Getting arrested for assaulting, resisting, or impeding a police officer in Washington State is serious. These charges carry heavy penalties, including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record that can affect your job, housing, and future opportunities. If you're facing these charges, you should understand what you're up against, so you can take action quickly.

This isn't a situation you can handle alone. The prosecution will work hard to prove their case, and without a proper legal defense, you could face the maximum penalties. 

Let’s break down what these charges mean, the potential consequences, and why hiring legal representation is your best chance at protecting your future.

Understanding the Criminal Charges Against You

Washington State law treats interference with law enforcement officers very seriously. These charges fall under different categories, each with specific legal definitions and penalties.

Assault on an Officer 

This happens when you intentionally cause physical harm or create fear of harm to a police officer, sheriff's deputy, or other law enforcement personnel. This can include hitting, pushing, spitting on, or even threatening an officer. In Washington, this is typically charged as a Class C felony.

The penalties and consequences for assault on an officer are steep. If convicted, you could get sentenced to up to 5 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

Resisting Arrest

Resisting arrest occurs when you intentionally prevent or attempt to prevent a police officer from lawfully arresting you. This doesn't require violence. Simply pulling away, running, or refusing to comply with arrest commands can result in this charge.

If you’re convicted of resisting arrest, you could spend up to 364 days in jail and be forced to pay $5,000 in fines.

Impeding an Officer 

This offense covers a broader range of actions that interfere with police duties. This could include blocking an officer's path, providing false information, or interfering with their investigation or arrest of someone else.

If you’re convicted of impeding an officer, you face up to 90 days in jail and $1,000 in fines.

Beyond jail time and fines, you'll face additional consequences. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record that shows up on background checks. This can prevent you from getting jobs, professional licenses, housing, or loans. Some employers automatically reject applicants with these types of convictions.

Why These Cases Are Complex

Police officers receive special protection under Washington law, which makes these cases different from other criminal charges. Prosecutors take these cases personally and often seek maximum penalties to send a message.

Most of these arrests happen fast. In all that chaos, details get mixed up. There are many cases where the officer's report doesn't match what actually happened. Body camera footage, cell phone videos, or security cameras often show something completely different. Sometimes witnesses saw the whole thing differently too.

Medical conditions, mental health issues, or medication side effects can also explain behavior that officers interpreted as resistance or assault. An experienced attorney knows how to investigate these factors and build a strong defense.

Why You Need a Seattle Criminal Defense Attorney Now

The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of a good outcome. An attorney can start investigating immediately while the evidence is fresh and witnesses remember details clearly.

Your lawyer can also negotiate with prosecutors before formal charges are filed. Sometimes charges can be reduced or dismissed entirely if your attorney presents the right evidence or arguments early in the process.

Don't wait to see what happens or hope the charges will go away. Police and prosecutors are already building their case against you. You need someone fighting for your side just as hard.

If you've been arrested for assaulting, resisting, or impeding a police officer in Seattle or anywhere in Washington State, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Lewis & Laws immediately. These charges are too serious to handle on your own, and the consequences are too severe to risk.

Call Lewis & Laws today for a confidential consultation.