Understanding Resisting and Obstructing Police Charges in Michigan
In Michigan, resisting and obstructing police officers is a serious offense that can lead to significant legal consequences. The laws governing these charges are outlined in the Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL), specifically sections 750.479 and 750.81d.
Resisting and obstructing (R&O) charges can arise from various actions against law enforcement officers or other officials performing their duties. This includes assaulting, battering, wounding, obstructing, or endangering officers. The term “obstruct” can mean using physical interference or force, or knowingly failing to submit to a “lawful” command.
Levels of Charges and Penalties
The severity of the charges and penalties depends on the nature of the offense and the harm caused:
- Basic Offense: If someone resists or obstructs an officer without causing injury, it is a felony punishable by up to 2 years in prison or a fine of up to $2,000, or both.
- Bodily Injury: If the resistance causes bodily injury requiring medical attention, the penalty increases to up to 4 years in prison or a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
- Serious Impairment: If the resistance causes serious impairment of a body function, the penalty can be up to 10 years in prison or a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
- Death: If the resistance results in the death of an officer, the penalty can be up to 20 years in prison or a fine of up to $20,000, or both.
Legal References
For more detailed information, you can refer to the specific sections of the Michigan Compiled Laws:
