Resisting Arrest
Understanding the Law and Your Legal Options
Resisting arrest in Michigan—legally referred to as Resisting, Obstructing, or Assaulting a Police Officer—is a felony offense that includes actions like physically resisting, fleeing, or interfering with a law enforcement officer performing their duties. Even minor resistance or misunderstanding can lead to serious charges with penalties of up to two years in prison or more if injury is involved. At The Nunley Law Group, we provide strong legal defense to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Resisting Arrest in Michigan
Understanding the Law and Your Legal Options
In Michigan, resisting arrest is more than just physical resistance—it encompasses a wide range of behaviors that interfere with law enforcement. Officially charged as “Resisting, Obstructing, Assaulting, or Endangering a Police Officer” under MCL 750.81d, this offense is a felony, even if no one is injured and the alleged resistance is minimal.
Whether the incident stemmed from confusion, panic, or a misunderstanding during an arrest, the legal consequences can be severe. If you're facing a resisting arrest charge, The Nunley Law Group is here to help you understand your rights and build a strong defense.
What Constitutes Resisting Arrest?
According to Michigan law, this charge applies to anyone who assaults, batters, wounds, resists, obstructs, opposes, or endangers:
A police officer
A firefighter
Emergency medical personnel
Search and rescue workers
Any individual performing their official public duties
Importantly, “obstruct” in Michigan includes not just physical acts, but also failing to comply with verbal commands, fleeing from officers, or interfering in the duties of emergency personnel.
Potential Penalties
The severity of the penalties depends on the nature of the resistance and whether any injuries occurred:
No injury: Felony punishable by up to 2 years in prison and/or a $2,000 fine
Causing bodily injury to an officer: Felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison
Causing serious impairment of a body function: Felony punishable by up to 15 years
Causing death: Felony punishable by up to 20 years
In addition to prison time, a conviction may result in a permanent criminal record, probation, community service, and restrictions on employment or firearm rights.
How The Nunley Law Group Can Help
At The Nunley Law Group, we know that not every resisting arrest charge is justified. People are often charged after a stressful or confusing situation, where they didn’t fully understand police instructions or felt they were being treated unfairly.
Our legal team will:
Examine bodycam and dashcam footage
Investigate whether law enforcement used excessive force or violated your rights
Challenge the prosecution’s version of events
Work to have charges reduced or dismissed, or seek alternative sentencing when appropriate
Represent you vigorously in court
Don’t Face These Charges Alone
A resisting arrest conviction can carry long-term consequences far beyond jail time. If you're under investigation or have been charged, contact The Nunley Law Group immediately to protect your rights and begin building your defense.
Call us today for a confidential consultation.