The criminal offense of resisting arrest—also known as resisting a peace officer—occurs when a person uses any amount of physical force to resist, delay, or obstruct a police officer during an arrest. The resistance that gives rise to a criminal offense may be slight and includes (1) struggling with police officers as they try to place handcuffs on a person and (2) giving police a false name during questioning.

Resisting arrest laws vary from state to state—in California, for example, the law includes delaying or obstructing an emergency medical technician. Resisting arrest is usually a misdemeanor offense. Resisting arrest laws are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Connecticut, the criminal offense of resisting arrest is codified under Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-167a, which defines the crime of 'Interfering with an Officer/Resisting.' Under this statute, a person commits the offense when they obstruct, resist, hinder, or endanger a peace officer, a firefighter, or an emergency medical service provider in the performance of their duties. This includes both physical resistance during an arrest, such as struggling while being handcuffed, and non-physical acts like providing false information. The offense is typically classified as a misdemeanor, which can result in penalties including fines, imprisonment, or both. It's important to note that the specific circumstances of the incident and the individual's actions will determine the exact charges and potential penalties. Individuals facing such charges may benefit from consulting with an attorney to understand their rights and the legal implications of their case.