Resisting Arrest Defense Lawyer in Denver, Colorado

Wolf Law is proud to serve Denver and surrounding communities, including Aurora, Lakewood, and the broader Denver Metro area. Being arrested is a frightening and disorienting experience. In the moment, the impulse to pull away, to object, or to resist can arise instinctively. But in Colorado, resisting arrest is a criminal offense — and it is one that prosecutors take seriously. If you have been charged with resisting arrest, whether on its own or alongside other charges, you need an excellent criminal defense attorney working on your behalf.

Wolf Law represents individuals across Colorado with a criminal defense practice focused on preparation, strategy, and strong legal advocacy. Attorneys and Partners Jeff Wolf and Colleen Kelley lead the firm’s defense team, each bringing decades of trial experience and a commitment to protecting their clients’ rights at every stage. Both attorneys are known for their sharp legal analysis and national media presence on Court TV and Law & Crime, and both bring the same level of rigorous preparation and courtroom skill to every resisting arrest defense case they handle in Colorado.

Resisting arrest charges can arise from a brief physical reaction during an arrest, from verbal confrontations with officers, or from situations where the arrest itself was unlawful. The facts matter enormously, and so does having the right legal team in your corner from the start.

What Is Resisting Arrest Under Colorado Law?

Under Colorado Revised Statutes Section 18-8-103, a person commits resisting arrest if they knowingly prevent or attempt to prevent a peace officer, acting under color of official authority, from effecting an arrest by using or threatening to use physical force or violence, or by using any other means that creates a substantial risk of physical injury to the officer or another person.

Resisting arrest is a class 2 misdemeanor under Colorado’s two-class misdemeanor system. While that may sound minor, a conviction carries real consequences: a permanent criminal record, fines, potential jail time, and the collateral impact on employment and other areas of your life. It is also frequently charged alongside other offenses — assault on a peace officer, obstruction, or the underlying charge that prompted the arrest — which can significantly increase your overall legal exposure.

What Are Common Scenarios That Lead to Resisting Arrest Charges?

Resisting arrest charges arise from a wide range of situations, and not all of them involve intentional defiance. Our attorneys frequently represent clients in these circumstances:

Physical reaction during an arrest: Pulling away from an officer’s grip, twisting, or struggling during handcuffing can be charged as resisting arrest even when the person did not intend to obstruct the officer. Intent is a key element our attorneys examine closely.
Verbal escalation: While verbal objection alone does not constitute resisting arrest under Colorado law, situations where verbal confrontation escalates and an officer perceives a physical threat can result in charges.
Flight on foot: Fleeing from an officer attempting to make an arrest can be charged as resisting arrest. The specific facts of the flight — and whether the arrest itself was lawful — are central to the defense.
DUI and traffic stops: Resisting arrest frequently arises during DUI stops or traffic-related arrests in Denver, Aurora, and along the I-25 corridor. Our attorneys examine the full sequence of events leading to the arrest and the resisting allegation.

Why Resisting Arrest Charges Require Immediate Legal Attention

Even as a misdemeanor, a resisting arrest conviction permanently marks your criminal record. More importantly, resisting arrest charges almost always accompany another offense, and the combination can significantly escalate the prosecution’s leverage in the case. How the resisting arrest charge is handled can directly affect the outcome of the underlying charge as well.

In Colorado, everyone charged with a crime is entitled to bond, unless they are charged with first degree murder — the question is the ability to meet the conditions set by the court. How bond is set can affect your ability to work and care for your family while your case is pending. Our attorneys appear at bond hearings and fight for conditions that are fair given the specific circumstances of your case.

Charged with resisting arrest in Denver, Aurora, or Lakewood? Call Wolf Law at 720.479.8574 for a free consultation. Our legal team will evaluate your case immediately.

What Are the Defenses to Resisting Arrest in Colorado?

