive away? In Connecticut, leaving the scene of a traffic stop is one of the worst decisions you can make. What might have been a minor infraction or a warning can quickly escalate into criminal charges that carry jail time, license suspension, and long-term consequences for your future.

This article breaks down what Connecticut law says about fleeing a traffic stop, the charges you could face, why courts treat these cases harshly, and how an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help.

Why Do Drivers Sometimes Flee?

People run from traffic stops for many reasons, but panic is one of the most common. Drivers without valid licenses or insurance often fear additional penalties. Others have outstanding warrants and are desperate to avoid arrest. Some may even be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and think that escaping will spare them from a DUI charge.

Whatever the motivation, leaving a traffic stop almost always makes things worse. What might have been a ticket or a brief inconvenience can quickly snowball into a serious criminal case.

The Law: Connecticut General Statutes §14-223

Connecticut law is very clear: if a police officer signals you to stop, you must stop. Connecticut General Statutes §14-223, known as Disobeying the Signal of an Officer, makes it a crime to refuse to pull over or to try to evade law enforcement.

For the state to convict you under §14-223, prosecutors must prove three things:

That a police officer, in uniform or clearly displaying a badge, gave you a visible or audible signal to stop — usually with flashing lights, a siren, or a hand signal;
That you were operating a motor vehicle at the time; and
That you willfully failed to stop, accelerate, or otherwise attempt to flee.

This statute doesn’t just cover those who speed away in dramatic fashion; even failing to pull over promptly or ignoring a lawful signal can lead to criminal charges.

Penalties Under §14-223

The consequences depend on the circumstances. A basic violation — simply refusing to stop — is treated as a misdemeanor and carries up to one year in jail, fines, and possible license suspension. However, when a driver accelerates, drives recklessly, or creates a danger to others, the law treats it far more seriously.

In these aggravated cases, often referred to as “Engaging Police in Pursuit,” you can face up to five years in prison, significant fines, and a mandatory license suspension. Prosecutors almost always push for the harshest penalties possible in these situations because of the potential risk to the public.

Additional Charges: Reckless Endangerment

Fleeing a traffic stop doesn’t just trigger a charge under §14-223. Prosecutors frequently add Reckless Endangerment when they believe your driving created a substantial risk of harm to others. For example, if you sped through a residential neighborhood, ran red lights, or swerved into oncoming traffic, you could be accused of putting lives in danger.

Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree (Class A misdemeanor) applies when your conduct shows extreme indifference to human life and carries up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.
Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree (Class B misdemeanor) applies to less severe but still risky behavior, with penalties of up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

These charges often serve as leverage for prosecutors. They can stack penalties and make plea negotiations more difficult. Defending against them often involves challenging whether your driving truly created a “substantial risk” as claimed.

How Police Handle Fleeing Drivers

If you think you can simply “get away” by driving off, think again. Law enforcement agencies across Connecticut use modern technology to track fleeing vehicles. Dashcams and bodycams capture everything that happens during the stop. License plate readers instantly identify vehicles and broadcast alerts statewide.

Even if an officer decides not to pursue you at the moment — often for safety reasons — they can and will follow up later. Your license plate information can be used to obtain an arrest warrant, which is entered into the PRAWN (Paperless Re-Arrest Warrant Network). This means any officer in the state can arrest you at any time, whether during a future traffic stop, at work, or at home in front of your family.

Collateral Consequences Beyond the Courtroom

The damage from fleeing a traffic stop doesn’t end with a criminal conviction. The DMV will almost certainly suspend your license. Your insurance company may cancel your policy or raise your rates to unaffordable levels. Employers who run background checks may view you as unreliable or dangerous, especially if your job involves driving.

If you were already facing another case — like a DUI — fleeing can make prosecutors and judges far less inclined to offer favorable deals. It’s often seen as a sign of disregard for the law and the authority of the court.

Defending Against Charges of Fleeing and Reckless Endangerment

While these charges are serious, they are not insurmountable. A strong defense often begins by examining the facts of the stop itself. Was the officer clearly identifiable? Did you truly understand you were being ordered to stop? Were there extenuating circumstances, like a medical emergency or a need to reach a well-lit, safe location before pulling over?

Mistaken identity is another common issue. Vehicles can be misidentified, particularly at night or when multiple cars are on the road. Reviewing dashcam footage, bodycam recordings, and other evidence can reveal errors in the state’s case.

If the initial stop was unlawful — for example, if the officer lacked reasonable suspicion to pull you over — your attorney can move to suppress evidence, which may weaken or even destroy the prosecution’s case.

In cases where there was no intentional effort to flee, demonstrating the lack of “willful” conduct is key. Hesitation or confusion is not the same as deliberately evading police. And with reckless endangerment charges, showing that no substantial risk was created can sometimes lead to dismissal or reduction of the charge.

What To Do If You’ve Already Driven Off

If you’ve made the mistake of leaving a traffic stop, time is not on your side. Do not wait for the police to find you. Contact an experienced Connecticut criminal defense lawyer immediately. Your attorney can often arrange a controlled surrender, which looks far better to a judge than being picked up on a warrant.

Your lawyer will also begin gathering evidence right away — medical records, witness statements, or proof of mechanical issues that might explain your actions. Acting quickly can mean the difference between a negotiated resolution and a harsh sentence.

Why Courts Treat These Cases So Seriously

Connecticut judges and prosecutors view fleeing from a traffic stop as a direct threat to public safety. High-speed chases endanger not just the driver and police officers, but also innocent bystanders. When coupled with a charge like reckless endangerment, the state’s position becomes clear: this isn’t just a traffic violation; it’s conduct that could have cost lives.

This perspective often results in high bonds, strict pretrial conditions, and aggressive prosecution. The goal of your defense attorney is to counter that narrative, show the full context of what happened, and present you as a person who made a mistake rather than a reckless criminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fleeing a traffic stop always a felony?
No. It begins as a misdemeanor under CGS §14-223 but can escalate to a felony if there’s reckless driving, injury, or repeat offenses.

What if I pulled over shortly after, but not immediately?
Courts will consider whether your actions appeared evasive or reasonable, such as waiting for a safe location.

Can I be charged with reckless endangerment without causing an accident?
Yes. The law focuses on the risk created, not whether harm actually occurred.

Will I lose my license?
Very likely, particularly if the case involves pursuit or reckless driving.

Can I go to jail for a first offense?
Yes, but skilled legal representation may help you avoid incarceration through negotiation or alternative sentencing.

How can a lawyer help me?
By reviewing the evidence, challenging weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, suppressing unlawfully obtained evidence, and negotiating the best possible outcome for your situation.

Conclusion: Take This Seriously and Get Help Immediately

Running from a traffic stop in Connecticut is a mistake that can follow you for years. Under CGS §14-223, you face criminal charges, and when reckless endangerment is added, the stakes get even higher. However, with immediate action and experienced legal representation, you can often mitigate the damage, protect your record, and move forward.

At the Law Offices of Allan F. Friedman, we have more than 30 years of experience defending clients accused of fleeing traffic stops, reckless driving, and other serious motor vehicle offenses. We know how to fight back against aggressive prosecution and protect your future.

📞 Call us today at (203) 357-5555 for a free, confidential consultation. We’re available 24/7 to help.