Being charged with Failure to Stop for a Blue Light in South Carolina is a serious offense that can lead to harsh penalties.
Law enforcement treats these cases aggressively, and a conviction can have long-term consequences. If you are facing this charge, do not plead guilty without first understanding your legal options. Chambers Law will fight to protect your rights and work toward the best possible outcome.
Call 843-449-0420 today for a free consultation.
What Is Failure to Stop for a Blue Light?
Under South Carolina law (S.C. Code § 56-5-750), it is illegal to fail to stop when a law enforcement officer activates their blue lights and signals you to pull over. The law applies whether you:
- Knowingly refused to stop
- Attempted to evade law enforcement
- Did not immediately pull over due to confusion or fear
Even if you were unaware of the officer’s signal or felt unsafe pulling over immediately, you could still face charges.
Penalties for Failure to Stop for a Blue Light
Failure to Stop for a Blue Light is classified as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances of the offense.
Misdemeanor Charge (No Injury or Property Damage)
- Fine of up to $500
- Mandatory suspension of driver’s license for six months
- Jail time of up to three years
Felony Charge (If Injury or Death Occurs)
- Mandatory prison sentence of up to five years (if injury results)
- Mandatory prison sentence of up to 25 years (if a death occurs)
- Permanent license revocation in serious cases
Additionally, a conviction will result in a permanent criminal record, making it difficult to obtain employment, housing, or professional licenses.
Why You Should Fight a Failure to Stop Charge
Many people assume that if they failed to stop immediately, they have no defense. However, there are several ways to challenge this charge. Fighting your case may help you:
- Reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
- Avoid a lengthy license suspension
- Protect your criminal record from a serious conviction
- Prevent excessive insurance rate increases
Common Defenses Against Failure to Stop for a Blue Light
At Chambers Law, we carefully review every case to identify the strongest defense strategy. Some possible defenses include:
- Lack of Intent – If you did not knowingly try to evade law enforcement, we may argue that the failure to stop was unintentional.
- Unsafe Conditions – If the surrounding area was unsafe to pull over, you may have had a valid reason for delaying your stop.
- Confusion or Miscommunication – If there was heavy traffic, poor visibility, or other factors that made it difficult to realize you were being pulled over, we can use this to challenge the charges.
- Officer Misconduct – If law enforcement did not follow proper procedure or violated your rights, we may seek to have the case dismissed.
How Chambers Law Can Help
At Chambers Law, we take an aggressive approach to defending clients charged with Failure to Stop for a Blue Light. Our firm:
- Thoroughly investigates the circumstances of your stop
- Analyzes dashcam or bodycam footage for procedural violations
- Negotiates with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges
- Represents you in court to protect your future
