{"id":6680,"date":"2024-11-08T16:21:51","date_gmt":"2024-11-08T16:21:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/?p=6680"},"modified":"2025-05-21T11:05:55","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T11:05:55","slug":"resisting-arrest-massachusetts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/resisting-arrest-massachusetts\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Resisting Arrest in Massachusetts?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"6680\" class=\"elementor elementor-6680\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4fd44198 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"4fd44198\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-74ec627 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"74ec627\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/resisting-arrest-1.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-7035\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/resisting-arrest-1.png 1024w, https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/resisting-arrest-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/resisting-arrest-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/resisting-arrest-1-768x768.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-136fcc5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"136fcc5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Resisting arrest in Massachusetts is a criminal offense under <strong>M.G.L. Chapter 268, Section 32B<\/strong>. It occurs when a person knowingly prevents or attempts to prevent a police officer from making an arrest, whether by using physical force or creating a substantial risk of injury. This includes actions like struggling, fleeing, or interfering with the officer\u2019s duties. Resisting arrest is a <strong>misdemeanor<\/strong> in Massachusetts and can result in penalties of up to <strong>2.5 years in jail<\/strong> and\/or fines. Even a failed attempt to resist arrest can lead to charges.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b6a9ddf elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"b6a9ddf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/XJO0PinTI1o?rel=0?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e91154b elementor-widget elementor-widget-boomdevs-toc-widget\" data-id=\"e91154b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;sticky&quot;:&quot;top&quot;,&quot;sticky_on&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;mobile&quot;],&quot;sticky_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_effects_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_anchor_link_offset&quot;:0}\" data-widget_type=\"boomdevs-toc-widget.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t        \n            \n            <div class=\"fit_content\">\n                <div class=\"bd_toc_container\" data-fixedWidth=\"\">\n                    <div class=\"bd_toc_wrapper\" data-wrapperPadding=\"48px\">\n                        <div class=\"bd_toc_wrapper_item\">\n                            <div class=\"bd_toc_header active\" data-headerPadding=\"2px\">\n                                <div class=\"bd_toc_header_title\">\n                                    Table of Contents                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"bd_toc_switcher_hide_show_icon\">\n                                    <span class=\"bd_toc_arrow\"><\/span>                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"bd_toc_content list-type-number\">\n                                <div class=\"bd_toc_content_list \">\n                                    <div class='bd_toc_content_list_item'>    <ul>\n      <li class=\"first\">\n        <a href=\"#what-are-the-elements-of-resisting-arrest-in-massachusetts\">What Are the Elements of Resisting Arrest in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#is-resisting-arrest-a-felony-in-massachusetts\">Is Resisting Arrest a Felony in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-are-the-penalties-for-resisting-arrest-in-massachusetts\">What Are the Penalties for Resisting Arrest in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-constitutes-resisting-arrest-in-massachusetts\">What Constitutes Resisting Arrest in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#is-running-away-considered-resisting-arrest-in-massachusetts\">Is Running Away Considered Resisting Arrest in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-are-the-defenses-to-resisting-arrest-in-massachusetts\">What Are the Defenses to Resisting Arrest in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-if-excessive-force-was-used-during-the-arrest-in-massachusetts\">What If Excessive Force Was Used During the Arrest in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#is-lying-to-the-police-a-crime-in-massachusetts\">Is Lying to the Police a Crime in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#how-to-build-a-strong-defense\">How to Build a Strong Defense<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li class=\"last\">\n        <a href=\"#see-how-affordable-we-are\">See How Affordable We Are<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n<\/div>                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"layout_toggle_button\">\n                        <span class=\"bd_toc_arrow\"><\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n    \t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ae864a4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ae864a4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='what-are-the-elements-of-resisting-arrest-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_1\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Are the Elements of Resisting Arrest in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4188ede elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"4188ede\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/nH4ZPMpSuzw?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a08bbd2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a08bbd2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>To prove the crime of resisting arrest in Massachusetts, the prosecution has to show three key things.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>First, they have to prove that you prevented or tried to prevent a police officer from arresting you or someone else.<\/li>\n<li>Second, they need to show that you knowingly either used physical force, threatened to use force, or used some kind of action to make the arrest more difficult.<\/li>\n<li>Finally, they have to prove that the officer was acting within their authority at the time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>All three of these parts must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt for a conviction.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s important to understand that this charge isn\u2019t about whether the arrest itself was legal. Even if the arrest turns out to be unlawful, resisting it with physical force can still lead to a criminal charge. What the court focuses on is how you acted during the arrest. If you just yelled or got upset, that usually isn\u2019t enough. But if there was any physical struggle or a threat that made things harder or more dangerous for the officer, it could be considered resisting arrest under Massachusetts law.