Rock Hill, SC Resisting Arrest Attorney

Charged with resisting arrest in Rock Hill or Lancaster? You don’t have time to wait—and you don’t have to face this alone.

Maybe you didn’t even know the officer was trying to arrest you. Maybe things happened fast, you were scared, or you were trying to defend yourself from excessive force. But now you're facing an additional charge—resisting arrest—on top of everything else.

At Barboza Law, we know how quickly an encounter with law enforcement can escalate. And we know the state will stack charges like resisting arrest just to make your situation worse. That’s why we step in fast—with the experience and strategy to push back hard.

We represent people in Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Indian Land, and across Lancaster and York Counties who are facing serious criminal charges, and we fight for real results—not plea deals you’re forced to take.

What Is Resisting Arrest in South Carolina?

Under South Carolina Code § 16-9-320(A), resisting arrest involves interfering, opposing, or attempting to prevent a law enforcement officer from making an arrest. This can include:

• Physically pulling away or fleeing
• Verbally threatening or confronting the officer
• Struggling during handcuffing
• Refusing to comply with commands

Important: You can be charged with resisting arrest even if the original arrest was for a minor offense—or even if you were wrongfully accused in the first place.

Consequences of a Resisting Arrest Charge

Resisting arrest is typically a misdemeanor, unless an officer is assaulted, beaten, or wounded, but the penalties can be serious:

• Up to 1 year in jail
• Fines up to $1,000
• Probation or community service
• Permanent criminal record
• Potential impact on other charges or future legal matters

If an officer claims you used or threatened violence, the charge can escalate—even without a weapon involved.

This charge is often tacked on to boost the state's leverage in court. That’s why your defense has to be even stronger.

How Barboza Law Defends Resisting Arrest Charges

We take a tactical, no-nonsense approach to resisting arrest defense. That means:

• Investigating what really happened at the scene
• Reviewing bodycam or surveillance footage
• Examining whether the officer used excessive force
• Arguing lack of intent—many people are charged for simply reacting in the moment
• Challenging the lawfulness of the original arrest
• Negotiating to reduce or dismiss the charge entirely

If the arrest was unjustified or the officer acted aggressively, we’ll bring that to light. Your story deserves to be heard—and defended.

Why Choose Barboza Law?

Attorney Sabreena Barboza has built a reputation across South Carolina as a sharp, aggressive defender in criminal cases. At Barboza Law, we don’t treat your case like a number—we treat it like your freedom, your record, and your reputation are on the line. Because they are.

We serve clients throughout Rock Hill, York County, and surrounding areas, and we’re known for:

• Direct, honest communication
• Fast, strategic case work
• Relentless courtroom defense
• Results that protect your future

Take Action Now – Your Defense Starts Today

The clock is already ticking. If you’ve been charged with resisting arrest in Rock Hill or nearby, you need a criminal defense attorney now—not later.

Let Barboza Law step in and take control of your case. We’ll protect your rights, challenge the arrest, and build the strongest possible defense for your situation.

Call today or fill out our secure form to schedule a consultation. We’re ready to fight—and no one will fight harder for you than Barboza Law.