When Can You Be Accused Of Resisting Arrest In NYC?

Resisting arrest, or being charged with resisting arrest, can complicate any criminal case. Here’s what you need to know.

In New York, you can be charged with resisting arrest any time police believe you have intentionally attempted to prevent a police officer or a peace officer from arresting either yourself, or another person. It is rarely a stand-along charge, but is, instead, usually found alongside the original charges that caused police to arrest the defendant in the first place.

A resisting arrest charge is a Class A misdemeanor. It is punishable by up to one year in prison in addition to whatever sentence the original charge carries.