Resisting And Fleeing
75 Pa.C.S. 3733 — a signal to stop, and a felony if it becomes a chase
In Pennsylvania, resisting arrest is a misdemeanor of the second degree where the person, meaning to prevent a lawful arrest or another duty, creates a substantial risk of bodily injury or uses means that justify or require substantial force to overcome.
| Fleeing a police officer's visual and audible signal to stop | The grade |
|---|---|
| Fleeing a police officer's visual and audible signal to stopIn general | The gradeMisdemeanor of the second degree, and an additional fine of $500 |
| Fleeing a police officer's visual and audible signal to stopWhile driving under the influence, crossing a state line, or endangering an officer or the public in a high speed chase | The gradeFelony of the third degree |
A misdemeanor of the second degree is punishable by up to two years and $5,000; a felony of the third degree by up to seven years and $15,000.
Sources for this section (5)
- 18 Pa.C.S. 5104 — Resisting arrest or other law enforcement
- 75 Pa.C.S. 3733 — Fleeing or attempting to elude police officer
- 18 Pa.C.S. 1104 — Sentence of imprisonment for misdemeanors
- 18 Pa.C.S. 1103 — Sentence of imprisonment for felony
- 18 Pa.C.S. 1101 — Fines
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.