Legal Question in Criminal Law in Wisconsin

Cooperation With Police When Arrested

Basic human courtesy goes a long way in all cooperative human endeavors, including being arrested. However, in the case of an arrest, these basic duties of common courtesy are supplemented by legal obligations not to obstruct of resist officers. Minor violations of these laws can get you up to nine months in jail and a ten thousand dollar fine for each incident. Major violations, such as hurting or attempting to harm an officer are major felonies carrying serious prison time. If you are convicted, at your sentencing, the judge is only likely to extend the same level of courtesy to you at your sentencing which you extended to his fellow public servants---the law enforcement officers who were doing their lawful duty at the time of your arrest. An officer's note in police reports that you were cooperative therefore often gets you a lighter sentence, while reports indicating that you were fighting them always bring additional jail or prison time. In all criminal cases, everyone should promptly consult with an experienced criminal lawyer before making any decisions, including whether or not to take your initial cooperation even further by furnishing information or other assistance to authorities. This type of “cooperation” can also sometimes result in a reduced sentence.