Stop resisting! Stop resisting!
In Michigan, resisting arrest is a serious crime. Under Michigan Compiled Law (MCL) 750.81d, it is illegal to resist or obstruct a police officer or any other law enforcement official when they are performing their duties. This law doesn’t only apply to police officers but also to firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency personnel.
Beside obstruction of “Justice” – This is a favorite of government officials to throw on for any reason they see fit. It may be that they are just having a bad day and you did not submit like a wet noodle.
Charged with resisting arrest?
The first and most important step is to immediately seek the help of an experienced criminal defense trial attorney. Because a trial is where you may have to take it and it won’t be cheap.
A lawyer who specializes in Resisting and Obstructing cases will know how to navigate the complexities of the legal system, protect your rights, and build a strong defense.
They will also help you avoid making mistakes that could hurt your case.
Levels of Obstruction and Resisting Arrest in Michigan
In Michigan, the law deals with obstruction and resisting arrest through a range of actions that can interfere with a law enforcement officer’s duties. These actions are illegal and are taken seriously by the courts. Michigan law outlines several levels of offenses for obstruction and resisting arrest, depending on the severity of the act and the resulting consequences.
Resisting and Obstructing Officers
Michigan law, specifically Michigan Compiled Law (MCL) 750.81d, makes it a crime to obstruct, resist, or assault a police officer while they are carrying out their duties.
This law applies not only to police officers but also to firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and other authorized officials.
Resisting involves refusing to comply with lawful orders, such as resisting an arrest.
Obstruction, on the other hand, refers to actions that make it difficult or impossible for an officer to perform their duties, like lying to police, refusing to move when asked, or hiding evidence.
If you are found guilty of resisting or obstructing, you can face a felony charge. The penalties for this crime depend on the circumstances:
- Basic offense: If there is no injury to the officer, the crime is punishable by up to 2 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $2,000.
- Injury to an officer: If the officer is injured during the act of resisting or obstructing, the penalty increases to a maximum of 4 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
- Serious injury to an officer: If the officer suffers a serious bodily injury, the punishment increases to 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
- Death of an officer: If the officer dies as a result of the obstruction or resistance, the offender can face up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $20,000.
Passive vs. Active Resistance
There is a distinction between passive resistance and active resistance. Passive resistance is often seen in peaceful protests, where someone might sit or stand in a location without fighting back. While still illegal, passive resistance typically results in lower penalties than active resistance, which involves physical struggle or fleeing from an officer.
Conclusion
Resisting arrest and obstructing officers in Michigan whether the resistance is passive or active, it is important to understand that interfering with law enforcement can lead to felony charges and significant penalties.
For more details, you can refer to the Michigan Compiled Laws:
Understanding these laws can help prevent situations that might lead to arrest or additional charges.
Recent
Carrying a Firearm Under the Influence of Cannabis
Laws and Penalties in Michigan of Carrying a Concealed Firearm or EMD Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance.Michigan controlled substance info at end of article and yes cannabis is still a controlled substance 1 at the time of this article... but it is an...
Carrying a Firearm Under the Influence of Alcohol in Michigan
Laws and Penalties in Michigan of Carrying a Concealed Firearm or EMD Under the Influence of Alcohol or Controlled SubstanceAn individual shall not An individual shall not carry a concealed pistol or portable device that uses electro-muscular disruption (EMD)...
Other Articles
AG Nessel joined 21 attorneys general to regulate the sale of firearms
Extreme Risk Protection Order to prevent individuals from possessing or owning a firearm for eight years following their conviction. That legislation was signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in November of 2023.Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined...
Michigan DUI Laws and Consequences – First Offense
First Offense DUI in Michigan: Laws and ConsequencesFacing a first offense DUI in Michigan can be daunting as the implications are significant and the legal landscape is complex. Understanding the laws surrounding Operating While Intoxicated is essential, as these...
Michigan Supreme Court to Hold Public Administrative Hearing
On September 18, 2024, the Michigan Supreme Court will conduct a public administrative hearing, providing an opportunity for citizens and legal professionals to engage directly with the state's highest court. This hearing, held via Zoom and livestreamed on YouTube,...
Nuclear waste headed to southeast Michigan landfill
What happened to the nuclear waste from the Manhattan Project? It's coming to Michigan so New York can be a cleaner place.August 2024, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is transporting nuclear waste from the Manhattan Project (Read it) to the Wayne Disposal facility in...