Facing Resisting Arrest charges in Weld County, Colorado, whether in Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Fort Lupton, Johnstown, Milliken, Firestone, Frederick, Dacono, Eaton, Kersey, LaSalle, Platteville, Severance, or Auburn, can be frightening and complicated. These charges can occur even in situations that begin as routine police contacts, traffic stops, or investigations.
Case in Point: Greeley Incident Involving Resisting Arrest Charges
In Greeley, a man allegedly struck a Weld County Sheriff’s Office patrol car with his truck and then refused to exit the vehicle when officers arrived. That resistance led to him being taken into custody and charged with Resisting Arrest along with other offenses. (CBS News)
Stories like this highlight how quickly a situation can escalate. Actions perceived as “uncooperative” can turn into criminal charges, sometimes in a matter of seconds, especially in high stress situations involving law enforcement.
If you or someone you know was charged in Greeley, near Evans, or in towns like Johnstown or Milliken, you need a Weld County criminal defense lawyer who understands how these charges arise and how to defend them.
What Does “Resisting Arrest” Mean in Erie, Colorado?
In Colorado, a person commits Resisting Arrest when they knowingly prevent or attempt to prevent a peace officer from effecting an arrest. This can include:
- Pulling away from officers
- Refusing to comply with lawful commands
- Physically struggling during an arrest
- Fleeing a scene or refusing to exit a vehicle
Resisting Arrest can be charged even when the underlying arrest turns out to be unlawful, meaning the arrest itself was not necessarily valid. A Milliken criminal defense attorney or Windsor criminal defense lawyer will review the legality of the police action that gave rise to the initial contact.
How Resisting Arrest Charges Are Treated in Weld County Courts
In many cases across Weld County, from Fort Lupton to Frederick to LaSalle, Resisting Arrest is treated as a misdemeanor under Colorado Revised Statutes. Penalties may include:
- Up to 364 days in the Weld County Jail
- Fines
- A permanent criminal record
And, importantly, prosecutors often stack Resisting Arrest with related charges such as Obstructing a Peace Officer, Reckless Endangerment, or failure to comply. This is especially true when an altercation takes place, as in the Greeley case where the suspect allegedly struck a patrol car before resisting.
A Frederick criminal defense attorney or LaSalle criminal defense lawyer can help evaluate every charge in the context of the entire police encounter.
Why You Need a Weld County Criminal Defense Attorney
Resisting Arrest charges can have consequences that stretch far beyond the day you go to court. Whether the arrest happened on a traffic stop in Greeley, at a residence in Evans, or during a public interaction in Windsor or Severance, those charges can affect:
- Employment opportunities
- Professional licensing
- Immigration status
- Background checks for housing or schooling
A skilled Greeley criminal defense attorney / Weld County defense lawyer will:
- Review body camera and dash cam footage
- Challenge the legality of the initial police contact
- Identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
- Seek reduced charges or dismissal when appropriate
Contact a Weld County Criminal Defense Lawyer Before Talking to Police
If you’re facing Resisting Arrest charges anywhere in Weld County, including Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Fort Lupton, Johnstown, Milliken, Firestone, Frederick, Dacono, Eaton, Kersey, LaSalle, Platteville, Severance, or Auburn, it’s essential to get legal advice as soon as possible. Don’t make statements to law enforcement without an attorney. A Weld County criminal defense lawyer can protect your rights and help you navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Resisting Arrest, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
Image by Berthold Bronisz from Pixabay