Category: Resisting Arrest

Resisting arrest is a serious offense that can lead to severe legal consequences. In North Carolina, as in many other states, the law prohibits individuals from intentionally interfering with or obstructing law enforcement officers during their duties. Understanding the legal implications of resisting arrest is essential to safeguarding one’s rights and ensuring a fair legal process. This blog post delves into the specifics of resisting arrest in North Carolina, examines the potential consequences, and highlights important considerations for individuals facing such charges.

Resisting Arrest Laws in North Carolina

In North Carolina, resisting arrest [...]

While we do hear less about police brutality than we did a few years ago, when getting into a confrontation with police, it is normal for anyone to become confused or scared. These intense feelings may lead to a knee-jerk fight or flight-type reactions.

Unfortunately, simple acts of “fighting back,” trying to escape, or trying to make yourself more comfortable may lead to additional criminal charges of resisting arrest.

In North Carolina, resisting arrest is a Class 2 Misdemeanor. Along with additional fines or time on probation, these charges could give a prosecutor [...]

Most people think that resisting arrest means physically trying to prevent the officer from arresting you, but in North Carolina the definition is broader. In this post, we’ll break the law down for you and explain what technically qualifies as resisting arrest in North Carolina.

North Carolina’s Law on Resisting Arrest

In our state, you can be charged with resisting, delaying, or obstructing an officer (RDO). Specifically, the North Carolina General Statute defines RDO in this way:

“If any person shall willfully and unlawfully resist, delay or obstruct a public officer in discharging [...]

When you know there is a risk of being arrested, it can be tempting to try to flee or get away. That’s particularly true if you know you are innocent or otherwise disagree with the grounds of the arrest.

However, trying to avoid arrest can make your situation a lot worse. Resisting, delaying, or obstructing an officer (RDO) is a crime in North Carolina. The North Carolina General Statute describes RDO as follows:

“If any person shall willfully and unlawfully resist, delay or obstruct a public officer in discharging or attempting to discharge [...]