Ducati Monster Forum

Kitchen Sink => No Moto Content => Topic started by: Dustin1231 on May 18, 2008, 08:11:20 PM

Title: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: Dustin1231 on May 18, 2008, 08:11:20 PM
I know cops and motorcycle riders dont always get along. And its a very touchy subject. But my friend had the great idea to try and run from the cops... All for a no turn signal ticket. Well to make a long story short, he got away from the cop. But could out run the heli. So now hes charged with feloney fleeing, reckless driving and about 7 or 8 driving tickets.  And he got to spend 7 hours in a holding cell. Kinda laughed at him till i thought about it, and now my best friend/riding buddy will more then likely not be able to ride anymore.  :'( Now im kinda sad. I know it was a dumb move, but what should he do now? Anyone on here ever try to run and get caught.  Anyone have any ideas what the repercussion might be? This is the frist time i think hes even pulled over. So hes got that on his side. Guess you can say hes just another dumb squid... [roll]
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: hbliam on May 18, 2008, 08:14:16 PM
Quote from: Dustin1231 on May 18, 2008, 08:11:20 PM
I know cops and motorcycle riders dont always get along. And its a very touchy subject. But my friend had the great idea to try and run from the cops... All for a no turn signal ticket. Well to make a long story short, he got away from the cop. But could out run the heli. So now hes charged with feloney fleeing, reckless driving and about 7 or 8 driving tickets.  And he got to spend 7 hours in a holding cell. Kinda laughed at him till i thought about it, and now my best friend/riding buddy will more then likely not be able to ride anymore.  :'( Now im kinda sad. I know it was a dumb move, but what should he do now? Anyone on here ever try to run and get caught.  Anyone have any ideas what the repercussion might be? This is the frist time i think hes even pulled over. So hes got that on his side. Guess you can say hes just another dumb squid... [roll]

Get a lawyer, take a plea. It probably won't be that big of a deal if he truly has no criminal record. Glad he's OK. Most guys that run on bikes crash out.
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: factorPlayer on May 18, 2008, 08:17:17 PM

yep... lawyer time.  At least the fool did not hurt anyone. 
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: raulduke on May 18, 2008, 08:32:07 PM
where did this happen?  Municipality and state make all the difference. 

Get a lawyer and cop a plea. 

It will be bad but not life/career ending.  Most places felony flee will get you probation.  As long as the state doesn't have mandatory lis. suspension for f.flee a good lawyer will probably be able to save his driving privileges...though he may have to give up his motorcycle endorsement.

Make sure the lawyer does lots of traffic and make sure he is well connected to the prosecutors office. 

One tip.  Call the prosecutors office and ask them if they can recommend an attorney for this problem.  Lots of times they won't (conflict of interest) but if they do...go with that guy.  He is a friend of the prosecutor and will get you the best plea.
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: mxwinky on May 18, 2008, 08:45:41 PM
The very definition of squid, IMO.  Repercussions?  Driving record shot, despite his previous clean sheet.  Insurance is likely to skyrocket, if not dropped by his carrier completely.  Felonies can carry possible jail time.  He's going to need a very good lawyer and an even better (non-confrontational) attitude with The Court if he wants to come away from this with any dignity left at all.  I can't even imagine how bad this would be if he'd managed to hurt/kill someone while recklessly blasting through the streets.  This is truly a life lesson, hopefully one he learns from.
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: PizzaMonster on May 18, 2008, 08:49:10 PM
Yeah.  He's going to need a lawyer.  I know in the heat of the moment adrenaline (and probably a dislike of authority) makes you do strange things but outrunning a cop is pretty much a loser's game.

Many (many) years ago I attempted to outrun a cop.  I was lucky.  Didn't hurt anyone and I stopped when I thought the driving was getting crazy.  I got away with only 30 days without my licence and a pretty hefty fine.  I suspect it would be a much worse suspension now.

On a side note, at about the same time,  I had a friend who tried to outrun a cop for a simple burnt headlight.  He low-sided in the ensuing chase and very nearly lost his foot.  He gets a reminder of his stupidity every morning when he gets out of bed and limps to the bathroom on his fused ankle.
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: Dustin1231 on May 18, 2008, 09:34:10 PM
It happen in Wichita Kansas. Yeah, were all glad hes still alive.  Hope it works out ok, hate to see years of his life gone for something that happen for less then 5 minutes of his life.
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: the_Journeyman on May 19, 2008, 05:29:01 AM
+1 on get a lawyer.  I crashed on federal property and a ranger showed up with a wad of tickets already written.  They hauled me in and all that.  A good lawyer could possibly turn it into a fine and a couple lesser tickets.  I went from tickets to a $1000 fine and no tickets.  The fine hurt, but I got to keep all my licenses & my insruance only went up because of the totalled bike ~

