Arrested for Resisting Arrest in Massachusetts?
A resisting arrest charge can be challenging to defend since it is the cops word against yours.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t win, or we can’t get the charge reduced or dropped. Generally, defense strategies include suggesting that the officer may have overreacted to the situation.
No doubt whatever happened that lead to your being arrested was extremely emotional and traumatic. Very often, a resisting charge results because you happen to piss off the cop. But being difficult and annoying a police officer isn’t a crime.
Very often any alleged resisting is often minor or non-existent. When cooler heads prevail, it is simply not in the interests of justice for you to face a criminal charge for such a situation.
Massachusetts Resisting Arrest – Penalties
Conviction on a charge or Resisting Arrest in MA can be punishable by imprisonment for up to 2 1/2 years or a fine of $500, or both.
Even if the arrest is ultimately deemed illegitimate or unwarranted, that is still not a defense for resisting arrest.
If you are charged with Resisting Arrest or another criminal offense, call me to schedule a free appointment now.
By calling, you have nothing to lose. I’ll be happy to talk with you and discuss your case before you decide if you want to hire me. Either way, you’ll get some free advice. Defending people accused of crimes is what I do for a living. Call to set up a free consultation now.
Mass General Laws, Excerpt Ch 268, Section 32B Resisting arrest “A person commits the crime of resisting arrest if he knowingly prevents or attempts to prevent a police officer … from effecting an arrest of the actor or another, by using or threatening to use physical force or violence against the police officer or another or using any other means which creates a substantial risk of causing bodily injury to such police officer or another.”