Q: Hi, I have been charged with disorderly conduct, resist arrest, and fail to obey lawful order. All three are misdemeanor
This is my first offense. What usually happens in these cases?
A: Depends on the facts of the offense, but avoiding a conviction and being eligible for a full expungement of your criminal record is a reasonable expectation, but how and when you achieve those things, and in what form (community service and charges dropped; a stet docket deal; a plea to just one or a lesser charge, and either a PBJ disposition immediately or later by way of a reconsideration of sentence) will depend on the skill of your lawyer and how the prosecutor views the case. Of course, there is a risk of conviction and, again depending on circumstances, jail, although neither of these things are typical for these charges and your criminal history. Just hire an experienced lawyer.
A: Jail is unlikely for a first time offender. An attorney can probably keep a conviction off your record. You should retain private counsel or go to the Public Defender.
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