Charged with disorderly conduct?

Rollins and Chan Law Firm

What happens if I am charged with disorderly conduct in the District of Columbia

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What Happens if I am charged with Disorderly Conduct?

Police stopping you in DC is a crime in the District of Columbia is a crime in the District of Columbia A person who violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than the amount set forth in § 22‑3571.01, imprisoned not more than 90 days, or both.

What happens after you are charged?

Your first court date will be an arraignment date.  Disorderly conduct is not a holdable offense (Judge will release you on personal recognizance with conditions) unless you are probation, parole or have a pending case. If you spent the night in jail you would have seen a Judge in 24 hours for arraignment. If you are released from the police station you will be ordered to appear for a citation arraignment.

What is the Arraignment?

At the arraignment, the Judge will inform you of the charges and set conditions of release. You should be released on your personal recognizance (no money bonds) and a new court date will be set called a status hearing. What does the Judge want to hear at the arraignment from your lawyer: (1) plead not guilty (regardless of the facts) you will enter a plea of not guilty. (2) assert constitutional rights (3) waive the formal reading of the charges and set a status hearing.  Sometimes the case can be resolved at arraignment.

What is a status hearing?

The status hearing usually takes place 2 to 3 weeks after your arraignment hearing. At the status hearing the Judge wants to know one of the following: (1) Are you pleading guilty to the charges; (2)Is diversion available (deferred prosecution or deferred sentencing agreement); (3) Whether a trial date should be set. The answer to those questions has to be fully explored with your attorney. You can not have a productive status hearing if you have not spoken to a lawyer and your lawyer has not investigated, consulted and prepared the case.

Will I have a Criminal Record?

Most clients charged with disorderly conduct in the District of Columbia are eligible for some form of diversion if this is the first contact with the criminal justice system. This is the main reason for hiring a lawyer in the District of Columbia who practices criminal law. The collateral consequences of a conviction can have huge ramifications for your future so seek an experienced criminal lawyer in DC. Need more information – contact us today.