Resisting with Violence in Florida

Florida Statute §843.01   |   Classification: Third-Degree Felony

What Is This Charge?

Resisting an officer with violence involves knowingly and willfully resisting, obstructing, or opposing a law enforcement officer through the use of violence or by threatening to use violence, while that officer is in the lawful execution of their duties.

Penalties & Fines

• Up to 5 years in Florida state prison

• Up to 5 years of probation

• Up to $5,000 in fines

• Permanent felony record

• This charge is frequently added to other charges arising from a confrontational arrest

  
  

Additional Consequences

• Loss of the right to possess firearms

• Immigration consequences for non-citizens

• Loss of professional licenses or certifications

  
  

Possible Defenses

• The officer was not acting in the lawful execution of their duties

• No violence was used or threatened — the conduct was only passive resistance

• Self-defense against unlawful use of force by the officer (in very limited circumstances)

• Mistaken identity

• The charges were fabricated or exaggerated by the arresting officer

  
  

Why You Need a Defense Attorney

Resisting with violence charges often arise in the chaos of an arrest where accounts differ significantly. An attorney will review body camera footage, dashcam recordings, and witness statements to challenge the officer's version of events and assess whether the officer's conduct was truly lawful.

Call today for a free consultation: (813) 888-8888  |  Email: erica@fllegaldefense.com

Serving Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Polk Counties. Virtual consultations available.