Resisting arrest is the legal term for preventing an arrest by using force or threats. According to Black’s Law Dictionary, the act of resisting arrest is defined as “interference with a law enforcement officer in the performance of his or her duties.” In other words, it is the act of obstructing or impeding an arrest. This can include physical restraint like pushing or grabbing onto a law enforcement officer, or even verbal resistance like threatening an officer with harm.
Resisting arrest is a criminal offense, and the punishment varies by jurisdiction. In some states, attempting to resist arrest is a misdemeanor while in other states it can be considered a felony. Depending on the severity of the charges, resisting arrest may be punished with jail time, fines, or even community service.
Modern Examples of Resisting Arrest
In recent years, there have been a number of cases of resisting arrest that have gone viral. For example, in 2014, an unarmed teenager in Missouri, Michael Brown, was fatally shot by a police officer after resisting arrest. Similarly, in 2015, a South Carolina woman named Waliyh Abdulhamid Jones was arrested and charged with resisting arrest after attempting to stop an officer from using a taser on her son.
These examples show that resisting arrest can potentially be incredibly dangerous, leading to serious injuries and even death. It is important to recognize this risk and always comply with law enforcement officers’ instructions. Resisting arrest can also have serious legal consequences, so it is important to understand the potential implications of the action.