Resisting arrest charges are common in Denver and result from someone preventing or attempting to prevent a police officer from apprehending a person. Due to Denver’s dense population, many bars, and busy nightlife, offenses of this nature occur frequently. Sometimes police use excessive force, escalating the situation. Other times people think they’re being unlawfully arrested and become physically or verbally aggressive. Any charges of interfering with an arrest require representation from an experienced resisting arrest attorney.
What Qualifies as Resisting Arrest in Denver?
While there are several different actions that can lead to charges, C.R.S. 18-8-103 describes the specific details of resisting arrest in Denver, Stapleton, and Cherry Creek:
- (1) A person commits resisting arrest if he knowingly prevents or attempts to prevent a peace officer, acting under color of his official authority, from effecting an arrest of the actor or another, by:
- (a) Using or threatening to use physical force or violence against the peace officer or another; or
- (b) Using any other means which creates a substantial risk of causing bodily injury to the peace officer or another.
These charges don’t just apply to the person being arrested for an offense. If a close friend or relative attempts to impede an arrest out of anger or frustration, resisting arrest charges can follow as well.
How Much Jail Time Can You Get for Resisting Arrest in Denver?
Resisting arrest in Denver, Park Hill, or Lodo is a class 2 misdemeanor. Conviction can lead to 3 – 12 months in county jail, as well as $250 – $1,000. However, resisting arrest charges can amplify quickly to second-degree assault if the police officer experiences any degree of pain while attempting to apprehend someone. This can occur when an intoxicated person is fighting his / her arrest and accidentally makes physical contact with an officer.
Denver Resisting Arrest Attorney
Whether you lost your temper during an arrest, took off running, or tried to stop a loved one from being taken into custody, the battle ahead is difficult. Fortunately, Denver’s best criminal defense attorneys are a phone call away. We have decades of experience representing clients charged with police involved crimes and strive to achieve the best possible outcome in each case. Spending time in jail, being fined, or placed on probation isn’t ideal by any means. You could easily lose your job, sever friendships, and negatively impact your family if care is not taken. Contact our office for a free initial consultation where we will carefully analyze your resisting arrest case and suggest next steps.
If you or someone you know is facing resisting arrest charges in Colorado, be smart. Contact the strategic criminal defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.
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