Walk It Through: Filming an Arrest
A phone held up at a downtown arrest, an officer's order to step back, and a call recorded later.
A bystander starts filming officers arresting someone on a downtown sidewalk.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
Recording in public and on a call one is part of. Recording inside a private place, a workplace policy, and posting what was recorded are not covered here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Class B misdemeanorThe middle misdemeanor class, punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000; a first DUI, assault and most traffic misdemeanors sit here.
- Interference with a peace officerInterfering with a lawful arrest or detention by force or a weapon, by refusing a lawful order the arrest needs, or by refusing to stop impeding it.
- Third degree felonyThe lowest felony degree, with an indeterminate prison term of not more than five years and a fine of up to $5,000.