Dakota James Condra

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

It is illegal to knowingly use, possess, deliver, or manufacture drug paraphernalia (equipment used to consume, produce, or test drugs, such as pipes, syringes, or meth labs). This is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a fine up to $2,500, but it can be enhanced to a Class E felony depending on circumstances.

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

It is illegal to knowingly possess a controlled substance or casually exchange a small amount without a valid prescription from a doctor. This is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a fine up to $2,500, but it can be enhanced to a Class E felony for certain circumstances (such as being near a school or involving minors).

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

It is illegal to knowingly bring weapons, ammunition, explosives, drugs, alcohol, or cell phones into a prison or jail, or to possess these items while in a correctional facility. This applies to any person bringing contraband into an institution or to anyone (including staff) possessing prohibited items inside. The base violation is a Class E felony (1-6 years, up to $3,000 fine), but charges can be enhanced to Class D or Class C felony depending on the specific item and circumstances.

Penalty: Class E felony; 1-6 years; fine up to $3,000

It is illegal to knowingly fail to appear in court when you've been summoned, arrested with a court-ordered release condition, cited instead of arrested, or issued a criminal summons. Failure to appear is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months 29 days in jail and a $2,500 fine. A defense exists if you had a reasonable excuse for missing the court date.

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