JM
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: junior varsity on May 19, 2008, 05:42:27 AM
Lawyer, and hope somebody likes the Dukes of Hazzard
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: Duc Stamp on May 19, 2008, 06:17:06 AM
Quote from: the_Journeyman on May 19, 2008, 05:29:01 AM
+1 on get a lawyer.  I crashed on federal property and a ranger showed up with a wad of tickets already written.  They hauled me in and all that.  A good lawyer could possibly turn it into a fine and a couple lesser tickets.  I went from tickets to a $1000 fine and no tickets.  The fine hurt, but I got to keep all my licenses & my insruance only went up because of the totalled bike ~

JM

Were you running when you did this? 
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: the_Journeyman on May 19, 2008, 06:35:05 AM
Not knowingly, but appearantly a ranger has spotted us (4 of us total) hauling arse and was trying to follow/catch up until he could get someone ahead of us.  Was a rookie, gung-ho ranger that thought he could catch a pack of bikes.  I just crashed because I was trying to keep up with a better rider & rode above my head ~

JM
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: Dustin1231 on May 19, 2008, 07:09:55 AM
I just got some more of his story. I guess he had left his friends house at about 11:45pm (witch is in about the worse part of town, but is right next to campus) and didnt use his turn signal. He told me that he saw some car speeding up behind him, and all he saw was the head lights coming way to fast. So he started to speed up and take some turns. Well i guess the car kept following him. Then he just took off, The cop didnt turn his lights on till after he made 3 turns with out signaling and rolling past two stop signs... Then when the cop turned on his lights he still didnt pull over for a while i guess. Who knows.
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: Duc Stamp on May 19, 2008, 07:34:45 AM
Quote from: the_Journeyman on May 19, 2008, 06:35:05 AM
Not knowingly, but appearantly a ranger has spotted us (4 of us total) hauling arse and was trying to follow/catch up until he could get someone ahead of us.  Was a rookie, gung-ho ranger that thought he could catch a pack of bikes.  I just crashed because I was trying to keep up with a better rider & rode above my head ~

JM
That makes sense.  Pretty bad luck on your part there!
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: 38 OFF on May 19, 2008, 08:23:31 AM
Outran an officer of the law while in college, on a moped. No shit.

Cop was goint the other direction, pulled a u-turn to get behind me. i wasn't aware of any wrongdoing, probably no helmet, but at the time I don't think there was a helmet law for mopeds, I digress.

Once I realized he was after me, I took a bunch of turns through campus housing, eventually ditching the bike and running into one of the dorms. I ran to the third floor or something. Running down the  hallways, looking for an open room I came across this girl with her door open. I ran in, her window just happened to be facing the area where i ditched the moped. She proceeds to tell me how she saw the whole thing, being in a corner room, she saw me make the turn, ditch the bike, and enter the dorm. Hid there until the cops left.

Never retrieved the moped.
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: KnightofNi on May 19, 2008, 09:02:56 AM
i used to run from the cops in NYC...on a bicycle. i lost them most of the time too. esp the cops on scooters, i loved outrunning them. [laugh]
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: junior varsity on May 19, 2008, 09:48:22 AM
You've gotta think, that's gotta be a fun job - chasing down bicyclers and mopeders:

"Curses, they got away again!"

Just sounds like a job filled with laughter, and if you don't catch your perp', its not really a big deal.
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: Grampa on May 19, 2008, 09:50:24 AM
http://www.bakersfield.com/hourly_news/story/447552.html
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: ducducgooseme on May 19, 2008, 09:52:12 AM
Quote from: 38 OFF on May 19, 2008, 08:23:31 AM
Outran an officer of the law while in college, on a moped. No shit.

Cop was goint the other direction, pulled a u-turn to get behind me. i wasn't aware of any wrongdoing, probably no helmet, but at the time I don't think there was a helmet law for mopeds, I digress.

Once I realized he was after me, I took a bunch of turns through campus housing, eventually ditching the bike and running into one of the dorms. I ran to the third floor or something. Running down the  hallways, looking for an open room I came across this girl with her door open. I ran in, her window just happened to be facing the area where i ditched the moped. She proceeds to tell me how she saw the whole thing, being in a corner room, she saw me make the turn, ditch the bike, and enter the dorm. Hid there until the cops left.

Never retrieved the moped.

was she naked with a cold beer waiting? 
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: Grampa on May 19, 2008, 09:57:31 AM
http://www.bakoboyz.com/www.bakoboyz.com/Default.aspx

these f'n idiots are kill'n me.