There are several viable defense strategies our attorneys evaluate in resisting arrest cases:

Unlawful arrest: Colorado law recognizes that a person may use reasonable force to resist an unlawful arrest. If the officer lacked legal authority to make the arrest, the resisting arrest charge may not hold. Our attorneys examine the lawfulness of the underlying arrest as a threshold matter.
No physical force or substantial risk: The statute requires the use or threat of physical force, or conduct creating a substantial risk of injury. Purely verbal objection does not meet this standard. Our attorneys challenge whether the conduct alleged actually satisfies the legal elements.
Lack of knowing conduct: Resisting arrest requires that the defendant knowingly prevented or attempted to prevent the arrest. An involuntary physical reaction — a startle response, a medical episode, or confusion about what was happening — may negate this element.
Excessive force by the officer: If the officer used excessive force in making the arrest, the context changes significantly. Our attorneys investigate officer conduct and document any use of force that exceeds what the law permits.

How Resisting Arrest Charges Interact With Other Offenses

Resisting arrest is frequently charged alongside assault on a peace officer, which is a felony under Colorado law, as well as obstruction charges and the underlying offense that triggered the arrest. Managing the full scope of the charges — not just the resisting arrest count — requires a defense strategy that addresses the entire case.

Jeff Wolf and Colleen Kelley are both excellent trial attorneys who understand how stacked charges work and how to address them strategically. Both appear regularly on national platforms including Law & Crime and Court TV, bringing the same high-level legal analysis they apply in Colorado courtrooms to their national commentary. Whether your case is in Denver County Court, the Jefferson County Courthouse in Lakewood, or another court in the Denver Metro area, our legal team is ready.

What to Do If You Have Been Charged With Resisting Arrest

Do not discuss the incident: Do not talk to police, prosecutors, or anyone else about what happened without your attorney present. Anything you say can and will be used against you.
Write down everything you remember: Document your recollection of the arrest as soon as possible — what the officer said, what happened, and the sequence of events. These details matter and they fade quickly.
Gather any available evidence: If there was surveillance, witnesses, or other documentation of the arrest, let your attorney know. Independent evidence of the arrest circumstances can be critical.
Call Wolf Law immediately: The sooner our legal team is involved, the more we can do to protect your rights and your record. Call 720.479.8574 today.

Contact Wolf Law — Fight Your Resisting Arrest Charge

Resisting arrest charges are serious and deserve serious legal attention. Wolf Law offers free consultations, and our attorneys are ready to evaluate your case and build your defense from day one. Call 720.479.8574 to speak with our legal team today.

Wolf Law represents clients throughout Colorado with excellent criminal defense. From Denver to Aurora, Lakewood, and every community in between, our attorneys are ready to stand beside you. Call Wolf Law at 720.479.8574 for your free consultation.

Wolf Law | 720.479.8574 | Free Consultation | Colorado Criminal Defense

Featured Blogs

Certifications

Testimonials

Expert Help

I am glad that I was referred to Jeff. His capable counsel turned a really big mess into a straightforward procedure. All my contacts with the entire staff at Wolf Law were outstanding. Jeff was able to explain very complicated proceedings in a way that made sense and allowed me confidence that I was fully prepared. Jeff’s professionalism both inside and outside the courtroom was an immense help during a tough time. Legal troubles are very stressful, and it is important to have someone working for you with the experience and knowledge to be able to help. Jeff provided that and more: never feeling lost in the situation was an added benefit that was priceless. I would highly recommend the team at Wolf Law.

— John B.

Here’s a Lawyer You can Trust

I found myself threatened with life-changing accusations, and Jeff Wolf was there for me. Kept me up to date every step of the way and really helped relieve the stress of going through something so awful. 100 percent worth every penny.

— Patrick

Jeffrey Wolf is Everything You Could Hope for in a Defense Attorney

When a tragic situation affected our family, we immediately contacted Jeffery Wolf. We were comforted knowing that we had a knowledgeable, communicative and compassionate attorney on our side. He often answered our calls after-hours and always stayed with us after court appearances to answer all our questions. During busy times, he would be sure to send a quick note letting us know when he would get back to us and never left us wondering if he had received our inquiries. Beyond being confident that we had the best representation possible, we also knew that Jeffery really cared about us and in fact, he became an honorary member of our family. He was open and honest with us and the DA in order to come up with the best, most fair agreement. We were never left wondering what was going on or what was going to happen. We knew that Jeffery would fight for us as hard and for as long as it took. It felt wonderful knowing that we had Jeffery in our corner. Hopefully we will never need his services again, but if we do, he will be our first call. We highly recommend Jeffery Wolf for anyone who needs a lawyer and wants the best.

