If you or someone you care about has been charged with resisting arrest or obstructing justice in Broward County, Florida, the stakes are serious — and time matters. These charges are frequently added on top of an underlying arrest, turning what might have started as a minor situation into a criminal record that can follow you for years. As a Broward County criminal defense attorney, Matthew Glassman has seen how quickly these charges spiral — and how often they can be challenged, reduced, or dismissed entirely when the right defense is put in motion early.
This guide provides a clear, honest picture of what resisting arrest and obstruction of justice mean under Florida law, what the Broward County courts look like from the inside, and why contacting a “criminal defense lawyer near me” immediately after an arrest can be the most important call you ever make.
What is Resisting Arrest Under Florida Law?
Florida Statutes § 843.01 and § 843.02 govern the two primary forms of resisting a law enforcement officer. Understanding the difference between them is the first step in building your defense.
Resisting Arrest With Violence — Florida Statute § 843.01
Resisting an officer with violence is a third-degree felony in Florida, punishable by up to five years in state prison, or five years of probation, and a $5,000 fine. This charge applies when a person knowingly and willfully resists, obstructs, or opposes a law enforcement officer by offering or doing violence to that officer — including striking, grabbing, kicking, biting, or any similar physical act.
Felony charges in Broward County, FL, carry consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom. A conviction can cost you your job, your housing, your professional license, and your right to own a firearm. That is why retaining an experienced Broward County criminal defense lawyer from the moment of arrest is so critical.
Resisting Arrest Without Violence — Florida Statute § 843.02
Resisting an officer without violence is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in the county jail, or one year of probation, and a $1,000 fine. This charge is far more commonly filed and includes acts such as pulling away from an officer, running from police, refusing to comply with lawful commands, or passively going limp to prevent an arrest.
Even though this is classified as a misdemeanor, do not underestimate it. A first-degree misdemeanor in Broward County can result in jail time, a permanent criminal record, and collateral consequences that a skilled criminal defense lawyer can often help you avoid.
Understanding Obstruction of Justice Charges in Broward County, Florida
Obstruction of justice is a broader category of offenses that can arise in a range of situations — many of which have nothing to do with a physical confrontation with a police officer. Florida law includes multiple statutes that criminalize interference with law enforcement investigations, judicial proceedings, and arrest operations.
Common Forms of Obstruction of Justice in Florida
Acts that commonly give rise to obstruction charges in Broward County, FL include:
- Providing a false name or false identification to a law enforcement officer
- Warning a suspect about an impending arrest or investigation
- Destroying or concealing evidence relevant to a criminal proceeding
- Intimidating or tampering with a witness or victim
- Interfering with a police K-9 or law enforcement animal
- Fleeing from law enforcement in a vehicle, which may also trigger fleeing and eluding charges
- Filing a false police report to divert an investigation
Many of these charges are layered on top of other allegations. In Broward County, FL, it is common for prosecutors to add an obstruction charge when a defendant runs from police, argues with an officer, or makes any statement at the scene that could later be characterized as misleading. Our Broward County criminal defense attorney can assess whether those additional charges are legally sound.
Obstruction of Justice as a Felony Under Florida Statute § 843.0855
Florida Statute § 843.0855 elevates certain obstruction conduct to felony-level offenses. Acts covered under this statute include impersonating a law enforcement officer, making false reports about explosives or weapons to divert law enforcement resources, and other serious interference with official duties. These charges require immediate attention from a criminal defense lawyer in Broward County, Florida.
Why These Charges Are Frequently Added — And How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Fights Back
One of the most important things to understand about resisting arrest and obstruction charges in Broward County, FL, is that they are often filed as what attorneys call “add-on” charges. Police officers have significant discretion in deciding whether someone’s behavior during an arrest rises to the level of resisting or obstruction. That discretion is sometimes exercised when an encounter was tense, confusing, or when the officer believes the subject was uncooperative — even if the underlying arrest later falls apart.
This is where the value of a criminal defense lawyer becomes clear. Criminal defense lawyer Matthew Glassman approaches every resisting or obstruction case by examining the totality of what happened — from the legality of the initial stop or detention, to the conduct of the arresting officer, to whether the commands given were actually lawful.
Key Defense Strategies for Resisting Arrest Charges in Broward County, Florida
The most effective defense strategies for these charges depend heavily on the specific facts of your case. Defenses that a Broward County criminal defense attorney will evaluate include:
- Unlawful arrest or detention — if the underlying arrest was illegal, you generally cannot be convicted of resisting it
- Lack of knowledge — the prosecution must prove you knew the individual was a law enforcement officer
- Self-defense — if an officer used excessive or unlawful force, some degree of resistance may be legally justified
- Insufficient evidence of willfulness — accidental or involuntary movements are not criminal resistance
- Misidentification or witness credibility issues
- Violations of your Fourth and Fifth Amendment constitutional rights
- Body camera or dashcam footage that contradicts the officer’s account
In Broward County, FL, courts take constitutional issues seriously when they are raised properly and early. Our experienced criminal defense lawyer, who is vastly familiar with the local courthouses, procedures, and prosecutors, can file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or challenge the legal basis of the arrest itself — often before the case ever reaches trial.
