Norwalk Resisting Arrest Lawyer
If you were arrested in Norwalk for interfering with a police officer, a resisting arrest lawyer can help advocate for your rights and work to reduce the likelihood of a negative outcome.
What is Resisting Arrest or Interfering with an Officer?
An individual commits resisting arrest or interfering with an officer when they obstruct, resist, hinder, or endanger any police officer or firefighter in the performance of their official duties.
What are Some Common Examples of Resisting Arrest?
The resisting arrest statute is intentionally vague and wide-ranging, which allows it to encompass a wide variety of behaviors. Some common examples of conduct that might constitute resisting arrest may include:
- Kicking, pushing, or shoving
- Spitting
- Swinging arms, wrestling, or otherwise struggling
- Being verbally abusive
In many situations, even the smallest amount of resistance, or what officers may perceive as resistance, can result in charges for interference with an officer. Even passive resistance could be the basis for a resisting charge, such as refusing to cooperate with being handcuffed, failing to walk when ordered to do so, or being physically resistant in any manner.
These charges may also come about when a police officer is working security at a concert, directing traffic, or answering an emergency medical call. Whatever the situation may be a resisting arrest attorney in Norwalk may be able to help.
What are the Elements of Resisting Arrest?
One essential element of resisting arrest is the intent to interfere with police activity. In other words, the accused must take actions designed to impede police from performing their duties intentionally.
To meet their burden of proof, the prosecution must also prove that the police were acting in the scope of their official duties and that this was something the accused knew of.
What are the Penalties for Resisting Arrest in Norwalk?
Interfering with a police officer is typically a Class A misdemeanor. A conviction for a Class A misdemeanor offense may result in up to one year in jail, a term of probation, and a maximum fine of $2,000.
However, this offense can be a Class D felony if the action results in death or severe injury to another. A conviction on a Class D interference with a police officer charge can result in a prison sentence ranging from one to five years, a fine of no more than $5,000 and/or a period of probation.
Call a Norwalk Resisting Arrest Attorney for Advice
If you’ve been arrested for interfering with a police officer, it is imperative that you take steps to preserve and protect evidence relating to your criminal charges as quickly as possible by engaging the services of a Norwalk resisting arrest lawyer. To learn more, call Mark Sherman Law today for a consultation.