Can you get arreseted if you flip off the cops?

lpdhcdh

Depends...Sometimes I just smile and wave back, other times I'll take some notice of them.

Its crazy how often someone will negatively draw attention to themselves when they have a warrant or revoked DL, or drugs or...Its also surprising that although I work in a big city, what a small world it is, and how often I'll come across the same people (including those who have flipped me off) when they actually need my help.

You could write disorderly, but I'll usually just hit them with the real crimes they've committed.

And for those who believe that flipping the bird is protected via the 1st Amendment, please cite case law...'cos it aint.

kurf101

Nope, but you'll get their attention (which you may not want later on).

robert r

in some jurisdictions, yes, but why would you want to pull the tigers tail in the first place, you might not get in trouble the first time, but the joke gets old quick, then the tiger comes looking for you in ways you are not ready to fight

mr.longshot

You flip off a cop? Ur gunna get busted for a bunch of stuff!
And the finger won't be one..

BiG A

nope. freedom of expression.

John

"micheal b" is right....there is no such thing as charge of obscene gesture."
we were taught at the academy that citizens can curse you, call you names, make any open handed gesture and this is covered by free speech.
but as mentioned, it can draw attention to yourself and most persons who would "flip off" an officer probably doesn't need to draw attention to themselves. (if you know what I mean.)

Rick A

Arrested? I have no idea.
But, Why in the World would you want to Do That??

ROBERT G

there is a really interesting clip of this on you tube ... you should look into it. the officer sees the suspect to hastily remove his hands from his pockets, the suspect then flicked the cop off with both hands. the officer saw the suspect to make some sort of aggressive movement toward his face and he feared for the safety of himself, the suspect was then spanked with an asp baton. so ... try it some time, im sure you ll never forget it.

Logic316

Possibly, but it would get later thrown out of court on 1st Amendment grounds. More likely, the cop will just get really creative and look for ways to charge you with breaking laws you've never even heard of. Anyhow, several state supreme courts have already handled such cases, and have upheld your right to hold up the finger, even to a cop. But even so, who wants to go through a load of legal B.S. just to prove a point?

jsmack19

No, but don't do it while talking bong hits and driving a pickup, they don't like that.

Dr_Bam

yes, assault for beating their fists with your face.

weapon_30

Yes, under the statute for disorderly conduct.

Disorderly conduct: any action or behavior that serves no legitimate purpose.

Depends upon where and how this takes place. In some jurisdictions there is a "Disorderly Conduct" law. In this law a person who displays an obscene gesture in a public place, or where it can be seen from a public place, in a rude or threatening manner, can be charges with disorderly conduct. So be careful, it just may land you in jail. By the way, freedom of speech or self expression is not unlimited, see some of the recent Supreme Court decisions.

Lil JJ365

you could get fined for obsince gesturing

shadow85615

No but if you repeat this to certain cops there may be a certain fine.

Mary Jo W

yes
obscene gesture

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