02 9159 9010
Charged with Failing to Stop for Police?
Engaging in a police pursuit — commonly known as a police chase — is a serious criminal offence in NSW, often referred to as Skye’s Law. The offence carries a maximum penalty of 3 years’ imprisonment for a first offence and 5 years for a second or subsequent offence, along with mandatory licence disqualification. The law was strengthened following the tragic death of 19-month-old Skye Sassine during a police pursuit on New Year’s Eve 2009.
If you have been charged with police pursuit, contact Blackridge Law immediately on 02 9159 9010 for a free consultation.
What Is a Police Pursuit Offence?
Under section 51B of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), a person is guilty of an offence if they drove a motor vehicle knowing, or in circumstances where they ought reasonably to have known, that police officers were pursuing the vehicle and required the vehicle to stop, and the person failed to stop as soon as it was reasonably practicable to do so. The offence also requires that the person drove the vehicle recklessly or at a speed or in a manner dangerous
to others during the pursuit.
Penalties for Police Pursuit
| Offence | Max Imprisonment | Licence Disqualification |
|---|---|---|
| Police Pursuit (first offence) | 3 years | Min. 12 months / Max. 3 years |
| Police Pursuit (second or subsequent) | 5 years | Min. 2 years / Max. 5 years |
In addition to imprisonment and licence disqualification, a conviction for police pursuit may also result in vehicle sanctions, including impoundment or forfeiture of your vehicle.
Elements of the Offence
The prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that:
- You were driving a motor vehicle
- Police were in pursuit of the vehicle
- You knew, or ought reasonably to have known, that police were requiring you to stop
- You failed to stop as soon as it was reasonably practicable
- You drove recklessly or at a speed or in a manner dangerous to others during the pursuit
Defences to Police Pursuit
- No Knowledge: You did not know and had no reasonable grounds to suspect that police were pursuing you — for example, unmarked vehicles without visible lights or sirens.
- Stopped as Soon as Practicable: You stopped the vehicle as soon as it was reasonably practicable to do so in the circumstances.
- Not Driving Dangerously: Your driving during the pursuit was not reckless or dangerous.
- Duress: You were compelled to flee due to a genuine threat of serious harm from another person
- Identity: You were not the person driving the vehicle
How Blackridge Law Can Help
Police pursuit charges often involve dashcam footage, GPS data, police helicopter tracking, and body-worn camera evidence. Our lawyers carefully review all available evidence to challenge whether the elements of the offence are made out, whether you had knowledge of the pursuit, and whether your driving meets the legal threshold of “dangerous.” We also prepare strong bail applications and sentencing submissions.
Speak with a lawyer
Charged with a police pursuit offence? Call Blackridge Law now.
Suite 36, Level 4, 402-410 Chapel Rd, Bankstown NSW 2200
Free consultation | Fixed fees | Available 24/7
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