Penalties and Long-Term Consequences for Resisting Arrest in Broward County, Florida
Florida’s sentencing structure means that the consequences of a conviction — even for a misdemeanor — can be far-reaching and long-lasting. Understanding exactly what you are up against is essential to making informed decisions about your defense.
Misdemeanor Resisting Without Violence
A first-degree misdemeanor conviction in Broward County, FL, can result in up to one year in the county jail at the Broward County Main Jail in Fort Lauderdale, FL, up to one year of probation, and fines of up to $1,000. Beyond the sentence itself, a misdemeanor record can affect your employment, professional licensing, housing applications, and background checks. Employers conducting searches often do not distinguish between misdemeanor and felony convictions.
Felony Resisting With Violence
A third-degree felony conviction for resisting with violence carries a statutory maximum of five years in Florida state prison, five years of probation, and a $5,000 fine. If the officer involved was seriously injured, or if other aggravating factors are present, prosecutors may seek enhanced penalties or additional charges such as battery on a law enforcement officer, which carries its own mandatory minimum provisions under certain circumstances.
Collateral Consequences in Broward County, Florida
Beyond jail and fines, a conviction for obstruction or resisting arrest in Broward County, FL, can result in:
- Loss of employment in fields that require background checks, including healthcare, education, security, and financial services
- Suspension or revocation of professional licenses issued by Florida state agencies
- Immigration consequences, including deportation proceedings for non-citizens
- Difficulty securing housing and apartment rentals
- Ineligibility for certain government benefits and programs
- Loss of the right to possess a firearm if convicted of a felony
These are the kinds of consequences that make hiring a skilled Broward County criminal defense attorney a matter of protecting your entire future — not just resolving a court case.
The Broward County Court System: What to Expect After an Arrest
Being charged with resisting arrest or obstruction of justice in Broward County, FL, means your case will likely move through the Broward County Courthouse at 201 SE 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale, FL, or one of the branch courthouses located throughout the county, depending on where the arrest occurred.
First Appearance and Bond Hearing
Within 24 hours of your arrest, you will appear before a First Appearance Judge — also called a Magistrate Judge. This is where the judge reviews the probable cause for your arrest and determines whether you will be released on your own recognizance, required to post bond, or held without bail. Having a criminal defense lawyer present at or involved in this stage can make a significant difference in the bond set and the conditions of release.
The Filing Decision: Your Most Critical Window
After your arrest, the Broward County State Attorney’s Office will review the police reports and decide whether to formally file criminal charges. This is not automatic. The filing attorney has discretion to file the same charges, reduce them, increase them, or decline to file at all. Broward County criminal defense attorney Matthew Glassman employs what he calls the “Pots and Pans” approach — proactively presenting mitigating information, legal arguments, and evidence directly to the filing attorney before a charging decision is made. This pre-filing advocacy is often the fastest path to a favorable outcome.
Arraignment, Pre-Trial Motions, and Resolution
At your arraignment, charges are formally read, and a plea is entered. In the weeks and months that follow, your criminal defense attorney will file pre-trial motions, conduct discovery, depose witnesses when appropriate, and negotiate with prosecutors. Many Broward County resisting arrest and obstruction cases are resolved through plea negotiations — sometimes resulting in reduced charges, diversion programs, or dismissed counts. When a fair resolution cannot be reached, criminal defense attorney Matthew Glassman is fully prepared to take your case to trial.
Criminal Defense Attorney Serving All of Broward County, Florida:
Criminal defense attorney Matthew Glassman represents individuals charged with resisting arrest, obstruction of justice, and related criminal offenses throughout every city and municipality in Broward County, Florida. Whether you were arrested in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Miramar, Pompano Beach, Davie, Plantation, Weston, Sunrise, Deerfield Beach, or anywhere else in the county, Matthew Glassman is the Broward County criminal defense attorney who is ready to go to work for you.
His office at 600 SW 4th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, is located just minutes from the Broward County Courthouse, giving his clients a meaningful advantage in local legal knowledge, familiarity with court staff, and proximity to the courtrooms where their cases are heard. If you have been searching for a “criminal defense lawyer near me” in South Florida, the Law Office of Matthew Glassman is the answer.
