Resisting Arrest Defense Attorney Serving Southern California
Charged With Resisting Arrest? Protect Your Future Today.
If you were arrested during a protest in California, you’re certainly not alone in facing this troubling situation. In recent times, police forces across the state have been conducting rapid, large-scale arrests — frequently employing charges of resisting arrest (PC 148) or unlawful gathering/unlawful assembly to detain peaceful demonstrators who are simply exercising their right to protest. This aggressive approach to law enforcement has left many individuals feeling vulnerable and uncertain about their legal standing. Our dedicated defense team is here to provide you with the support you need to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future. We understand the complexities involved, and we are committed to ensuring that your voice is heard and that justice is served.
Charged With Resisting Arrest or Unlawful Gathering During a Protest?
Many Californians are now facing criminal charges simply for participating in or being near a public demonstration. Whether you were peacefully protesting, documenting the event, or trying to leave the area, an arrest does not mean you were in the wrong.
What Is Resisting Arrest in California? (PC 148)
Under Penal Code 148, resisting arrest includes:
- Delaying or obstructing an officer
- Physically resisting
- Refusing commands
- Interfering with police duties
This charge is extremely broad, and during protests it is often applied even when the person was not resisting or when instructions were unclear.
Call Shield Law, APC at 323-310-4636 to schedule a free 30 minute consultation with a lawyer today.
Understanding Unlawful Assembly Charges and Your Rights During Protests
California’s unlawful gathering and unlawful assembly laws give police the authority to disperse crowds in certain circumstances, but these charges are often misapplied during protests. Peaceful demonstrators may find themselves accused of unlawful assembly after police issue sudden or unclear dispersal orders, or when it is physically impossible to leave the area. In many cases, entire groups are detained without regard to individual actions, and bystanders, journalists, and passersby can be swept into mass arrests. When the declaration of an unlawful assembly or the resulting detentions are improper, these charges may not hold up in court. Our firm frequently defends clients facing protest-related allegations such as resisting, delaying, or obstructing an officer (PC 148), unlawful assembly, failure to disperse, disorderly conduct, curfew violations, trespassing, obstruction, and related misdemeanor offenses. Effective defenses often focus on unclear or unlawful police orders, the use of excessive force or escalation by officers, evidence that the individual was complying or attempting to comply, mistaken identity in chaotic protest environments, and the fact that peaceful protest and recording police activity are protected First Amendment rights.
What To Do If You Were Arrested at a Protest
✔️ Stay calm and remain silent
✔️ Do not argue or explain your side
✔️ Request an attorney before speaking
✔️ Preserve or collect evidence (videos, photos, witness info)
✔️ Contact a defense lawyer immediately
Our California defense firm understands the urgency and complexity of protest-related charges, and we take a comprehensive approach to protecting your rights. We examine whether police lawfully declared an unlawful assembly, carefully review body-worn camera footage, protest videos, and witness statements, and challenge improper arrests or unconstitutional tactics used during crowd dispersals. Our goal is always to reduce or dismiss the charges against you while safeguarding your criminal record and future opportunities. If you were arrested for resisting arrest or unlawful gathering during a protest, you have legal rights — and our team is prepared to defend them. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced California defense lawyer.
Facing Criminal Charges?
At Shield Law, APC, we understand that legal issues can arise at any hour, and time is often critical. Call us 24/7 at 323-310-4636 to speak with a criminal defense attorney who will listen, answer your questions, and help you understand your options.
Don’t wait—reach out now to protect your rights and your future.
