Resisting Arrest in Oklahoma: What You Need to Know
Being arrested is a scary and stressful experience, but it’s important to remember that you have legal rights. If you have been charged with resisting arrest in Tulsa, or the surrounding area, it’s crucial to understand the consequences and your legal options. At the Tulsa Criminal Defense Law Firm, we understand the fear and frustration that comes with a resisting arrest charge. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights.
Resisting arrest in Oklahoma is defined in Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 268.10. This law makes it a crime to knowingly resist or obstruct a law enforcement officer in the course of making an arrest. This can include physically resisting arrest, fleeing from a law enforcement officer, or using force against an officer.
The consequences of a resisting arrest conviction can be severe. Depending on the circumstances, you could face misdemeanor or felony charges, fines, and even jail time. Additionally, a conviction for resisting arrest could impact your future employment and housing opportunities.
How a Tulsa Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
If you have been charged with resisting arrest, it’s important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A skilled attorney can review the specifics of your case, investigate the circumstances surrounding the charge, and help you understand your legal options. Some of the ways that a criminal defense attorney can help include challenging the legality of the arrest. For example, in order for an arrest to be legal, law enforcement officers must have probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed. If there was no probable cause, any evidence obtained as a result of the arrest could be suppressed and the charges could be dismissed.
The Tulsa Criminal Defense Law Firm can also look at challenging the use of force. If law enforcement officers used excessive force during the arrest, a skilled Tulsa criminal defense attorney can help hold them accountable for their actions. Negotiating a plea deal is also an option. In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor in order to reduce the charges or the penalties associated with the resisting arrest charge.
Successful Examples of Defense
At the Tulsa Criminal Defense Law Firm, we have successfully defended clients who have been charged with resisting arrest in Oklahoma. According to the Oklahoma Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, in 2020, there were 3,633 arrests made for the offense of “Resisting, delaying or obstructing an officer” in Oklahoma. This offense includes resisting arrest, but also includes other actions such as hindering or obstructing a police officer’s duties. Some of the examples of cases we have defended include:
- Case 1: A Tulsa Criminal Defense Law Firm client was charged with resisting arrest after an officer used excessive force during the arrest. We were able to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor, and our client received a reduced fine and no jail time.
- Case 2: A Tulsa Criminal Defense Law Firm client was charged with resisting arrest after being arrested without probable cause. We challenged the legality of the arrest, and the charges were dismissed.
Call for a Initial Consultation
If you or a loved one has been charged with resisting arrest in Oklahoma, it’s important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. At the Tulsa Criminal Defense Law Firm, we understand the fear and uncertainty that comes with a resisting arrest charge. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you protect your rights and fight for your future. Call the Tulsa Criminal Defense Law Firm today at 918-256-3400 to schedule a low-cost initial strategy session. Our skilled Tulsa attorneys are here to help you.