I went on a ride Sunday.... 4 CHP camped out in all the good spots ( in a 20 mile section of the loop), waiting for these retards. They are giving all the good local bike riders a bad rep, and call'n the heat out on all of us here in town.
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: Ducatista on May 19, 2008, 10:05:52 AM
One thing that helped a buddy of mine who was not running, but stopped immediately, was that he showed up to court with the receipts from turning in his plates and a copy of the ad for selling the bike.

Definitely get a lawyer who has helped people in similar situations.  I would recommend posting on moto forums in your area to ask them if they have recommendations. 

On your friend's story, just remember that what he recalls might not be the actual events, and the officer's camera might illustrate that.  Your buddy's heart was probably pounding and things might be a little hazy. 
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: Duc Stamp on May 19, 2008, 10:28:49 AM
Quote from: 38 OFF on May 19, 2008, 08:23:31 AM
Outran an officer of the law while in college, on a moped. No shit.

Cop was goint the other direction, pulled a u-turn to get behind me. i wasn't aware of any wrongdoing, probably no helmet, but at the time I don't think there was a helmet law for mopeds, I digress.

Once I realized he was after me, I took a bunch of turns through campus housing, eventually ditching the bike and running into one of the dorms. I ran to the third floor or something. Running down the  hallways, looking for an open room I came across this girl with her door open. I ran in, her window just happened to be facing the area where i ditched the moped. She proceeds to tell me how she saw the whole thing, being in a corner room, she saw me make the turn, ditch the bike, and enter the dorm. Hid there until the cops left.

Never retrieved the moped.

Which begs the questions:

Why the hell did you run?

and

Did you "repay" her for her kindness?
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: KnightofNi on May 19, 2008, 10:32:48 AM
Quote from: ato memphis on May 19, 2008, 09:48:22 AM
You've gotta think, that's gotta be a fun job - chasing down bicyclers and mopeders:

"Curses, they got away again!"

Just sounds like a job filled with laughter, and if you don't catch your perp', its not really a big deal.

i only ever got caught by a bicycle cop. he gave me a talking to and sent me on my way.

this is also at a time when they were coming down on messengers for anything they could, just to hassle us. the cop that let me go came after me because i cut across a grassy area.

and yes, i'm sure poor officer smith was pleased as punch to have not caught me.  [roll]
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: Pakhan on May 19, 2008, 10:40:26 AM
To the OP, your friend needs to get a lawyer.


Quote from: KnightofNi on May 19, 2008, 09:02:56 AM
i used to run from the cops in NYC...on a bicycle. i lost them most of the time too. esp the cops on scooters, i loved outrunning them. [laugh]

I found video of you running:
http://www.break.com/index/biker_outruns_cops_on_highway.html

Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: KnightofNi on May 19, 2008, 10:49:48 AM
too bad i can't see videos at work. that might be funny pak. ;)
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: m0t0g0th on May 19, 2008, 10:59:50 AM
Quote from: ato memphis on May 19, 2008, 09:48:22 AM
You've gotta think, that's gotta be a fun job - chasing down bicyclers and mopeders:

"Curses, they got away again!"

Just sounds like a job filled with laughter, and if you don't catch your perp', its not really a big deal.

seriously, low speed chases where you're free to compose a shopping list, wave a hand at folks you know, yawn and adjust hat and shades.  occasionally some rascal will shake a fist at you, probably miss it while you're checking out your hair in the rearview...  that's the life.  maybe law enforcement in a retirement community is just the gig for me... [thumbsup]
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: Dustin1231 on May 19, 2008, 11:42:32 AM
Quote from: Ducatista on May 19, 2008, 10:05:52 AM
One thing that helped a buddy of mine who was not running, but stopped immediately, was that he showed up to court with the receipts from turning in his plates and a copy of the ad for selling the bike.

Definitely get a lawyer who has helped people in similar situations.  I would recommend posting on moto forums in your area to ask them if they have recommendations. 

On your friend's story, just remember that what he recalls might not be the actual events, and the officer's camera might illustrate that.  Your buddy's heart was probably pounding and things might be a little hazy. 

yeah, he said he doesnt remember much of it. Ill tell him about the add thing. That might help him. Dont think he wants to fight it, just get it all over with and see were he is when the dust is gone. Im just hoping hes able to keep his truck insured. Really dont feel like driving him around.
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: 38 OFF on May 19, 2008, 12:11:18 PM
Quote from: Duc Stamp on May 19, 2008, 10:28:49 AM
Which begs the questions:

Why the hell did you run?

and

Did you "repay" her for her kindness?

