Resisting Arrest is a very easily charged crime in Fort Collins and Loveland, Colorado. Seriously, look at the Larimer County booking reports and you will usually see this crime charged at least once a day. That’s usually because if you don’t completely agree with what the officer’s are doing, you will face Resisting Arrest charges. Let’s take a closer look at what Resisting Arrest entails.
Larimer County Resisting Arrest Lawyer: How is Resisting Arrest Charged in Colorado?
The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Resisting Arrest – C.R.S. 18-8-103 – is:
(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.
The language is vague. Simply moving your shoulder or trying to turn around to talk to the officer arresting you can result in this charge. And remember, Resisting Arrest is a secondary charge. There must be an initial crime for which you are being arrested in order for you to resist that arrest. Emotions are generally high when a person is told they are being arrested. Trying to get questions answered and explain your case is sometimes seen as Resisting Arrest.
Penalty for Resisting Arrest in Loveland and Fort Collins
In Loveland and Fort Collins, Resisting Arrest is a class 2 misdemeanor. The penalty for this level misdemeanor is up to 120 days in the Larimer County Jail and up to $750 in fines.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Resisting Arrest, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent and contact the best Fort Collins criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 to schedule a free initial consultation today. Together, we can protect your future.
Image by Berthold Bronisz from Pixabay