Festus, MO Resisting Arrest Defense Attorneys Helping You Retain Your Freedom

In Missouri, you can be charged with resisting arrest, even if you didn’t actually fight, resist, or struggle to free yourself during an arrest. In fact, it’s possible to be charged with resisting arrest without doing anything physical at all.

All that’s required is proof that you tried to prevent the arrest. According to Section 575-150 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, the term resisting arrest applies to anyone who resists “for the purpose of preventing the officer from effecting the arrest”.

Based on that definition, merely interfering with police work in a way that might cause a law enforcement agent to think you were preventing an arrest can lead to a resisting arrest charge.

While there are other factors and actions that would count as resisting arrest, a key element is the law enforcement agent’s perspective that you are interfering in some way.

For example, if a police officer wanted to arrest someone driving under the influence and you prevent them from doing their job by helping the offender escape, there is a possibility you could be charged with a resisting arrest.

If you are facing a resisting arrest charge in Jefferson County, MO, you need competent resisting arrest lawyers to fight for you and defend you.

At Grafe & Batchelor Attorneys at Law, we’re skilled criminal defense lawyers, with a great deal of experience representing clients accused of resisting arrest. Call us at 636-933-9151 to schedule a free consultation if you need help.

What Constitutes Resisting Arrest in Missouri?

Law enforcement agents have a right to arrest anyone who breaks the law. To this end, anyone who interferes with the process of an arrest could potentially be charged with a crime. Law-breaking isn’t necessarily just about committing an actual crime. Your activities can be considered as interference if they fall into the following categories:

• Reporting a false crime to the police
• Providing information that impedes the law enforcement agent’s ability to do their work
• Reporting someone under false pretense with the hope that the police will arrest or warn the person
• Intentionally hiding, destroying, or tampering with evidence in a way that slows down the arrest or prosecution of an individual
• Actively resisting or getting in the way of a law enforcement agent
• Preventing a law enforcement officer from serving the guilty a warrant, order of court, or writ
• Hindering law enforcement officers from discharging their official duties

If you’re believed to be involved in one or more of these offenses, you could be charged and prosecuted.

If you’re charged with resisting arrest, you’re going to need help. The good news is, a strong resisting arrest lawyer in Jefferson County, MO, may be able to clear you of these charges.

Call Grafe & Batchelor today at 636-933-9151 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case.

Penalties for Resisting Arrest in Jefferson County, MO

A resisting arrest charge is generally classified as a Class D Felony. If you’re convicted of the charge, you could end up paying a fine and possibly go to jail for a maximum of four (4) years.

Depending on the details, resisting arrest charges in Missouri can also be charged as Class A Misdemeanors. The penalty for this charge includes a fine and up to a one (1) year jail term.

These penalties can seem worrying and scary, but one of the best things you can do is find the right resisting arrest lawyers in Jefferson County, MO, to represent you and adjudicate on your behalf.

How Can Grafe & Batchelor Help You?

If you’re wondering what your options are, pleading guilty shouldn’t necessarily be one of them. With our experience, we might be able to help you get a more favorable outcome. Many times in cases like these, the charges and even the penalties can be knocked down, withdrawn, or reversed with the right defense.

Part of our strategy is to understand the events leading up to the arrest. In Missouri, being rude to an officer or using foul language isn’t grounds for an arrest.

The officer using excessive force during the arrest can also be a factor that changes the outcome of the case. You are allowed to try and defend yourself if officers were being too aggressive while they were attempting to arrest you. Self-defense or protecting yourself from harm is often not grounds for a resisting arrest charge.

As experienced criminal defense attorneys in Festus, MO, we’ve dealt with many resisting arrest charges, and we know favorable outcomes for our clients are possible. Let us help you.

Call Grafe & Batchelor Attorneys at Law today at 636-933-9151 to schedule a free consultation.