DuPage County Resisting Arrest Attorneys
Obstructing a Peace Officer in Illinois (720 ILCS 5/31-1)
The criminal charges of resisting arrest or obstructing a peace officer are sometimes offered by police officers to justify excessive force or other inappropriate conduct by the arresting officer. These companion offenses usually arise after a police officer approaches a person based on suspicion that the individual is engaged in some other criminal conduct. This offense also is commonly used as a pretext when the officer wants to arrest someone but lacks sufficient basis for an arrest. Many people do not realize that you can be charged for resisting arrest even if the officer lacked any lawful basis for an arrest.
Our DuPage County criminal defense lawyers know that charges of resisting arrest and obstructing a peace officer frequently are not supported by the evidence. We carefully investigate to determine whether the case should be taken to trial or challenged at a pre-trial hearing. Our criminal attorneys at Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. have successfully represented thousands of individuals charged with misdemeanors and felonies. Our law firm does not shy away from the toughest cases which is why we have been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, Court-TV, The Financial Times, The New York Times, Washington Post, and a plethora of other regional and national media outlets. Our tenacity in defending our clients has helped us develop a reputation for effective criminal defense amongst our former clients, peers, prosecutors, and judges.
Penalties for Resisting Arrest in Illinois
If you knowingly resist a peace officer, worker at a correctional institution or a fireman, you can be convicted of a Class A misdemeanor that can be punished by up to 12 months in jail and a maximum fine of up to $2,500. This misdemeanor does not qualify for supervision though conditional discharge is an option. This disposition will result in a guilty verdict that cannot be expunged (cleared) from your record. Future employers, landlords and others who run a simple criminal background check might discover your conviction. The penalties for resisting arrest increase significantly if you injure a police officer while resisting arrest. A conviction under these circumstances can result in a Class 4 Felony charge, which is punishable by a period of incarceration of 1 to 3 years and a fine of up to $25,000.
Contact a DuPage County Resisting Arrest Criminal Defense Law Firm
Our DuPage County criminal defense attorneys work diligently to obtain the best possible outcome for our clients. While we might seek to have the charges dismissed or to obtain an acquittal after trial, our law firm will explore all available options in light of the evidence when seeking the best outcome for our clients. We invite you to call us today at 630-256-8001 or to send us an email to schedule your free consultation in our conveniently located office in Naperville. Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. also has offices in Wheaton and in St. Charles or Rolling Meadows by appointment.
