If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with resisting arrest in Inglewood, California, you are facing serious criminal charges that threaten your freedom, your criminal record, and your future. Resisting arrest charges—whether under Penal Code 148 (misdemeanor) or Penal Code 69 (felony)—carry jail or prison time, substantial fines, and a permanent record that can devastate your employment opportunities. These charges are often added on to other offenses or filed as “cover charges” when police use excessive force or make questionable arrests, disproportionately affecting communities of color.
At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we understand that resisting arrest charges frequently arise from misunderstandings, lawful self-defense against police brutality, false accusations by officers trying to justify excessive force, or situations where you were simply trying to explain yourself or protect your rights. Many of our clients never resisted arrest at all—they were simply victims of aggressive policing, racial profiling, or officers who escalated minor situations into violent confrontations. Whether you’re charged with simple resisting, delaying, or obstructing under PC 148, or the more serious felony charge under PC 69, our experienced criminal defense team is here to provide aggressive representation to protect your rights and fight for justice.
Inglewood, with a population of approximately 102,774 residents according to the U.S. Census Bureau[1], is a predominantly Black (39-40%) and Hispanic (49-55%) community that has experienced significant issues with police use of force and misconduct. According to Police Scorecard data[2], the Inglewood Police Department recorded 8 police killings from 2013-2023 (with 50% being Black individuals), 205 incidents of less-lethal force (184 per 10,000 arrests—higher than 84% of similar departments), and 90 civilian complaints of misconduct (with only 8% ruled in favor of civilians). In November 2025, a court ruled that Inglewood PD systematically violated California’s Public Records Act[3] by failing to release use of force and misconduct records.
Statewide research shows alarming racial disparities in resisting arrest charges. According to a University of Wisconsin-Madison study analyzing 13 years of California data[4], Black people are 3.5 times as likely to be prosecuted and 3.2 times as likely to be convicted for resisting arrest compared to white people, despite Black Californians representing only 5.7% of the population. The California Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory (RIPA) Board[5] reports that Black Californians are stopped 131% more frequently and searched at rates 1.5 times higher than white individuals.
With so much at stake—your freedom, your record, your reputation—and with the reality of systemic bias in these charges, you need an attorney who understands both the law and the pattern of discriminatory enforcement. At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we provide bilingual (English and Spanish) resisting arrest defense representation throughout Inglewood and all of Los Angeles County.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions and begin fighting for your rights.
PC 148(a)(1) is California’s primary “resisting arrest” statute, though it covers far more than just resisting arrest.
Definition: Every person who willfully resists, delays, or obstructs any public officer, peace officer, or emergency medical technician in the discharge or attempt to discharge any duty of their office or employment.
Key Elements Prosecution Must Prove:
Important Points:
“Willfully” Defined:
Physical Force NOT Required:
Must Be Lawful Duty:
Penalties for PC 148(a)(1):
Misdemeanor:
Cannot Be Charged as Felony (unless circumstances warrant PC 69 instead)
PC 69 is the more serious “resisting arrest” charge, reserved for cases involving violence or threats.
Definition: Every person who attempts, by means of threat or violence, to deter or prevent an executive officer from performing any duty of their office, OR who knowingly resists, by the use of force or violence, such officer in the performance of their duty.
Two Ways to Violate PC 69:
1. Attempting to Deter/Prevent by Threat or Violence:
2. Resisting by Force or Violence:
“Executive Officer” Defined:
Key Difference from PC 148:
Penalties for PC 69:
Wobbler Offense (prosecutor’s discretion):
Misdemeanor:
Felony:
Factors Affecting Charging:
Penal Code 243(b)/(c) – Battery on a Peace Officer:
Penal Code 245(c) – Assault with Deadly Weapon on Officer:
Penal Code 417 – Brandishing Weapon at Officer:
Understanding how these charges arise—often unfairly:
Scenario:
Reality: Many resisting charges stem from lawful questioning of police authority that officers view as challenging their control.
