Hickory Resisting a Police Officer Lawyer

Hickory Resisting a Police Officer Attorney

Being accused of resisting arrest or intervening with a police officer’s legal duty can be incredibly stressful. If you’re facing such charges, it’s recommended that you proceed with full cooperation, immediately exercise your right to an attorney, and refrain from answering questions or offering up non-essential information while you wait for your counsel to arrive. Get in contact with a Hickory resisting a police officer lawyer today if you’ve been arrested.

At Cody Law Firm, our professional team is dedicated to providing clients with astute representation and knowledgeable guidance for the duration of their cases. Our criminal defense law firm has years of practical experience handling cases of assault and other violent crimes, drug violations, firearm offenses, DWIs, and other misdemeanor and felony crimes. Even if you’re facing multiple charges or otherwise have a complicated case, we can represent you.

What Actions Count as Resisting a Police Officer?

Resisting a police officer is an offense falling under the larger categories of violations referred to as “obstruction of justice.” Resisting arrest is any unlawful and willful conduct that’s intended to delay or prevent a law enforcement officer from executing or completing their official duties. Scenarios that may result in this charge include:

• Evading arrest by fleeing the scene
• Physically engaging with an officer
• Refusing to accept a traffic violation ticket
• Not complying with an officer’s instructions or general uncooperation
• Providing an officer with false information, such as a fake name or address

Penalties for a Resisting Arrest Conviction in NC

Resisting a police officer is a Class 2 misdemeanor, with a conviction punishable by a jail sentence, a heavy fine, possible community service, and mandatory probation regulations, including reporting regularly to a probation officer. If found guilty of this misdemeanor, the conviction will also be added to your permanent criminal record.

Not only are the legal punishments unpleasant, but sustaining a conviction on your criminal record can have negative consequences for your life going forward. This can cause a future conviction to result in more severe penalties. Additionally, a conviction may impact your professional career and reputation, make finding new employment or housing difficult, and have other adverse effects.

Potential Defense Strategies for Resisting an Officer

No matter the details of your situation, it’s important that you speak with a qualified attorney in Hickory, North Carolina, who has experience in resisting arrest cases. Your lawyer will know the most advantageous course of action to take when building a strong defense for a defendant accused of resisting. Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, a criminal defense attorney may be able to argue that you were unlawfully arrested, acting in self-defense, or in defense of another party from being unlawfully arrested.

Another defense strategy is establishing that you were not intentionally resisting the police officer and that your actions were due to trying to avoid a hazard or obstruction in the environment. It’s also possible to argue that you weren’t aware that your actions would be considered resisting or that you were unaware the person you were resisting was a police officer.

It’s vital to use all possible measures to avoid a conviction, including obtaining the services of legal counsel. A defense lawyer has a deep understanding of criminal law and procedures. They can also help you with any relevant paperwork, make sure you don’t miss court, and provide you with moral support. They can also advise you on whether you should accept a plea bargain or advance your case to trial.

If you are convicted, your lawyer won’t stop advocating for you. They can represent you during sentencing and work to ensure you receive the most lenient sentence possible.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Statute 14-223 in North Carolina?

A: The North Carolina General Statute 14-223 is the law prohibiting any person from willfully and intentionally resisting an officer of the law or otherwise delaying or obstructing their ability to carry out their official duties. This is a misdemeanor charge, and if the resistant, delaying, or obstructive conduct is determined to be the proximate cause of a police officer’s serious injury, this offense is elevated to a felony.

Q: What Are the Penalties for Resisting an Officer in NC?

A: In North Carolina, the penalties for resisting a police officer include time in jail, fine payment, and potentially, the mandatory completion of community service hours and reporting to a probation officer. A conviction for resisting arrest will also be on your permanent criminal record, which carries its own potential difficulties and repercussions.

Q: What Constitutes the Obstruction of Justice in NC?

A: The obstruction of justice in North Carolina legislation is a broad category of various offenses, including resisting a police officer. Obstructing justice is a general law that prohibits any action that hinders, prevents, or obstructs the carrying out of public or legal justice. Other violations under this statute include destroying or hiding evidence of criminal misconduct, violating a court order, or intimidating the jurors or witnesses of a legal proceeding.

Q: How Can a Lawyer Help to Fight a Resisting Arrest Charge?

A: A lawyer can help you fight a resisting arrest charge in many ways. It’s never required to retain legal representation, but it is highly advised. Your criminal defense attorney will ensure your rights are protected and that you are fairly represented in all legal proceedings.

A skilled defense lawyer knows how to investigate the circumstances of a case, gather strong and relevant evidence, build a case with effective sources and strategies, and negotiate with the prosecution and judge.

Adept Criminal Defense Attorneys for Your Case

The qualified team of professionals at Cody Law Firm is prepared to manage your case every step of the way. We can explain the implications of the charges against you, as well as the potential penalties. We’ve helped many clients with similar cases, so we know what strategies may be effective. A skilled defense lawyer from our firm can work diligently to lessen the severity of any punishment you may face.

Reach out to our office today to schedule a meeting with an experienced lawyer about your case.