Legal Advice on Resisting the Law

Any jurisdiction has the right to arrest anyone who attempts to resist an arrest. Under the law, if a person resists an arrest, the officers have a degree of right to use force in the arrest of a suspect. Most states prohibit using deadly force if a suspect tries to flee or resist arrest. For the most part, if the officer(s) does not have a warrant, it may be illegal to arrest, or else use force to halt the party being arrested.

If you are arrested, the best advice you can get is to comply with the arresting officer and take the legal steps to protect your rights further. Resisting an officer or else using inappropriate conduct or derogatory language against an officer will only make matters worse.

If you are innocent of the crime you are accused of, it makes no sense to flee the officer or resist arrest, since in the courtroom, the truth will often become apparent, especially if it looks as if you have nothing to hide. If you adhere to the arresting officer’s demands and are innocent, once you have proven your innocence, you will be able to seek some form of compensation, since you can sue the law for unlawful arrests. This gives you the upper hand; however, if your resist, it could penalize you even if you are innocent of the crime accused.

Again, if you are arrested, first ask the officer to see the search warrant, or warrant against you peacefully. Read the document carefully and then extend your hands peacefully, so that the officer can cuff you and take you to the station. Whether or not you are innocent of the charges, you should answer any questions peacefully, unless the police officer is leading you or threatening you–in which case, you should peacefully let the officer know that you do not wish to continue the questioning at this time.