Unfortunately, the process of being arrested isn’t always as straightforward as it appears in the movies. In many cases, individuals aren’t even aware they are under arrest. For this reason, multiple defenses exist if you’ve been charged with resisting arrest. Read on for more information about this misdemeanor offense, and what penalties you may be facing if you’ve been charged.
In MA, resisting arrest is a crime, but it is rarely the only charge a person faces. In order for a person to be charged with resisting arrest, law enforcement must have had probable cause that another crime was being committed. In certain situations, however, a person who was not committing a crime can be charged with resisting arrest. This is common in domestic disputes, when a family member attempts to prevent law enforcement from making an arrest. When this happens, the individual will likely be charged with an additional crime, such as disorderly conduct.
The following is from the Massachusetts statute about resisting arrest:
It shall not be a defense to a prosecution under this section that the police officer was attempting to make an arrest which was unlawful, if he was acting under color of his official authority, and in attempting to make the arrest he was not resorting to unreasonable or excessive force giving rise to the right of self-defense. A police officer acts under the color of his official authority when, in the regular course of assigned duties, he is called upon to make, and does make, a judgment in good faith based upon surrounding facts and circumstances that an arrest should be made by him.
Crimes commonly associated with resisting arrest charges include OUI, assault and battery, domestic violence, drug crimes, and theft crimes. In MA, it is against the law to stop, or attempt to stop, law enforcement from acting within their authority by use of physical force, threats, or anything that creates the risk of bodily harm or death.
When is it Not a Crime?
Not all forms of resistance involving law enforcement are considered resisting arrest, however. The following scenarios should not result in criminal charges. Of course, there are two sides to every story, and if the officer believes you were resisting arrest, you may still find yourself in court. If this happens to you, a skilled Boston defense lawyer can help position you for the most favorable outcome. A person is not guilty of resisting arrest in certain situations, including:
- When resisting being frisked.
- When requesting a female officer to do a pat down.
- If the person was unaware that he or she was preventing an arrest.
- If the person was unaware that an undercover officer was, in fact, a police officer.
- If an unreasonable amount of force was used to detain the person being arrested.
What are the Penalties?
As a misdemeanor offense, resisting arrest does not carry a prison sentence. You could, however, see the inside of a jail cell. If convicted of this crime, you could face up to two-and-a-half years in jail and a $500 fine. Of course, you will also receive a penalty for the underlying offense that you were being arrested for in the first place. Even if the charges for the other offense are dropped, you can still be punished for resisting arrest. A MA defense lawyer can help you determine how to proceed if you’ve been charged with this misdemeanor offense.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Criminal Defense Law Firm Serving All of MA
If you have been charged with resisting arrest or any other crime, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We have been protecting the rights of individuals charged with crimes for more than 50 years. Our experienced, knowledgeable attorneys have an impressive track record of getting clients’ charges reduced, or dismissed entirely. It is our goal to keep you out of jail, and to keep your record clean. If you are facing charges for any criminal offense, we can help. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.