Resisting Arrest Charges

Many believe that resisting arrest means fighting or trying to flee from law enforcement. Some states including Florida have two different resisting arrest laws pertaining to this crime – resisting arrest with violence and without. Both can land you in serious trouble, even if you didn’t realize you were committing a crime in the first place. A resisting arrest charges defense attorney from Lowry Legal can represent individuals facing these types of charges in and around Broward County, Florida.

Understanding Resisting Arrest Charges in Fort Lauderdale

Attempting to obstruct an officer in the process of an investigation can be grounds for charging an individual with resisting without violence. Refusing to sit/stand, refusing to put their arms behind their back, tensing their muscles when handcuffed or refusing to leave when ordered to all can land someone this resisting arrest without violence charge. On the other hand, a resisting arrest with violence charge means that the individual used violence to resist and this usually leads to stiffer penalties on these charges.

Penalties Associated with These Charges

Resisting arrest without violence is a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida and is punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of $1,000. Resisting arrest with violence, however, is a third-degree felony with up to five years prison, five years of probation, and a fine up to $5,000. The personal consequences associated with these charges can be large. This makes hiring a professional resisting arrest charges defense attorney to represent you that much more important. They can fight to dismiss or reduce your charges so that your livelihood isn’t affected as significantly.

Possible Defenses to Resisting Arrest Charges

If the officer is acting within their authority and has probable cause to arrest you, you’re not allowed to resist. You must cooperate with the lawful orders of the officer or risk being charged for resisting arrest in Florida. The law allows you to resist, without violence, an unlawful arrest. Some possible defenses to these charges include:

• That you didn’t actually resist
• You didn’t know that the officer was an officer at the time
• You resisted an unlawful order

The best strategy for your case will be determined by a professional criminal defense attorney from Lowry Legal. We represent Broward County individuals facing resisting arrest charges and help them to strategize ways to reduce or dismiss their cases.

Retain Highly-Rated Legal Counsel Today

If you’ve been charged with resisting arrest or know someone who has been charged, it’s important to do yourself a favor by contacting a resisting arrest charges defense attorney as soon as possible. At Lowry Legal, we can help you when you need legal counsel by your side the most. We understand all laws of Florida and how to uphold them in court if needed. We also have years of experience helping people with similar charges in Fort Lauderdale. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your charges with one of our resisting arrest charges defense attorneys today, call (954) 908-6222.