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    Westport Resisting Arrest Lawyer

    Were you arrested in Westport for interfering with an officer? A Westport resisting arrest lawyer can help you craft a powerful defense.

    What is Interfering with a Police Officer in Westport?

    Resisting arrest is charged under Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53a-167a as “Interfering with an officer.” Individuals violate this statute by taking certain actions against a peace officer, firefighter, motor vehicle inspector, or a “special policeman” with the Department of Revenue Services.

    If an individual’s actions obstruct, hinder, or endanger the officer’s ability to perform his or her duties, or if an individual resists an officer who is trying to perform his or her duties, they may be arrested under this statute.

    The broad language of the statute makes it easy for police to interpret many innocent actions as potential violations. However, a Westport resisting arrest lawyer may be able to argue that the actions at issue did not rise to the level of a criminal offense.

    What are the Penalties for Resisting Arrest?

    Interfering with an officer/resisting arrest is either a Class A misdemeanor or Class D felony, depending on the circumstances. If the actions involved in resisting arrest or interfering with an officer’s duties result in the serious physical injury or death of another person, then the offense is a Class D felony punishable by up to five years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000.

    If the actions did not cause serious injury or death, then the crime of resisting arrest is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine as high as $2,000.

    What Constitutes a Serious Injury?

    The law generally considers an injury to be “serious” if it either creates a substantial risk of death or results in serious loss of function of a body part, serious disfigurement, or serious impairment of health. A Westport interfering with an officer attorney may be able to argue that any injuries resulting from the offense were not serious enough to warrant felony penalties.

    When Should I Call an Attorney After My Arrest?

    As soon as possible. It is best to act quickly to collect evidence to defend against charges of resisting arrest. Video footage of an event could be erased or recorded over if prompt action is not taken to preserve it. Witnesses may become harder to locate as time passes, and their memory may be less reliable.

    An experienced Westport resisting arrest lawyer could build a strong defense by gathering evidence tending to show your innocence or tending to mitigate the State’s allegations.

    Contact a Knowledgeable Westport Resisting Arrest Attorney

    If you are facing charges of interfering with an officer or resisting arrest, it is a good idea to start working with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Read what our past clients have to say about working with us here, and then call Mark Sherman Law today for a consultation.