Resisting Arrest Attorney for UPenn Students
When facing possible arrest for a crime, the last option a person should take is to resist the arresting officers. Not only will this action escalate the situation, but the criminal offenses that a defendant is charged with may be increased or enhanced. This could lead to much stiffer penalties if convicted. If you are a student at the University of Pennsylvania and you were charged with resisting arrest, you should consult with an experienced Philadelphia resisting arrest attorney for UPenn students.
The Law Offices of Lloyd Long recognizes what is at stake for a student is charged with a crime like resisting arrest, and we are here to help you defend against your criminal case and any disciplinary proceedings. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your case, contact the Law Offices of Lloyd Long at (215) 302-0171 or contact us online.
Elements of Resisting Arrest as a College Student
Resisting arrest is a crime that may occur under a variety of circumstances. Many people are charged with resisting arrest because they are unsure of their rights when stopped by law enforcement. Alternatively, an offense of resisting arrest could also be a product of overzealous policing. That is why it is important to understand the elements of resisting arrest to help you and your attorney prepare a legal defense to the crime.
In Pennsylvania, resisting arrest is defined as an action by a person that intends to prevent a law enforcement officer from performing a lawful arrest. For example, fighting a police officer to avoid being placed in handcuffs can result in criminal charges for resisting arrest. This crime also requires that the defendant create a situation where there is a high risk of bodily injury to law enforcement or others. This situation may result in an officer needing to use commensurate force.
Note, however, that resisting arrest does not apply only to law enforcement officials. Retaliating against any of the following public servants could result in a UPenn student being charged with resisting arrest:
- Judges
- Workers employed by the state or federal government
- Members of the General Assembly
Before a person is charged with resisting arrest, they likely had some interaction with law enforcement regarding another crime or infraction. For example, if a person is pulled over by law enforcement on suspicion of driving a vehicle that was involved in a hit and run, they will likely be arrested if police believe the individual in question committed the crime. However, if a driver decides to speed off while a police officer is approaching the vehicle, they may now be charged with resisting arrest for fleeing the scene of the stop.
It is also important to note that resisting arrest can also lead to the commission of other offenses. For example, if a person injured a police officer while fighting an arrest, they could face additional criminal charges like assault and battery of an officer.
To learn more about the penalties for resisting arrest, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Philadelphia criminal defense attorney today.
Penalties for a Resisting Arrest Conviction as a UPenn Student
If a student of UPenn is charged with resisting arrest, they should be aware of the possible penalties if they are convicted for this crime. Pennsylvania often grades offenses for resisting arrest as second degree misdemeanors.
A second degree misdemeanor carries moderate penalties in comparison to a more serious first degree misdemeanor and a less serious third degree misdemeanor.
When a college student is convicted of resisting arrest, the maximum penalties they face at sentencing include up to two years of prison and $5,000 in criminal fines. You should remember that if you were charged with additional crimes stemming from an incident of resisting arrest, the number of years you face for a conviction would be increased. For example, if you committed a third degree felony and a second degree misdemeanor, you could spend several years in prison if convicted.
For a student attending the University of Pennsylvania, an offense for resisting arrest can be a major roadblock. The university could institute disciplinary proceedings that could deprive you of a number of privileges if you are found guilty by the disciplinary board. This could mean that you lose access to financial aid or scholarships, the right to play collegiate sports, or you are possibly expelled. If you are concerned about these possible scenarios, do not delay in speaking with an experienced attorney.
Our Resisting Arrest Lawyer for University of Pennsylvania Students is Ready to Work with You
If you or a family member was charged with resisting arrest or lewdness charge while a student of UPenn, contact an experienced Philadelphia lawyer for UPenn students. The Law Offices of Lloyd Long is dedicated to avoiding a large volume of cases to provide all our clients with the thorough and aggressive legal representation they deserve. Our lawyers for disciplinary hearing at UPenn also can help University of Pennsylvania students with academic integrity issues. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact the Law Offices of Lloyd Long at (215) 302-0171.
