You may feel confused or overwhelmed when an officer tries to place you under arrest. In that moment, your reactions can shape the rest of your case. Tennessee law outlines clear rules about what counts as resisting arrest and what consequences you face.
What resisting arrest means in Tennessee
Tennessee law defines resisting arrest as behavior that blocks or attempts to block an officer from carrying out a lawful arrest. You break the law when you use force, attempt to flee, or struggle with an officer during the arrest process. Even minor physical actions can lead to a charge.
Actions that may lead to a resisting arrest charge
You can face a resisting arrest charge if you pull away, run from an officer, or physically push an officer. The law treats any physical interference as an offense. Officers can also arrest you if you hide evidence or refuse to comply with simple commands during the arrest.
Penalties you may face for resisting arrest
Tennessee treats resisting arrest as a Class B misdemeanor. You may face fines, jail time, or both. A conviction can also affect future charges and sentencing.
How resisting arrest charges interact with other offenses
You can face a resisting arrest charge even when the original offense seems minor. Prosecutors may add the charge to other allegations, which increases your exposure to penalties. Courts look at the entire set of actions during the arrest when deciding the outcome.
A resisting arrest charge can raise the stakes in your case. You benefit when you know how Tennessee law defines the offense and how your actions influence the outcome. Staying calm during police interactions helps you avoid additional charges.