Tybresha Shanise Sexton

It is illegal to use physical force against a police officer to prevent them from stopping, searching, or arresting you or another person. This includes resisting or obstructing a lawful police action through violence. A basic violation is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $500 fine, but if you use a deadly weapon (firearm or similar object) during the resistance, it becomes a Class A misdemeanor with harsher penalties.

Penalty: Class B misdemeanor; 6 months; fine up to $500

The offense is creating a public disturbance by fighting, violent or threatening behavior, refusing to leave a dangerous area when ordered by authorities, or creating a hazardous or offensive condition; also included is making unreasonable noise that prevents others from their lawful activities, all done with intent to cause public annoyance or alarm. This is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine up to $50.

Penalty: Class C misdemeanor; 30 days; fine up to $50

The offense is intentionally pursuing, contacting, or communicating with another person in a way that alarms or annoys them (including through electronic means or social media), or intentionally threatening another person or a minor. This is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500; it is enhanced to a Class E felony if the victim is a minor, if the defendant has prior harassment convictions, or if the harassment involves threats of violence.

Penalty: Class A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500