Obstructing a Peace Officer and Resisting Arrest in Denver, Colorado
The charges of Obstructing a Peace Officer, and Resisting Arrest can be very similar in Denver, Colorado. Police charge Resisting Arrest when they feel you tried to prevent them from arresting you, while Obstructing involves using an obstacle to hinder officers in the performance of their duties. Each are a class 2 misdemeanor, with up to 12 months in the Denver Jail. Let’s look at their full definitions and study the differences in more detail below.
Definition of Obstructing Police or Firefighters in Jefferson County, Colorado Courts
Located at C.R.S. 18-8-104, the definition of Obstructing Police or Firefighters in Jefferson County, Colorado is:
By using or threatening to use violence, force, physical interference or an obstacle, such person knowingly obstructs, impairs or hinders the enforcement of the penal law or the preservation of the peace, or the control or abatement of a fire, by a peace officer or firefighter, acting under color of his or her official authority. How do you violate Obstructing Police law?
Resisting Arrest Definition in Douglas County and Arapahoe County, Colorado – A Lawyer’s Law
C.R.S. 18-8-103, contains Arapahoe and Douglas County, Colorado’s definition of Resisting Arrest:
A person commits resisting arrest if he knowingly prevents or attempts to prevent a peace officer, acting under color of his official authority, from effecting an arrest of the actor or another, by:
(a) Using or threatening to use physical force or violence against the peace officer or another; or
(b) Using any other means which creates a substantial risk of causing bodily injury to the peace officer or another.
What is Resisting Arrest in Colorado?
Adams County Courts Difference Between Obstruction and Resisting Arrest of Police Officer
The practical difference between Obstruction and Resisting Arrest is that with Resisting, the police are trying to arrest you. They want to take you to the Adams County Jail, and you offer a threat or some physical resistance to going to jail.
Police make mistakes and sometimes arrest the wrong person. Don’t fight them on it – just be laid back. You won’t make your situation any better. Then, call our criminal defense lawyers at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.