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

Would Have Been Lost Without Wolf Law

I was charged with my first DUI and was referred to Jeff by a friend of mine. He gave me a realistic expectation of what would happen and is an expert at navigating the process. Jeff is always incredibly quick to respond and is very knowledgeable. He is professional and represented me well in the courtroom. The experience of being charged with a DUI is a terrible, humiliating and challenging event – having an experienced attorney was priceless!

— Anonymous

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

I Trust My Future with Jeffery A. Wolf

My experience was very hard like many others facing any criminal charges against them. Jeffery A. Wolf was a very compassionate, caring individual that was there to help me through the entire court process. He is very knowledgeable about criminal law and was very helpful, getting my family and me through the whole criminal process. He fought for me in a time I needed someone the most, ensuring me that he was there for me and out to get the best results as possible from the court system. What an outstanding man to fight for the truth and be there for anyone with criminal charges, explaining the whole process very methodically and being pin point with all the facts. I was very confident in his experiences and knowledge that I would only trust my future with Jeffery A. Wolf. I had a great experience with him, allowing me to have the life I am here to live.

— Adam B.

My Heart Was Ripped Out, Wolf Law Showed Compassion

In early March, my heart was seemingly ripped out. I was driving into town with my two children, 5 and 2, in extremely inclimate weather conditions when my car hit a patch of ice and I lost control of my vehicle. It was a horrific accident and I was the only survivor in my vehicle. As if this wasn’t the worst thing that could have ever happened, I was charged with careless driving resulting in death, two counts. I was referred to Mr. Wolf by four separate law offices, as well as the BAR Association. The District Attorney’s office attempted to raise my charges to much more serious felony charges that could have carried very harsh sentences. Mr. Wolf was able to maintain the original charges and speak compassion and mercy to the the judge, leaving me facing only community service and a short probation with minimal associated probation costs. I would recommend his services to anybody and everybody. Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable, but he is passionate about his work, while showing the utmost compassion and respect for his clients’ situation.

— Jamie

Working With Jeff

Mr. Wolf was very patient and understanding while working with me to get through my case. He took his time explaining things to me and telling me what I needed to do to prepare. He found a way to get me the best realistic outcome for my case.

— Eren

Understanding, Patient, Helpful

Working with Jeff was the best choice I could have made for my circumstances. Not only did he take his time in hearing my side but also those around me. This allowed me to take care of myself as I moved through the legal process and provide the best results possible. Thank You for all the Help Jeff!!

— Anonymous

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.

Informative, Kind, Helpful: Can’t Thank Him Enough

My experience with Wolf Law was excellent. I am a full time college student and Mr. Wolf was beyond helpful to me, and provided me with all of the information I needed. He is very kind and always available for questions and support. I can’t thank him enough for all of his hard work.

— Marisa

I Recommend Jeff Wolf to Anyone Needing Legal Defense

I retained the services of Jeff Wolf after I received a DUI. During the free consultation, Jeff reviewed his services and the details of what would happen before, during and after my trial. He was very thorough, supportive and diligent in ensuring all my questions were answered. I am thrilled with the level of service he provided for an extremely reasonable fee. Jeff was accessible and reassuring throughout this entire process. The end-result of my hearing was exactly what I had expected based on Jeff’s counseling. This is a direct result of his knowledge and experience with the court and the system. I was very impressed with his closing presentation in court and his professionalism and felt that the judge reduced my fines and my sentence because of Jeff’s efforts. I have already recommended him to two other people and will continue to recommend him to anyone requiring the services of a defense attorney.

— Monty

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