New Canaan Resisting Arrest Lawyer

A top defense attorney can help you fight back against the allegations you are facing. A New Canaan resisting arrest lawyer can evaluate your case and advise you on the strength of the charges against you.

What Constitutes Interfering with an Officer?

The criminal offense of resisting arrest or interfering with an officer falls under Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) § 53a-167a. According to the statute, resisting arrest includes any act that obstructs, resists, hinders, or endangers peace officers.

What If You Didn’t Intend to Interfere?

Not every interaction that hinders law enforcement results in criminal charges. You must intend to interfere with law enforcement to be guilty of an offense. In instances where people are having a medical emergency, they may not be charged. A skilled attorney can assist a New Canaan resident charged with resisting arrest in convincing the prosecutor that the charge is unwarranted.

What Are Examples of Interfering with a Peace Officer?

A criminal charge does not require a significant level of interference. Even a minor or brief action can be enough for police to make an arrest. These charges can also occur at any location where police are acting within their official duties. These charges are commonplace when police respond to domestic violence calls. Examples of actions that could include interfering with a police officer include:

  • Grabbing or restraining a police officer
  • Interfering with a police vehicle
  • Struggling during arrest
  • Striking the officer

What Are the Penalties for a Resisting Arrest Conviction?

In most cases, a resisting arrest charge is considered a Class A misdemeanor under state law. The penalties include a maximum jail term of one year. A conviction can also lead to a maximum fine of $2,000.

It is possible for the prosecuting attorney to enhance a resisting arrest charge under specific circumstances. If the act of interfering with a police officer results in another person’s death or serious physical injury, the charge becomes a Class D felony. A Class D felony is the lowest-level felony charge under state law. That does not mean the potential penalties are insignificant, as a conviction carries up to five years in state prison. A New Canaan resisting arrest attorney can help you if you are facing this charge and work to investigate the case and develop the strongest defense possible.

Call a New Canaan Resisting Arrest Attorney

While a resisting arrest case can be overwhelming, it is important to face these charges head-on with a lawyer by your side to advocate on your behalf. Call Mark Sherman Law right away to learn how a New Canaan resisting arrest lawyer can help fight back against these charges.

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