Lawyer for Resisting Arrest

The Law Offices of Leon Matchin, LLC represents those charged with criminal offenses in Central New Jersey. Under statute N.J.S.A. 2C:29-2; resisting arrest is a disorderly persons offense wherein a person is guilty when he or she purposely prevents a law enforcement officer from effecting a lawful arrest. Although considered a disorderly persons offense, resisting arrest/eluding may be elevated to an indictable crime if the person uses or threatens to use force or violence against the officer or another person – third degree – or if he or she uses any other means to create a substantial risk of causing physical injury to the public servant or another – fourth degree. Penalties are commensurate with the degree of the charge:

• • Disorderly Persons Offense:

    attempting to resist arrest. You may be subject to paying an assessment to the Victims of Crime Compensation Board and to the Safe Neighborhood Services Fund of approximately $125, as well as be imposed an additional fine of up to $1,000. You may also face up to 6 months in jail.

  • 4th Degree Crime:

    purposefully preventing, or attempting to prevent, an officer from making an arrest by eluding or flight. You may face a fine of up to $10,000, up to 18 months in jail, restitution, community service, and potentially probation.

  • 3rd Degree Crime:

    preventing or attempting to prevent an arrest by threatening a violent act or threaten to use physical force against another person or a police officer. You may also be charged with 3rd Degree Crime if you use any verbal or physical means to resist arrest that could create a substantial risk of harm to an officer or another person. A conviction can lead to a prison sentence of 5 years and a fine of $15,000.00.

If you have been charged with resisting arrest or eluding an officer you should seek the guidance of an experienced criminal attorney immediately. The Law Offices of Leon Matchin, LLC has been providing quality legal services throughout New Jersey for more than ten years; with his counsel the charges you are facing may be dismissed or downgraded. Call today for a free consultation to review your options and work to protect your rights and freedom (732) 887-2479.