Quick Reference

This page serves as a reference guide for common arrests and legal terminology that often cause confusion.

Miranda Warning

"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say [or do] can [and will] be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. [If you cannot afford one, one will be provided to you for free.]"

Impersonation of Police vs. Vehicle Flashing Lights and Sirens

The following distinctions clarify how these offenses are categorized:

• Vehicle Flashing Colored Lights and Sirens Law: This charge applies when an individual illegally utilizes lights or sirens while driving, such as attempting to bypass traffic or ignore traffic signals and signs.
• Impersonation of Police: This charge applies when an individual uses lights or sirens in an attempt to—or successfully—pull over another motorist.
• Impersonation of Police: This charge also applies to the unlawful use or display of police emblems, logos, insignias, or badges.

Resisting, Evading, and Reckless Evading

• Resisting: Fleeing or actively obstructing an officer’s attempt to stop or detain you while on foot.
• Evading an Officer: Fleeing from an officer while operating a vehicle.
• Reckless Evading: Fleeing from an officer in a vehicle while simultaneously engaging in reckless driving.

Assault and Battery Offenses

• Assault: Attempting to inflict physical harm upon someone without success, or making non-consensual physical contact.
• Aggravated Assault: Attempting to inflict physical harm upon someone using a weapon without success.
• Simple Battery: Successfully making physical contact with or causing minor injury to someone.
• Battery: Successfully inflicting injury upon someone.
• Aggravated Battery: Successfully inflicting injury upon someone using a weapon.
• Attempted Murder: Successfully inflicting injury upon someone using a deadly weapon, or acting with the intent to end someone’s life.

Theft, Robbery, and Burglary

• Theft: The act of stealing property.
• Robbery: Stealing property through the use of force or threats of violence.
• Burglary: Stealing property while committing a breaking and entering or trespassing offense.

Petty Theft, Grand Theft, Government Grand Larceny, and Grand Theft Auto

• Petty Theft: Stealing property valued at $999 or less.
• Grand Theft: Stealing property valued at $1,000 or more.
• Government Grand Larceny: Stealing property valued at $1,000 or more specifically from a government entity.
• Grand Theft Auto: Stealing a motor vehicle.