Greenwich Resisting Arrest Lawyer
Interfering with an officer, also known in Greenwich as resisting arrest, is a crime often charged when police respond to a domestic dispute. Because this offense can carry serious penalties, anyone facing charges of interfering with an officer should talk to a Greenwich resisting arrest lawyer.
What is Interfering with an Officer or Resisting Arrest?
Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53a-167a prohibits people from resisting, hindering, obstructing, or endangering police or other officers while they are performing their duties. Types of conduct that may be prosecuted as resisting arrest include pushing, spitting, kicking, or even verbal abuse.
The offense was established to protect officers from people who demonstrate hostility when they interact with the police. In practice, however, police often add the charge of interfering with an officer to other charges because it can be easy to prosecute, and the added charge puts pressure on a defendant. This is seen often in domestic violence cases.
A Greenwich resisting arrest lawyer knows that while police have a great deal of discretion to charge this offense, there are several defense strategies that can help protect your rights and get you the best outcome possible.
How Can an Attorney Help Me Fight Resisting Arrest Charges?
In many situations where individuals interact with police officers, video cameras or audio surveillance devices record the scene. Evidence from these recordings can go a long way toward refuting charges of interfering with an officer.
However, these recordings can be erased if a Greenwich resisting arrest lawyer does not take act quickly to preserve them. It is often routine practice to keep video or audio files for only a limited time, so prompt action can make all the difference.
What are the Penalties for Resisting Arrest in Greenwich, CT?
Interfering with a police officer may be charged as either a Class A misdemeanor or Class D felony, depending on the circumstances. The maximum term of imprisonment is one year for the misdemeanor offense and five years for the felony offense. Maximum fines, which could be ordered in addition to or instead of jail, are set at $2,000 for a Class A misdemeanor and $5,000 for a Class D felony.
A Greenwich resisting arrest lawyer could argue that circumstances warrant the lowest possible penalties or alternative sentencing arrangements.
Contact a Greenwich Resisting Arrest Attorney Today
Individuals who are arrested for interfering with an officer may inadvertently make statements or take actions that can be used against them later. Advice and representation from an experienced Greenwich resisting arrest lawyer could prevent these missteps, so it is wise to consult an attorney as soon as possible.
In addition, the sooner you begin working with a legal advocate, the sooner your lawyer can start collecting evidence to defend you against the charges. Learn more about what our past clients have to say about working with the Law Offices of Mark Sherman here, and then give us a call to begin working on your defense.