Resisting Arrest

Cherry Hill NJ Resisting Arrest Lawyers

Resisting Arrest Attorneys Gloucester Township NJPreventing an officer from effecting an arrest is a crime in New Jersey, which makes matters worse when you are already being arrested for another criminal offense. The same applies if you are being arrested and you attempt to flee or run away if police tell you to stop. While resisting arrest charges occur on a regular basis, the degree of the charge in a given case can differ depending on the situation. At the lowest level, resisting arrest is a disorderly persons offense which is handled in the local municipal court where the charges originated. This is technically the equivalent of a criminal misdemeanor. However, resisting arrest may be elevated to a fourth degree felony crime if it occurs by flight, exposing the defendant to enhanced punishments if convicted in superior court. In the most extreme cases, a person can be charged with a third degree indictable crime for using or threatening to use force against a police officer or someone else in the course of committing a resisting arrest offense. As the charges become more serious, the potential term of incarceration lengthens.

Thus, if you have been charged with resisting arrest in Camden County or elsewhere in New Jersey, it is crucial to have knowledgeable legal representation. There are a number of effective defenses that can be used to get resisting arrest charges dismissed. An experienced criminal defense attorney can thoroughly investigate your case to identify the best ways to combat your resisting arrest charge. William Fay is a highly knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer with years’ experience defending clients in Camden, Lindenwold, Pine Hill, Bellmawr, Mt. Ephraim, Winslow, Voorhees and Pennsauken. As a former Deputy Attorney General turned dedicated criminal defense attorney, Mr. Fay and his team go above and beyond to deliver superior results. For additional information about your resisting arrest charges, contact our criminal defense law firm at 609-832-3202 for a free consultation with a lawyer who will fight for you.

Resisting Arrest Charges in New Jersey: N.J.S.A. 2C:29-2

Resisting arrest charges are addressed in New Jersey Statute 2C:29-2, Resisting arrest, eluding officer, which explains that it is a disorderly persons offense to prevent or attempt to prevent a law enforcement officer from effecting an arrest. However, if a person prevents or attempts to prevent the arrest by flight (meaning you attempt to flee), this is a fourth degree crime. Further, resisting arrest offenses are enhanced to third degree crimes if they occur under any of the following circumstances:

  • The person uses or threatens to use physical force or violence against the law enforcement officer or another; or
  • The person uses any other means to create a substantial risk of causing physical injury to the public servant or another; or
  • The person flees or attempts to elude a police officer while operating a motor vehicle or vessel.

Notably, if eluding a police officer in a motor vehicle creates the risk of injury or death to another person, this becomes a second degree crime, which is the most serious type of resisting arrest/eluding charge.

What are the Penalties for an NJ Resisting Arrest Charge?

The consequences of a conviction for resisting arrest in New Jersey depend on the circumstances of the specific case. A typical resisting arrest charge is a disorderly persons offense, which is punishable by up to 6 months in the county jail. However, if you attempt to prevent an arrest by fleeing (referred to as “eluding“), this becomes a more serious fourth degree crime, which may result in a sentence to serve up to 18 months in NJ State Prison if you are convicted. Resisting arrest can also be a third degree crime if the attempt to elude an officer is committed while operating a motor vehicle, and in the most severe cases, you can be charged with second degree resisting arrest if the offense occurs in a vehicle and it creates a risk or injury or death to another person.

As mentioned above, the potential penalties for resisting arrest depend on the degree of the charge and the conduct involved in the offense. Specifically, a disorderly persons resisting arrest charge is punishable by up to 6 months in the county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and a charge on your criminal record. Fourth degree resisting arrest may result in a sentence to serve up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Third degree eluding entails a prison term ranging from 3 to 5 years for those convicted and a maximum fine of $15,000. Lastly, a second degree charge for resisting arrest is punishable by between 5 and 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $150,000. For eluding offenses in a motor vehicle, the court may also impose a driver’s license suspension ranging from 6 months to 2 years. It is important to note that the penalties for resisting arrest may be imposed in addition to any consequences associated with a conviction for another criminal offense.

Contact a Brooklawn NJ Resisting Arrest Attorney for a Free Consultation

To schedule a free consultation about your resisting arrest or other criminal charge, please call our criminal defense law firm at 609-832-3202. We regularly assist clients in Burlington County, Camden County and Gloucester County.

Testimonials

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"Excellent criminal defense lawyer"

"William handled a matter for me and exceeded my expectations. He was excellent in all areas of the law and achieved an outstanding result. Best of all,he demonstrates honesty and integrity. I would highly recommend William and already have."

Wayne

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"Amazing!!!"

"I was so scared and nervous about my legal situation but Mr. Fay did an outstanding job with my case!!! I was so relieved with the outcome and he worked so hard for me! He was so calm and understanding and I’m so grateful for him. Thank you so very much for helping me! I am so grateful appreciative."

Jessica

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"All Charges Dropped & Expunged"

"William defended me in my marijuana + paraphernalia case, he had all charges dropped and expunged! Despite the fact I was long past conditional discharges/probation, etc. He has a sharp wit and a bright future ahead of him as an attorney. Thanks again Will!"

Andrew

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"Fantastic Lawyer"

"Mr. Fay is a fantastic lawyer. He helped me during a very stressful time in my life. He was knowledgeable about my case and what my options were. He answered all my questions and was very reassuring. He was there waiting for me at the entrance on my court date and made me feel at ease. He worked with the prosecutor to reduce my charges. I got the best outcome I could have hoped for. I highly recommend Mr. Fay if you need a lawyer."

Eric

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"Marijuana Charges"

"I was arrested and summoned to court for possession of marijuana, even though I didn't have any on me. It was my first time getting in trouble and I was terrified and nervous. Mr. Fay came into court prepared and was extremely assuring. He made it very clear that he was going to fight for my case until the very end. He was extremely knowledgable about my case and the ways to resolve it. I would recommend Mr. Fay to anyone who has gotten into trouble."

former client

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"Excellent lawyer. Highly recommended."

"Mr. Fay is extremely caring and knowledgeable. He took the time to explain the entire process in a very clear manner and was a tremendous help during a stressful time. He was always available to take a phone call and really showed that he cared about me and my case. I highly recommend Mr. Fay as an attorney." "

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"Highly recommend"

"Great lawyer. Created a best possible outcome for my case."

former client

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"Amazing job, explains very clearly"

"He did a fantastic job on my case, making my penalty much less than I thought it could possibly be. He clearly understands what he is doing and can explain everything in a way that anyone can understand. Any questions I had were answered very clearly and he listened to all small details of my case."

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If you or someone you love has been charged with a criminal or DUI offense in New Jersey, finding the answers you need to make informed decisions is critical. Complete our contact form to request your free consultation or contact 609-832-3202


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