Grand Rapids Resisting & Obstructing Lawyers

Proudly Serving Kent, Ottawa, Allegan, Muskegon, Mecosta, Newaygo, Ionia, and Mason Counties

Police officers are tasked with enforcing laws, ordinances, and other rules. If anyone interferes with them while they are carrying out their lawful duties, that person may be accused of resisting and obstructing. In Michigan, such an offense is always charged as a felony, which means it's considered a serious crime that carries harsh conviction penalties. If you have been charged with obstruction of justice, a lot is at stake, and you need an attorney on your side ready to do what it takes to protect your rights and freedoms.

At Tanis Schultz, we deliver sound counsel and aggressive defense. Recognizing the seriousness of resisting and obstructing charges, we leverage our knowledge and resources to defend the accused. When you choose us, we will stand shoulder to shoulder with you throughout your case, zealously advocating on your behalf. Our team will meticulously examine every detail of your situation to identify holes in the prosecutor's case and strengthen your defense. Backed by a track record of success, our Grand Rapids resisting and obstructing attorneys know what it takes to get results, and we will fight toward obtaining a favorable outcome for you.

Rather than face the legal system on your own, get a team on your side that will skillfully guide you through the justice process. Call us at (616) 227-3737 or contact us online today.

What Is Considered Resisting and Obstructing?

Michigan's law on resisting or obstructing an officer provides that a person commits the offense when they willfully and knowingly harm or threaten to harm a person performing their official duties. A "person" includes a police officer, sheriff or deputy, firefighter, emergency medical personnel, and other individuals authorized to execute or enforce laws.

Specifically, the law states that any of the following actions against an officer is illegal:

• Assaulting,
• Battering,
• Resisting,
• Obstructing, or
• Endangering

It's important to note that actual physical force is not necessary for an obstructing justice charge to be levied against a person. The statute defines "obstructing" as the use or threatened use of force, as well as knowingly ignoring an officer's command. Thus, a verbal statement made toward an officer is enough to land an accusation.

What Are the Penalties for a Resisting and Obstructing Offense?

For the prosecution to obtain a conviction, they must prove that the defendant committed the offense.

They must show that the defendant:

• Resisted or obstructed an officer in some way
• Knew the person they resisted or obstructed was an officer
• Knowingly carried out the offense – they didn't accidentally resist or obstruct

As mention before, the offense is a felony. But the exact penalties vary depending on the result of the person's actions. By "result," we mean whether the officer was injured or killed during the offense.

The possible conviction penalties for obstruction of justice are as follows:

• No injury: 
  • Up to 2 years' imprisonment and/or
  • Up to $2,000 in fines
• Bodily injury requiring medical attention:
  • Up to 4 years' imprisonment and/or
  • Up to $5,000 in fines
• Serious impairment of a body function:
  • Up to 15 years' imprisonment and/or
  • Up to $10,000 in fines
• Death:
  • Up to 20 years' imprisonment and/or
  • Up to $20,000 in fines

Focused on Building a Strong Case for You

At Tanis Schultz, our Grand Rapids resisting and obstructing lawyers care about how your case resolves. We recognize the life-altering effects of a conviction and understand that various factors can lead to a criminal allegation, such as incorrect interpretations of facts. That is why we will treat you like the individual you are and get to know you without judgment. Our team will examine your case to build a defense tailored for you.

Learn more about our services and your legal options by calling us at (616) 227-3737 or submitting an online contact form.