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Being charged with and convicted for resisting arrest could result in jail time, high fines, and a criminal record. The penalties could have severe consequences on your future, possibly affecting your ability to get a job, find housing, or even enroll in school. At Ronald Dinan & Associates, we understand the negative impacts of being found guilty of an offense, which is why we provide tenacious legal representation to fight charges. Our attorneys have over 150 years of combined experience, and we know how to develop an effective defense to work toward a favorable outcome on your behalf.
To discuss your case with our team, call us at (888) 563-6268.
California Penal Code 148 – Resisting Arrest Defined
Many people associate resisting arrest only with physically struggling with a police officer while they are trying to take a suspect into custody. However, under California Penal Code 148(a)(1) PC, this offense could also be committed when a person willfully obstructs or delays a cop or emergency medical technician (EMT) while they are performing or attempting to perform their lawful duties. Under the statute, any action – whether physical or non-physical – that hinders a police officer or EMT from carrying out their job function could be a violation of the law.
This offense is charged as a misdemeanor and could result in the following penalties:
- Up to 1 year in county jail, and/or
- Up to $1,000 in fines
To land a conviction, the prosecutor must prove a person willfully resisted, obstructed, or delayed an officer or EMT while they were performing their job duties, and they knew the individual was a cop or emergency medical technician. Our Santa Rosa lawyers know that people might be charged with this offense even if their actions did not fit the elements of the crime, and various defenses could be presented at trial, such as the individual was acting in self-defense, they were falsely accused, or the arrest wasn't lawful. When you retain our services, we will thoroughly examine the details of your circumstances to build a solid legal strategy for your unique case.
Delivering Aggressive Representation to Challenge Allegations
At Ronald Dinan & Associates, we know that there are two sides to every story, which is why we will take the time to listen to the situation from your perspective and gain an understanding of what happened. Leveraging our extensive knowledge of the law and considerable resources, we will fight hard to protect your rights and minimize the potential consequences of a conviction on your future.
If you're facing charges for resisting arrest, it's crucial to get legal help immediately. Call us at (888) 563-6268 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.