{"id":374529,"date":"2018-10-15T11:58:20","date_gmt":"2018-10-15T16:58:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/missouri-law\/missouri-resisting-arrest-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-06-08T15:30:10","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T20:30:10","slug":"missouri-resisting-arrest-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/missouri-law\/missouri-resisting-arrest-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Missouri Resisting Arrest Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Missouri Resisting Arrest Laws<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Balrina Ahluwalia, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

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
\n

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

\n
\n
\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Missouri<\/span> resisting arrest<\/span> charges<\/span> are criminal offenses for preventing law enforcement<\/span> from arresting, stopping, or detaining someone. Under Missouri<\/span> law<\/span>, resisting can include fleeing from police, using or threatening physical force<\/span> against officers, or interfering with another person’s arrest. Charges range from Class A <\/span>misdemeanors<\/span> to felonies depending on the circumstances.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Missouri<\/span> takes resisting arrest<\/span> and related behaviors seriously. You can face criminal charges<\/span><\/a> even if you never touch an officer, fight, or threaten anyone.<\/p>\n

Under Missouri<\/span> law<\/span>, simply running away or driving off when a police officer<\/span> tries to stop you can lead to a resisting arrest<\/span> charge<\/span>. Penalties can range from a misdemeanor<\/span> to a\u00a0felony, making it important to understand the law, the required intent, and the\u00a0available legal defenses.<\/p>\n

In this article, we break down Missouri<\/span>\u2019s resisting arrest<\/span> statute, along with the types of conduct it prohibits. We\u2019ll give you an idea of how the state penalizes those who are convicted, and we\u2019ll also discuss defenses to help you prevent a conviction<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re facing resisting charges in Missouri<\/span>, speak with a criminal defense attorney<\/span><\/a> sooner rather than later. They can help you understand your options, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution\u2019s case against you, and develop defense strategies with you. They\u2019ll also likely negotiate with the prosecution for a reduction in your charges and\/or penalties.<\/p>\n

In the meantime, let\u2019s start by taking a look at what the law actually says.<\/p>\n

Missouri<\/span>\u2019s Resisting Statute<\/h2>\n

Missouri<\/span>\u2019s resisting law is found in the Missouri<\/span> Revised Statutes<\/span><\/a>. This single statute is the state of <\/span>Missouri<\/span>\u2019s main resisting law. It criminalizes three different ways someone might try to stop a law enforcement<\/span> officer<\/span> from arresting, detaining, or stopping someone. The law prohibits you from:<\/p>\n