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b1e3d43 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b1e3d43\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='is-resisting-arrest-a-felony-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_2\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Is Resisting Arrest a Felony in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9423f7f elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"9423f7f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/_neQpMM8cTY?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1d3ac52 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1d3ac52\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In Massachusetts, resisting arrest is typically a misdemeanor offense, not a felony. While it\u2019s not classified as a serious crime like some felony charges, a conviction can still lead to severe penalties, including jail time. The maximum punishment is up to 2.5 years in a house of correction and a fine.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Although it&#8217;s a misdemeanor crime, resisting arrest can be compounded by other criminal charges like assault on an officer or disorderly conduct. If the charge is connected to other offenses, like domestic violence or drug crimes, the legal situation can become more complicated and carry heavier penalties<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c67de08 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c67de08\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='what-are-the-penalties-for-resisting-arrest-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_3\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Are the Penalties for Resisting Arrest in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6c31ed7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"6c31ed7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/bBr0bZ7vFxA?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8764f95 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8764f95\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If convicted of resisting arrest in Massachusetts, you could face up to two and a half years in jail. In addition to jail, the court may impose fines and even community service as part of your sentence. Having a conviction for resisting arrest can have long-term consequences, including a permanent criminal record, which can affect employment opportunities and other aspects of your life.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For a subsequent offense, the penalties may increase. The court will also consider any other charges you\u2019re facing in combination with resisting arrest. These can include charges related to public order offenses, disorderly conduct, or other arrest charges. A strong defense is crucial to minimize these penalties.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-99b57f5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"99b57f5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='what-constitutes-resisting-arrest-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_4\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Constitutes Resisting Arrest in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3988fb8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"3988fb8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/17iS8Oxx8NI?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b04da5a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b04da5a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>There are several actions that can lead to a resisting arrest charge in Massachusetts. The most obvious form is using physical force to prevent the arrest. However, non-violent actions like running away or verbally refusing to cooperate can also result in charges. For example, a fleeing suspect who tries to escape arrest without using violence can still be convicted of resisting arrest.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Massachusetts law defines resisting arrest broadly, so even passive resistance, such as refusing to move when asked, can be considered resistance. Law enforcement officers are trained to recognize these behaviors, and they will likely make an arrest if they believe you&#8217;re trying to obstruct their duties.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-58e88d6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"58e88d6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='is-running-away-considered-resisting-arrest-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_5\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Is Running Away Considered Resisting Arrest in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e3eeab6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"e3eeab6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/7qtUq0HKfFk?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-236d1dc elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"236d1dc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Yes, running away from the police during a lawful arrest is considered resisting arrest in Massachusetts. Even if you don\u2019t physically struggle with the officer, the mere act of fleeing can be enough to warrant this charge. It creates a substantial risk of bodily injury to both you and the arresting officer as they try to detain you.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>If you believe that you were unlawfully arrested or that the police used unreasonable force, this doesn\u2019t necessarily justify fleeing. The courts typically expect individuals to cooperate with officers and address the issue later in court. Fleeing can complicate your case and make it harder to build a strong defense.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-564e15d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"564e15d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='what-are-the-defenses-to-resisting-arrest-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_6\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Are the Defenses to Resisting Arrest in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3fd71bc elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"3fd71bc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/gVrWiXyRZzM?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3b948bc elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3b948bc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In Massachusetts, common defenses to the charge of resisting arrest often focus on challenging the specific actions that led to the charge. One defense is the claim that the individual did not physically resist, but merely questioned or verbally protested the arrest, which is not considered resisting under the law. Another possible defense is that the accused acted out of self-defense if excessive force was used by the police officer.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>A mistaken identity defense may also be used, arguing that the person charged was not the individual who resisted arrest. Additionally, the defense can assert that there was no intent to resist but rather confusion or fear during the arrest. Importantly, even if the arrest was lawful, these defenses focus on whether the accused&#8217;s actions meet the legal definition of resisting arrest.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fd0b73b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"fd0b73b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='what-if-excessive-force-was-used-during-the-arrest-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_7\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What If Excessive Force Was Used During the Arrest in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-10bce19 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"10bce19\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/-eOO9RSlfPU?