Resisting arrest refers to adverse actions taken while being arrested, and can be a serious criminal charge. The arrest process can be a chaotic and tumultuous experience, and sometimes even the most innocent actions can be misconstrued by an arresting officer. Knutson+Casey employs some of the top Mankato resist-arrest lawyers and has helped clients facing these serious charges in the past to prevail.
We rely on our knowledge of the legal system, evidence, and eyewitness testimony to provide an aggressive and clear-eyed defense. Because of the subjective nature of these charges, we have been able to garner numerous optimal case outcomes for clients charged with resisting arrest.
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Resisting arrest in Minnesota is characterized by the intentional obstruction, resistance, or interference of a police officer attempting to perform their legal duties. The Minnesota legislature also noted that a refusal to be handcuffed, a refusal to surrender, and a struggle with the police are considered forms of resisting arrest. This is one of the challenging aspects of a resisting arrest charge, as some of its components are highly subjective and depend on the arresting officer.
Wrestling and fighting with the police or finding ways to prevent them from making an arrest may also be considered a form of resistance. Running from the police or refusing to stop when they order you to are considered crimes governed by other aspects of Minnesota law.
A Mankato resisting arrest lawyer may be able to help prove your innocence, especially given the subjective nature of this charge. Using evidence from your arrest and eyewitness testimony, we may be able to show that movements considered to be a form of resistance were something else entirely. At Knutson+Casey, we rely on our wealth of experience and vast legal knowledge to advocate for your freedom after you’ve been charged with resisting arrest.
We know how much this additional charge can impact your existing case and make it that much harder to resolve to your satisfaction. Knutson+Casey will work to get the charges reduced or dropped entirely so they don’t exacerbate any other charges you may be facing. We will employ an array of legal strategies, all of which have proven effective in the past. Our clients rely on us to pursue the legal outcomes that will have the best results for their circumstances.
The penalties for resisting arrest in Southern Minnesota depend on the actions that resulted in the charge. The more dangerous and severe the actions are, as reported by police officers at the scene, the heavier the penalties for these charges will be if you are convicted. Resisting arrest becomes a felony in Minnesota if you knew that your actions would cause risk of death, substantial bodily harm, extensive property damage, or if any of these results did occur due to your actions. A felony conviction of this magnitude in Minnesota is accompanied by a maximum penalty of five years in state prison, a fine up to $10,000, or a combination of the two.
If the actions related to resisting arrest were not severe but were still forceful or threatening, you would be facing a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison, a $3,000 fine, or a combination of the two. Any other less severe actions relating to resisting arrest carry a maximum sentence of 90 days, a $1,000 fine, or a combination of the two.
Being charged with resisting arrest can hold significant consequences and can result in a violent component on your criminal record, which can potentially follow you for the rest of your life. You need a Mankato resisting arrest lawyer that has the necessary experience to mount a vigorous defense on your behalf. Knutson+Casey has a background in criminal defense and resisting arrest charges and has helped thousands of clients in Southern Minnesota to fight such charges successfully.
Learn more about how we may be able to assist you by calling us at (507) 344-8888 or reaching out online to schedule a free consultation.