What to Do If You’re Facing Charges for Evading a DWI Arrest

The Consequences of Evading a DWI Detainment

Imagine being stopped by the police on suspicion of driving while impaired. You may feel that an arrest is unavoidable due to your level of intoxication. Acting impulsively, you consider fleeing—perhaps running away or jumping a fence to avoid detainment. However, this decision can significantly worsen your circumstances. Instead of facing just the DWI charge, you could also encounter serious penalties for resisting arrest.

Under Ohio law, fleeing, resisting, or attempting to evade lawful arrest is prohibited. Such actions can result in resisting arrest charges, which may even escalate to felony charges in certain scenarios. If you or a loved one is accused of resisting arrest or obstruction of justice, securing legal representation promptly is essential.

Seeking Legal Assistance for Resisting Arrest Charges in Ohio

Attempting to dodge police custody might seem like a solution at the moment, but it often leads to more severe consequences. Additional charges for resisting arrest compound your legal challenges. This is why consulting a Carrollton OVI lawyer should be your first step.

The Youngstown Criminal Law Group is committed to defending those accused of resisting arrest in Ohio. Utilizing a wealth of experience and resources, our legal team can develop a strong defense strategy to protect your rights. Don’t face these charges on your own—call us at (330) 992-3036 for a free consultation. We proudly serve clients across Carroll County and are ready to help you navigate Ohio’s legal system. Facing charges can be overwhelming, but with professional guidance, you can work toward a more favorable outcome.

Understanding Ohio’s Resisting Arrest Laws

Resisting arrest involves actively trying to avoid being detained by fleeing, physically resisting, or obstructing law enforcement officers during a lawful arrest. Ohio law outlines the following scenarios under section 2921.33 of the Ohio Revised Code:

Key Elements of Resisting Arrest

• Active Resistance: This includes actions where an individual intentionally or recklessly resists or obstructs arrest.
• Harming an Officer: If an officer is injured during the resistance, charges escalate.
• Use of Deadly Weapons: The involvement or display of any deadly weapon during resistance further elevates the severity of the charges. According to Ohio law, a deadly weapon is any object designed to cause harm or capable of causing death.

Potential Penalties for Resisting Arrest

The consequences of resisting arrest in Ohio vary based on the circumstances of the case. Key penalties can include:

• Non-Aggressive Resistance (2nd-degree misdemeanor):
• Up to 90 days in jail
• Fines up to $750
• Harming an Officer (1st-degree misdemeanor):
• Up to 180 days in jail
• Fines up to $1,000
• Use of a Deadly Weapon (4th-degree felony):
• Prison sentence of up to 18 months
• Fines up to $5,000

Time Limit for Prosecution in Ohio

Ohio law includes a statute of limitations to ensure timely prosecution:

• For misdemeanors such as resisting arrest: Charges must be filed within two years.
• For felonies such as felony resisting arrest: Prosecutors have up to six years, extendable to 20 years if paired with aggravated assault charges.

Additional Resources

To further understand resisting arrest laws and their implications, explore these helpful resources:

• Prison Policy Initiative: Learn about their work to reduce over-criminalization and address issues such as prison overcrowding.
• Resisting Arrest Laws in Ohio: Gain deeper insight into the state’s legal definitions and various degrees of penalties associated with resisting arrest.

Why Legal Support Is Crucial

Cases involving resisting arrest often carry serious consequences. If you’re facing such charges in the Carrollton area, it’s critical to consult someone experienced, like a Carrollton criminal lawyer. Having skilled legal defense by your side can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

At the Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we are dedicated to helping clients fight for their rights. Don’t wait—contact us at (330) 992-3036 to schedule a free initial consultation and get personalized guidance tailored to your situation. We’re here to help protect your interests and achieve the best possible results.