Attorney Glassman gives every client his personal cell phone number and responds to calls, texts, and emails at all hours. During what is often the most stressful time in a person’s life, that accessibility is not a luxury — it is a necessity.
Do Not Wait: Why Acting Immediately After an Arrest Matters
In Broward County criminal cases, early action is not just advisable — it is often decisive. The State Attorney’s Office can begin making filing decisions within days of an arrest. Video footage from body cameras, dashcams, and surveillance systems can be lost, deleted, or overwritten if not preserved promptly. Witnesses can become harder to locate. Statements made without counsel can be used against you.
The moment you or a loved one has been arrested in Broward County, FL, the right step is to remain calm, exercise your right to remain silent, and call a Broward County criminal defense attorney immediately. Matthew Glassman offers a free initial consultation and is available around the clock. Call 954-908-3399 now.
Frequently Asked Questions: Resisting Arrest and Obstruction of Justice in Broward County, Florida
Under Florida law, resisting arrest without violence (§ 843.02) is a first-degree misdemeanor involving non-physical resistance such as pulling away, tensing up, running, or refusing to comply with lawful commands. Resisting with violence (§ 843.01) is a third-degree felony and involves any physical force against the officer. The violence element does not require that the officer be injured — even a shove or a grab can trigger the felony charge. A Broward County criminal defense attorney can evaluate the facts of your case to determine which charge applies and whether it can be challenged.
In Florida, the lawfulness of the underlying arrest is a recognized defense to a resisting charge. If the officer lacked probable cause or was acting outside their legal authority, a criminal defense lawyer can argue that you cannot be convicted of resisting an unlawful arrest. This is one of the most powerful defenses available and requires a thorough investigation of the facts surrounding the initial stop or detention.
It depends on the specific conduct. Many obstruction offenses under Florida Statute § 843.02 are first-degree misdemeanors. However, § 843.0855 elevates certain conduct — such as impersonating an officer, making false bomb threats to divert law enforcement, or physically attacking officers during a multi-agency operation — to felony offenses. A Broward County criminal defense lawyer will identify which statute applies to your situation and assess the available defenses.
Do not make any statements to the police without an attorney present. Exercise your right to remain silent. Then contact a criminal defense lawyer as quickly as possible. The pre-filing period — before the State Attorney’s Office formally charges you — is the most important window in your case, and acting fast can make the difference between charges being filed or not filed at all. Call the Law Office of Matthew Glassman at 954-908-3399 for a free consultation.
Yes, it is possible in many cases. Outcomes depend on the strength of the evidence, the conduct of the officer, any video footage available, your prior record, and the skill of your criminal defense attorney. Matthew Glassman routinely advocates at the pre-filing stage to persuade the State Attorney not to file charges or to file reduced charges. Even after charges are filed, he negotiates aggressively for dismissals, plea agreements to lesser offenses, and diversion programs
A conviction — whether misdemeanor or felony — will appear on your Florida criminal record and can show up in background checks. However, if your case results in a dismissal or you complete a diversion program without conviction, you may be eligible to have your record sealed or expunged under Florida law. A Broward County criminal defense attorney can advise you on eligibility after your case is resolved.
Under Florida law, providing a false name or false identification to a law enforcement officer during a lawful detention or arrest can constitute obstruction. It is always in your best interest to invoke your right to remain silent rather than provide any information that could be used against you or lead to additional charges. This is another reason why consulting a criminal defense lawyer immediately after an encounter with police is essential.
The Law Office of Matthew Glassman is located at 600 SW 4th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 — minutes from the Broward County Courthouse. He serves clients throughout all of Broward County, including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Miramar, Coral Springs, Pompano Beach, Davie, Plantation, Weston, Sunrise, Deerfield Beach, and every other community in the county. Call 954-908-3399 to schedule your free consultation.
Matthew Glassman has spent more than a decade defending clients in Broward County courts. He holds a 10.0 AVVO rating, has earned recognition from Super Lawyers and the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, and has received over 280 five-star Google reviews. More importantly, he gives every client his personal cell phone number and is available around the clock. He knows the judges, prosecutors, and procedures in Broward County — and uses that knowledge every day to fight for his clients.
Call to request a free consultation. Matthew Glassman will review the facts of your case, explain your legal options clearly, and outline a defense strategy tailored to your situation. The consultation is confidential and free — there is no obligation. The sooner you call, the more options you will have.
Contact Our Broward County Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Resisting arrest and obstruction of justice charges in Broward County, FL are serious — but they are not unbeatable. With the right Broward County criminal defense lawyer in your corner, these charges can often be reduced, dismissed, or fought at trial. The Law Office of Matthew Glassman is ready to go to work for you from the moment you call for a free consultation.
Call or text 24/7 — free consultation — no obligation.