Criminal Defense Lawyer: Resisting Arrest in Rhode Island

If you’ve been charged with Resisting Arrest in Rhode Island, please contact our experienced criminal defense attorneys immediately.  It is crucial that we begin working on your defense soon after your arrest.

Rhode Island’s Resisting Arrest Law states that it is “unlawful for any person to use force or any weapon in resisting a legal or an illegal arrest by a peace officer, if the person has reasonable ground to believe that he or she is being arrested and that the arrest is being made by a peace officer.”  You should be aware that there is no distinction made under Rhode Island law between resisting legal or illegal arrests.  Despite challenges to this law, the Rhode Island Supreme Court has said that even if you believe your arrest was illegal, you can still be charged with resisting arrest. State v. Ramsdell, 285 A.2d 399 (1971).

If you’re convicted of Resisting Arrest in RI, you can face up to one (1) year in prison and up to a $500 fine.  Also, a conviction for resisting arrest can appear on your criminal record for up to five years!  Allow our criminal defense attorneys to defend your case and fully expunge the charge from your record.

There are defenses available to a defendant charged with resisting arrest in Rhode Island.  Our attorneys successfully defend resisting arrest cases in all Rhode Island courts and are ready to advocate on your behalf.  We can defend your case and will expunge the charge from your record for you!  Call our North Kingstown attorneys today for a free case evaluation!