If someone does not comply with an arrest by an officer, what can they be charged with?

If someone does not comply with an arrest by an officer, what can they be charged with?

• A. Disorderly Conduct
• B. Resisting Arrest (PL 205.30)
• C. Obstructing Governmental Administration
• D. Harassment

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that there is a specific offense for interfering with a police officer who is trying to arrest someone. Resisting arrest covers actions where a person knowingly prevents an officer from effecting a lawful arrest, either by using force against the officer or by fleeing, or by otherwise hindering the arrest process. When someone does not comply with an officer’s attempt to arrest them, that resistance—whether through physical action or escape attempts—fits this statute, making it the most direct charge. Disorderly Conduct and Harassment describe different types of behavior (public disturbance or unwanted behavior toward another person) that do not necessarily involve thwarting an arrest. Obstructing Governmental Administration can apply if someone interferes with a public servant during their duties, but resisting arrest specifically targets the act of actively resisting an arrest in progress, which is why it’s the best fit in this scenario.

The key idea is that there is a specific offense for interfering with a police officer who is trying to arrest someone. Resisting arrest covers actions where a person knowingly prevents an officer from effecting a lawful arrest, either by using force against the officer or by fleeing, or by otherwise hindering the arrest process. When someone does not comply with an officer’s attempt to arrest them, that resistance—whether through physical action or escape attempts—fits this statute, making it the most direct charge.

Disorderly Conduct and Harassment describe different types of behavior (public disturbance or unwanted behavior toward another person) that do not necessarily involve thwarting an arrest. Obstructing Governmental Administration can apply if someone interferes with a public servant during their duties, but resisting arrest specifically targets the act of actively resisting an arrest in progress, which is why it’s the best fit in this scenario.