Resisting Arrest Defense Lawyer in Willard, OH

Experienced Defense for Resisting Arrest Charges in Ohio

Facing a resisting arrest charge in Willard is more serious than many people realize. What may have started as a misunderstanding or a stressful situation can quickly lead to criminal penalties that affect your record, your freedom, and your future. In Ohio, prosecutors treat resisting arrest cases as a priority because they involve interference with law enforcement. At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., we understand the stakes. Attorney Patrick M. Farrell, a trusted Willard criminal defense lawyer with more than 30 years of courtroom experience in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Huron County, and courts throughout Ohio, has defended clients across the state. Our goal is to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome for your case.

Resisting Arrest Laws in Ohio

Under Ohio law, resisting arrest (Ohio Revised Code § 2921.33) occurs when someone recklessly or by force resists, hinders, or interferes with a lawful arrest. This includes struggling with officers, refusing to be handcuffed, running from police, or creating a risk of harm during the arrest process. Even if the original reason for the arrest was a minor offense, resisting arrest can add additional charges that carry significant consequences.

In many cases, resisting arrest is charged as a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $750. If the conduct creates a risk of physical harm to an officer or another person, the charge may be elevated to a first-degree misdemeanor. More serious situations, such as using force that causes injury, can lead to felony-level charges.

Because each case depends on the facts, it is critical to have an experienced Willard resisting arrest attorney who understands how local prosecutors pursue these charges and how to challenge them effectively.

How Prosecutors Build Resisting Arrest Cases

Prosecutors in Willard and Huron County often rely on:

• Police reports and officer testimony
• Body-worn or dash camera video
• Witness statements
• Surveillance footage from the scene

In many cases, the prosecution emphasizes any allegation of physical struggle, verbal threats, or refusal to comply with orders. These cases are often pursued aggressively because they involve law enforcement. Even first-time offenders can face harsh treatment. Without a strong defense, you risk being convicted of an offense that can follow you for years.

Defending Against Resisting Arrest Charges

At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., we tailor each defense to the facts of your case. Possible defense strategies may include:

• Arguing that the arrest itself was unlawful, which can impact the resisting charge
• Showing that your actions were not intentional resistance but confusion, fear, or misunderstanding
• Questioning whether the police used excessive force, leading to a defensive reaction
• Challenging the credibility of officer testimony when it conflicts with video evidence or witness accounts
• Negotiating for reduced charges or diversion programs when appropriate

Every resisting arrest case is unique. Our role is to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and fight for an outcome that protects your freedom, record, and future opportunities.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences

Penalties for resisting arrest in Ohio vary based on the severity of the allegations. A misdemeanor conviction can lead to fines, community service, probation, or jail time. If the case involves allegations of force, injury, or significant risk to others, the penalties can increase to felony-level consequences that include longer jail or prison sentences and higher fines.

Beyond the criminal penalties, a conviction for resisting arrest can create serious collateral consequences, such as:

• A permanent criminal record that can be difficult to seal in some cases
• Loss of employment opportunities, particularly in positions requiring background checks
• Problems with professional licensing and security clearances
• Negative impact on college admissions or scholarships
• Strained personal relationships and damage to your reputation

These consequences highlight why it is so important to have an experienced Willard criminal defense attorney working on your case from the very beginning.

Early Action Can Change the Outcome

Resisting arrest cases in Willard move quickly. Prosecutors in the Willard Mayor’s Court, Huron County Court of Common Pleas, or surrounding municipal courts collect reports, video evidence, and officer testimony immediately after the incident. The sooner you have an attorney involved, the more options you may have to challenge the case. Early legal action can open the door to reduced charges, diversion programs, or even dismissal in the right circumstances.

Attorney Patrick M. Farrell’s decades of experience in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and across Ohio mean he knows how prosecutors build their cases and how to fight back effectively. Do not wait to get help. Contact Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A. today to protect your future.

Protect Your Future After a Resisting Arrest Charge in Willard

What happens next depends on the steps you take today. If you are facing a resisting arrest charge in Ohio, prosecutors may already be preparing their case with police reports, officer testimony, video footage, and witness statements. At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., our Willard resisting arrest lawyers know how to challenge the prosecution’s case at every stage. We carefully examine whether the arrest was lawful, question the credibility of the evidence, and expose weaknesses in police procedures. Our team uses proven strategies to reduce or even dismiss charges whenever possible. Protect your future by putting an experienced defense team on your side and contact us today for a free, confidential case evaluation.

​​Call or Text: 216-661-5050 • Contact: Send a Message • Email: cindy@patfarrelllaw.com