Scenario:
Defense: Right to resist unlawful arrest or detention.
Scenario:
Reality: “Cover charges” are common when officers use excessive force—they charge you with resisting to justify their violence.
Scenario:
Scenario:
Scenario:
Scenario:
Scenario:
At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we employ comprehensive strategies:
Complete Defense: If officer was acting unlawfully, you cannot be convicted of PC 148 or PC 69.
Unlawful Police Conduct:
You have RIGHT to resist unlawful arrest or defend yourself against excessive force in California.
Legal Defense: You can use reasonable force to protect yourself from excessive force by police.
Requirements:
Evidence:
Defense: Your actions were not willful—they were reflexive, accidental, or unintentional.
Examples:
For PC 69 charges, prosecution must prove force, violence, or threats.
Defenses:
If no force/violence/threats, PC 69 cannot be sustained—may be reduced to PC 148 or dismissed.
Defense: You didn’t know or reasonably couldn’t have known the person was a peace officer.
Scenarios:
Reality: Officers frequently lie in reports to justify:
Evidence Exposing False Reports:
Prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt:
Challenges:
Especially powerful in “he said/she said” cases.
Fourth Amendment:
Fifth Amendment:
First Amendment:
If rights violated, charges may be dismissed.
Defense: You had no choice but to act as you did.
Examples:
California’s Racial Justice Act allows defendants to challenge charges using evidence of racial disparities.
Statistical Evidence:
We use this powerful tool to challenge unjust charges.
According to Police Scorecard[2]:
2013-2023 Data:
November 2025: Court ruled Inglewood PD systematically violated Public Records Act[3] by concealing use of force and misconduct records.
Implication: Strong history of excessive force and lack of accountability makes false “resisting” charges more likely in Inglewood.
Inglewood’s demographics (Census data[1]):
Combined with statewide data showing:
Reality: If you’re Black or Latino in Inglewood, you face dramatically higher risk of resisting arrest charges—often unjustified.
Inglewood Courthouse
[6]1 Regent Street, Inglewood, CA 90301
Our Experience:
For non-citizens, resisting arrest convictions create risks:
PC 148 (Misdemeanor):
PC 69 (Felony):
Affects:
We coordinate with immigration attorneys to protect your status.
No. If the officer was not performing lawful duties (illegal detention, arrest, or use of excessive force), you cannot be convicted of PC 148 or PC 69. This is a complete defense.
You can still be charged with PC 148 for verbal obstruction, fleeing, or passive resistance. However, PC 69 requires force or violence—without it, PC 69 cannot stand.
Very common. We investigate thoroughly, obtain all video evidence, interview witnesses, and challenge false reports. Officers’ lies can be exposed and charges dismissed.
Yes, you have the right to use reasonable force to defend yourself against excessive force by police, even if they’re officers. This is a recognized legal defense in California.
For PC 148, many first-time offenders receive probation. For PC 69 felony, jail or prison is possible but we fight for probation, charge reductions, or dismissals.
Video is critical. We immediately seek all body camera footage, surveillance video, and cell phone recordings. Video often proves your innocence or officer’s misconduct.
1. Contact Tu Defensor Criminalista immediately: (888) 315-3326
2. Do NOT make statements to police or prosecutors
3. Preserve evidence: photos of injuries, witness contact info
4. Obtain medical treatment and document injuries
5. Do NOT post on social media about case
6. File complaint against officer if misconduct occurred
Hablamos Español. Critical for Inglewood where nearly half speak Spanish
Resisting arrest charges demand immediate legal intervention to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Your Freedom and Your Rights Are at Stake
Your freedom and driving privileges are worth fighting for. Call now—we’re available 24/7 to defend your rights.
Attorney Armando Josué Cespedes is rated 5.0 on Avvo, with 34 five-star reviews from clients praising his dedication, professionalism, and results. Many note how his trial skills and attention to detail led to reduced charges or outright dismissals.
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