Resisting Arrest Under Florida Law

What happens if I resist an arrest?

The misdemeanor version of Resisting an Officer or Obstruction of Justice is found primarily in Chapter 843 of the Florida Statutes. The most frequently used is Section 843.02- “Resisting an officer without violence to his or her person.” That statute provides:

843.02 Resisting officer without violence to his or her person.–Whoever shall resist, obstruct, or oppose any officer as defined in s.943.10(1), (2), (3), (6), (7), (8), or (9); member of the Parole Commission or any administrative aide or supervisor employed by the commission; county probation officer; parole and probation supervisor; personnel or representative of the Department of Law Enforcement; or other person legally authorized to execute process in the execution of legal process or in the lawful execution of any legal duty, without offering or doing violence to the person of the officer, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082or s. 775.083.

Other offenses that are misdemeanors include obstruction by disguised person (F.S. 843.03,) refusal to assist prison officers in apprehending an escape (F.S. 843.04,) resisting a timber agent (a Deputy Sheriff acting as timber agent), a misdemeanor under F.S. 843.05, and neglect or refusal to aid officers in the performance of their duties (F.S. 843.06.) There are others, but this gives a sample.

Strong Criminal Defense In Central Florida

Any time you are approached or questioned by police regarding this or any other matter, REFUSE consent to search and refuse to answer any questions until you have given us a call at one of our two locations at 407 743 8430 or 407-250-9557, for a prompt and  free consultation with an experienced Central Florida criminal defense attorney at The Defense Group. We are available 24 hours a day for your emergency needs, and appointments can be arranged for nights or weekends if necessary.