— Jenni DeWitt Walker

Mr. Wolf Blew My Expectations Out of the Water

After recently facing two relatively serious traffic violations, Mr. Wolf was able to obtain an outcome for my case that far exceeded my expectations. From the initial consultation onward, Jeff was extremely professional, punctual, and confident. Jeff clearly defined our objectives and provided me with some serious peace of mind. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Mr. Wolf’s services to any family member or friend in need and couldn’t be more pleased with his representation!

— Michael

My Son Was in Trouble, Jeff Wolf was His Advocate

When my son got in trouble, I was referred to Jeff Wolf by a friend. He was immediately responsive, calling me back within an hour. We set up a meeting for a couple of days later with no obligation, and when we met he helped us understand the many aspects of my son’s case. We retained him and were grateful for his obvious comfort with the legal system and ability to help us navigate it. Throughout, he advocated for my son but also was stern with him, very clearly communicating the severity of his situation. We ended up with a deferred sentence and are so glad we had Mr. Wolf’s help. He is very reliable and accessible; it was reassuring to know we had him in our court.

— Lisa

My Experience with Wolf Law

I am nothing but pleased with the service, trustworthiness, advice, compassion, and hard work that Wolf Law has provided me with. My case lasted for about six months in 2019. I had charges regarding the developing laws concerning marijuana in Colorado. Originally I wasted four months with a lawyer who made the already stressful and unfortunate situation ever more challenging and miserable. It was a blessing to meet Jeff! He was able to reach a resolution with the Colorado Springs DA that would allow me to have a chance in the future. Every step of the way he was patient, present, persistent, and a pleasure to work with. I drove all the way from Colorado Springs to find a lawyer that would fight for justice to the best of their ability and Jeff Wolf was that person – a person who cares about his clients and their lives. He did his job without judgment and exuded understanding and encouragement throughout. It is difficult to find people who are willing to genuinely help others and keep them positive. My hope is that if you find yourself in a situation where you are seeking legal counsel, please give Jeff’s firm a call. I cannot thank him enough for his kindness and work through this difficult time.

— S.M.

Outstanding, professional and easy to work with

I had the privilege of working with Colleen and Jeff at Wolf Law, and they exceeded every expectation I had. From the very first conversation, both attorneys were incredibly responsive, clear, and genuinely invested in my situation. They explained everything in plain English, kept me updated at every step, and fought hard to get the best possible outcome for me.

Their professionalism, attention to detail, and calm guidance through what could have been a very stressful process made all the difference. I truly felt like I had a dedicated team on my side, not just another law firm.

I would and will recommend Wolf Law without hesitation to anyone in need of trusted, skilled legal representation in Colorado. Thank you both!

— Eric R.

Worth every penny. Wolf Law at your side.

Wolf Law LLC is an exceptional law firm that I would recommend to all in search for legal help or advice. I had a troublesome case, it had me very worried and distraught, I had no idea what to do. I talked with Jeff in a FREE consultation, he was very knowledgeable and understanding of my situation, it had made me feel a lot more comfortable about my case and the position I was in (as if I was family). Every time there was something new about my case or even if I had questions, I felt comforted and relieved, Jeff responded very quickly.

I know not every case is the same and may not be dismissed like mine was, but with Wolf Law in your corner, I believe you have a fighting chance. Thank you again Wolf Law for fighting with me!

— B. Davis

Exceptional Attorney Who Truly Cares

I cannot thank Jeffrey enough for his dedication and hard work on my case. From the very beginning, he took the time to understand every detail and worked diligently to ensure the best possible outcome. His expertise, professionalism, and clear communication made a challenging situation much easier to navigate.

What sets Jeffrey apart is his genuine care and commitment to his clients. He went above and beyond to advocate for me, and I always felt like I was in capable and trustworthy hands.

I highly recommend Jeffrey to anyone in need of legal representation. He’s not only an outstanding attorney but also a great person who truly cares about his clients’ success. I couldn’t have asked for a better advocate!

— Anonymous

The Wolf

I’m incredibly grateful for everything Jeff has done for me. He treated me with respect, took the time to truly listen, and made a stressful situation feel manageable. I always felt supported and confident knowing he was in my corner. I can’t recommend him enough to anyone who wants an attorney who genuinely cares and delivers results.

— Dorean G.