After a lax game I'm sure, read: probably really drunk, cop+following+lights+college kid drunk on moped =  get away!!

been over 20 years now, probably owe her some interest as well

Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: ducatiz on May 19, 2008, 12:17:49 PM
Quote from: Dustin1231 on May 19, 2008, 07:09:55 AM
I just got some more of his story. I guess he had left his friends house at about 11:45pm (witch is in about the worse part of town, but is right next to campus) and didnt use his turn signal. He told me that he saw some car speeding up behind him, and all he saw was the head lights coming way to fast. So he started to speed up and take some turns. Well i guess the car kept following him. Then he just took off, The cop didnt turn his lights on till after he made 3 turns with out signaling and rolling past two stop signs... Then when the cop turned on his lights he still didnt pull over for a while i guess. Who knows.

sounds to me like a very reasonable defense against a charge of not stopping

if he didn't know it was a cop, he was under no obligation to stop.  period.  cop made a mistake not turning on his lights.

Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: Norm on May 19, 2008, 12:23:59 PM
I didn't think you were allowed on this board unless you've outrun the cops at least once - it's a rite of passage.
Give your friend my sympathies.
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: Dustin1231 on May 19, 2008, 01:15:34 PM
Quote from: Norm on May 19, 2008, 12:23:59 PM
I didn't think you were allowed on this board unless you've outrun the cops at least once - it's a rite of passage.
Give your friend my sympathies.

Well he did out run that one cop. Then made it about 3-4 miles and started to dive the speed limit again. Thats when he saw the cop up ahead and gave up. The heli was up to keep a eye on the crowd down at the River fest  AKA "Were the trash from the city meet, to fight other gangs of trash from the city." Other wise he would have gotten away.  ;)
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: somegirl on May 19, 2008, 04:40:40 PM
I too have outrun a cop on a bicycle.  [evil]  It was last summer, I accidentally ran a red light in front of him.  [roll]  He hadn't lit me up yet but I did see him making the U-turn back towards me as I made it to the safety of an apartment parking lot.
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: KnightofNi on May 19, 2008, 04:57:02 PM
Quote from: Pakhan on May 19, 2008, 10:40:26 AM
To the OP, your friend needs to get a lawyer.


I found video of you running:
http://www.break.com/index/biker_outruns_cops_on_highway.html



ok, i do remember that video. wasn't it an ad for a energy drink or something?

it's still freaking cool to think it might happen.
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: Pakhan on May 20, 2008, 08:00:46 AM
I think it was an ad for Specialized
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: roy-nexus-6 on May 20, 2008, 07:44:22 PM
Quote from: msincredible on May 19, 2008, 04:40:40 PM
I too have outrun a cop on a bicycle.  [evil]  It was last summer, I accidentally ran a red light in front of him.  [roll]  He hadn't lit me up yet but I did see him making the U-turn back towards me as I made it to the safety of an apartment parking lot.

I'm looking forward to seeing the made-for-tv movie of this escapade! Who'll land the role? Sandra Bullock? Scarlett Johanson?

;D
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: Popeye the Sailor on May 20, 2008, 07:46:03 PM
Quote from: roy-nexus-6 on May 20, 2008, 07:44:22 PM
I'm looking forward to seeing the made-for-tv movie of this escapade! Who'll land the role? Sandra Bullock? Scarlett Johanson?

;D

I think Scarlett should get it.


Then to get a feel for the character she's playing, she should spend some time with those that her well.




Yes.
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: roy-nexus-6 on May 20, 2008, 10:00:16 PM
Quote from: someguy on May 20, 2008, 07:46:03 PM
I think Scarlett should get it.


Then to get a feel for the character she's playing, she should spend some time with those that her well.

Yes.

We should start a poll: who should play Ms. Incredible in her made-for-tv movie?  [laugh]
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: ducatiz on May 21, 2008, 04:44:10 AM
Quote from: roy-nexus-6 on May 20, 2008, 10:00:16 PM
We should start a poll: who should play Ms. Incredible in her made-for-tv movie?  [laugh]

Paz Vega
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: Dustin1231 on May 21, 2008, 07:02:27 AM
Wow, thread jack.. ;)
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: cyrus buelton on May 21, 2008, 07:22:03 AM
I agree with Ducatizzz about the defense if the cop didn't use his lights.

Find a good defense attorney, and as you mentioned.....might be good to find one that is a former prosecutor in that county.

His story will jive about the lights if there is a dash camera in the cruiser
Title: Re: Running from the cops.. Bad idea
Post by: TiNi on May 21, 2008, 12:20:30 PM
Quote from: msincredible on May 19, 2008, 04:40:40 PM
I too have outrun a cop on a bicycle.  [evil]  It was last summer, I accidentally ran a red light in front of him.  [roll]  He hadn't lit me up yet but I did see him making the U-turn back towards me as I made it to the safety of an apartment parking lot.

omg  :o
you are crazie bike girl!!!  [thumbsup]