{"id":373281,"date":"2018-07-25T14:20:36","date_gmt":"2018-07-25T19:20:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/indiana-law\/indiana-resisting-arrest-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-10-31T09:02:10","modified_gmt":"2025-10-31T14:02:10","slug":"indiana-resisting-arrest-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/indiana-law\/indiana-resisting-arrest-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Indiana Resisting Arrest Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Indiana Resisting Arrest Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

In Indiana<\/span>, resisting arrest<\/span> occurs when a person knowingly and forcibly obstructs<\/span> a law enforcement<\/span> officer<\/span> or flees<\/span> after being ordered to stop. This is a separate criminal offense<\/span>, and the severity of the charge depends on the specific circumstances of the incident. The charges can range from a Class A<\/span> misdemeanor<\/span> for simple resistance to a high-level felony if a vehicle is used, a weapon is involved, or someone is injured as a result of the act.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Imagine a police officer<\/span> pulls you over on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI<\/span>). When the officer attempts to place you under arrest, you physically struggle to avoid being handcuffed. Perhaps instead of stopping right away, you continue driving for another mile while the officer follows with lights flashing. Under Indiana<\/span> law<\/span>, either of these actions could result in a charge of resisting\u00a0law enforcement<\/span>, a serious criminal offense<\/span> that is\u00a0filed in addition to the underlying charge.<\/p>\n

Depending on the circumstances, resisting arrest<\/span> can range from a misdemeanor<\/span> to a high-level felony offense<\/span> in the state of <\/span>Indiana<\/span>. Varying factors can include whether the offender flees<\/span> on foot or in a motor vehicle<\/span>. The law also covers actions like interfering with firefighters or entering an area marked off with emergency barrier tape.<\/p>\n

This article explains what constitutes resisting arrest<\/span> under the criminal law<\/span> statutes in Indiana<\/span>, the potential penalties you could face, and what legal defenses may be available.<\/p>\n

Definition of Resisting Arrest<\/span> Under Indiana<\/span> Law<\/span><\/h2>\n

Indiana<\/span> Code<\/span> defines resisting arrest<\/span><\/a> as when a person knowingly or intentionally forcibly resists, obstructs<\/span>, or interferes with a law enforcement<\/span> officer<\/span> in the course of their duties.<\/p>\n

Resisting or obstructing<\/span> may also include:<\/p>\n