Norwalk Resisting Arrest Lawyer

To help protect your rights, it is a good idea to talk to a Norwalk resisting arrest lawyer soon if you have been charged with this offense. A top criminal defense lawyer can fight to protect your rights and minimize the negative consequences in your case.

What Can Constitute a Resisting Arrest Charge?

Resisting arrest is officially called “interfering with an officer,” and it can be charged in a wide range of circumstances.

Police may charge you with resisting arrest if you:

  • Grab an officer
  • Verbally insult or annoy an officer
  • Swing your arms to make it difficult for an officer to handcuff you
  • Spit on an officer
  • Kick at an officer
  • Push or shove an officer away

Sometimes, individuals acting in self-defense may be charged with resisting arrest. A Norwalk resisting arrest attorney can work to show that your actions were justified under the circumstances and should not be penalized.

How Does Connecticut Define the Crime?

The conduct that constitutes resisting arrest or interfering with an officer is set forth in Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53a-167a. Taking any action that hinders, obstructs, resists, or endangers a peace officer, firefighter, or other designated officer can be prosecuted for resisting arrest.

Police may argue that the slightest attempt to pull away from the police constitutes an act that hinders them in the performance of their duties. Accordingly, it can be challenging to defend against charges of resisting arrest.

How Is Resisting Arrest Penalized?

Interfering with an officer/resisting arrest can be penalized as a felony if the incident causes someone to suffer serious physical injuries. In such cases, resisting arrest is treated as a Class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison. The court can also impose a fine of up to $5,000.

In other cases, resisting arrest is considered a Class A misdemeanor. Those convicted can be sentenced to up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. A resisting arrest lawyer in Norwalk can present mitigating factors to justify less burdensome consequences.

Work with a Dedicated Norwalk Resisting Arrest Attorney

Working with a Norwalk resisting arrest lawyer soon after an arrest also allows an attorney the maximum amount of time to collect evidence and build the strongest defense against the charges. To find out more about how an experienced legal advocate could help you reach a positive outcome if you are accused of resisting arrest, call Mark Sherman Law now for a confidential consultation.

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