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bb6b685 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bb6b685\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If excessive force was used by the arresting officer, you may have a defense. Under Massachusetts law, law enforcement officers are only allowed to use reasonable force during an arrest. If the officer uses more force than necessary, you may have been justified in resisting the arrest.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>In this situation, the burden of proof is on the defendant to show that the officer\u2019s actions were unreasonable. The courts will evaluate the circumstances surrounding the arrest, including the time of the incident and the amount of force used. If successful, this defense could result in a lesser charge or even dismissal of the resisting arrest charge.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7de288d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7de288d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='is-lying-to-the-police-a-crime-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_8\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Is Lying to the Police a Crime in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-307c903 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"307c903\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/jJ5iD4JWXUo?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-125be49 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"125be49\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Yes, providing false information to law enforcement is a crime in Massachusetts. Lying to the police during the course of an arrest or investigation can lead to additional criminal charges, such as obstruction of justice or filing a false report. These charges can compound the legal consequences of a resisting arrest charge.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>While not directly related to resisting arrest, lying to police officers can worsen your situation and lead to more severe penalties. It&#8217;s always best to avoid giving false statements or misleading law enforcement officials in any way.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b14f854 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b14f854\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='how-to-build-a-strong-defense'  id=\"boomdevs_9\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How to Build a Strong Defense<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dfeec3f elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"dfeec3f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/GRnALV_I09M?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-58195ba elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"58195ba\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The best defense to a resisting arrest charge starts with a thorough understanding of the facts. It\u2019s important to gather enough evidence to challenge the charge, whether that\u2019s proving the arrest was unlawful or that unreasonable force was used. In Massachusetts, the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, meaning they must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you resisted the arrest.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Witness statements, video footage, and details of the arrest can all play a role in building a defense. A successful defense might lead to a reduction in charges or even a dismissal, especially if there is evidence to support self-defense instructions or an unlawful arrest.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fb40a46 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"fb40a46\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='conclusion'  id=\"boomdevs_10\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Conclusion<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e81c6c0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"e81c6c0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/_6R9PcTWXu4?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a90f1db elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a90f1db\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Understanding the charge of resisting arrest in Massachusetts is critical, especially because of the serious consequences that come with a conviction. While it\u2019s typically a misdemeanor offense, the penalties can still have a lasting impact on your life. If you believe your rights were violated or that the arrest was unlawful, it\u2019s crucial to gather as much information as possible and consider the potential defenses available to you.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ce0762a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ce0762a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='see-how-affordable-we-are'  id=\"boomdevs_11\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">See How Affordable We Are<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c7e0bb7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"c7e0bb7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/AEmIP8eEDII?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b6d49b7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"b6d49b7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\"><div id=\"calculatorexpress_com-calculator\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Loading...<\/div>\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/calculatorexpress.com\/apps-js\/scripts_embed.js\"><\/script>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n\tvar embed = '<style>iframe#fee-calc{width: 100%;min-width: 900px;border:none;}@media only screen and (max-width: 600px) {iframe#fee-calc { display: block; width:100%;min-width:280px; }<\/style><center><iframe id=\"fee-calc\" src=\"https:\/\/calculatorexpress.com\/API9\/Paul_Whelan_UW\/\" scrolling=\"no\" border=\"no\" onload=\"iFrameResize()\"><\/iframe><\/center>';\r\ndocument.getElementById('calculatorexpress_com-calculator').innerHTML = embed;\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-83914e1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"83914e1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/Y441G6781R8?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-51f3b91 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"51f3b91\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Your freedom is a<br> phone call away <br> 508-453-1250<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Resisting arrest in Massachusetts is a criminal offense under M.G.L. Chapter 268, Section 32B. It occurs when a person knowingly prevents or attempts to prevent a police officer from making an arrest, whether by using physical force or creating a substantial risk of injury. This includes actions like struggling, fleeing, or interfering with the officer\u2019s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[63],"class_list":["post-6680","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-criminal","tag-public-order-crimes"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is Resisting Arrest in Massachusetts? - Afford Law<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn about resisting arrest in Massachusetts, including penalties, defenses, and how physical force or fleeing from officers can lead to charges. 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