Resisting Arrest

Defending Against Charges That Often Start with Overreach

Resisting arrest is a charge that often arises in high-stress, chaotic situations. Whether during a routine traffic stop or a more serious police encounter, people are frequently charged with resisting based on little more than movement, panic, or confusion. At Jacob S. Solkoff, LLC, we know how easily these cases can be misinterpreted — and how damaging a conviction can be to your future.

Our defense approach begins with one key truth: not every action during an arrest is criminal. We scrutinize every detail of the police interaction to determine whether the force used was appropriate, whether your rights were violated, and whether the resisting charge is being used to cover up questionable law enforcement behavior.

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What Constitutes “Resisting Arrest”?

In Massachusetts, resisting arrest may involve:

• Physically struggling with law enforcement during an arrest
• Fleeing or running away from an officer attempting to detain you
• Verbally refusing commands in a way perceived as noncompliant
• Preventing another person’s arrest
• Interfering with police operations during an arrest

In many cases, resisting arrest is paired with other charges such as disorderly conduct, assault, or obstruction.

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Common Defenses to Resisting Arrest

Every case has its own facts, and many involve split-second decisions, confusion, or aggressive police tactics. We evaluate your case for possible defenses such as:

• Unlawful or unconstitutional arrest — If the arrest was not legally justified, you had the right to resist in certain circumstances.
• Lack of intent to resist — Actions taken out of fear or confusion (like pulling away or asking questions) may be misinterpreted but don’t always meet the legal definition.
• Excessive force — If police used unnecessary or excessive force, they may be trying to justify it with a resisting charge.
• Lack of evidence — Body camera footage, witness statements, and police reports often contain inconsistencies we can use in your favor.

We work to suppress illegally obtained evidence, file motions to dismiss where possible, and negotiate alternative outcomes to keep your record clean.

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Why These Charges Matter — Even If They Seem Minor

Resisting arrest can carry significant consequences, including:

• Jail time and probation
• A permanent criminal record
• Impact on future interactions with law enforcement
• Difficulty obtaining employment, housing, or professional licenses
• Immigration consequences for non-citizens

Because of how broadly resisting charges can be applied — and how frequently they are used to support questionable arrests — it’s essential to have an experienced defense attorney push back.

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We Hold Law Enforcement Accountable

At Jacob S. Solkoff, LLC, we believe in holding the system to its own standards. If officers crossed a line, violated your rights, or exaggerated your behavior, we’ll expose it. We have experience handling cases involving excessive force, wrongful arrests, and violations of civil rights. Whether the goal is dismissal, diversion, or taking your case to trial, we’re ready to fight.

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Schedule a Free Consultation

If you’ve been cited or charged with resisting arrest, don’t wait to take action. Call Jacob S. Solkoff, LLC at 617-286-2051 or Contact Us Online to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We’re ready to protect your rights — and your future.

Practice Areas

• Traffic Offenses

• DUI & OUI Defense

• Drug Crimes

• Gun Crimes

• Assault & Violent Crimes

• Resisting Arrest

• Witness Intimidation

• Violation of Probation

• Theft & Property Crimes

• White Collar & Fraud Offenses