Walk It Through: The Sidewalk
Drinking in public as an infraction, resisting arrest as a misdemeanor, and ninety days at most.
After a concert, a person who has had too much to drink is sitting on the sidewalk outside a bar when an officer walks over.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
One night and one sidewalk. The replacement section that takes effect later, eluding in a vehicle, and the arrest itself are not worked through 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.
- Attempting to eludeWillfully failing to stop and driving recklessly while eluding a pursuing police vehicle after a signal from an officer in uniform with lights and sirens, a class C felony.
- Gross misdemeanorThe crime level between a misdemeanor and a felony, punishable by up to three hundred sixty four days in jail, a fine up to five thousand dollars, or both.
- Obstructing a law enforcement officerWillfully hindering, delaying or obstructing a law enforcement officer in the discharge of official duties, a gross misdemeanor.
- Resisting arrestIntentionally preventing or attempting to prevent a peace officer from lawfully arresting oneself, a misdemeanor.