If I got arrested last night for disorderly conduct, what can I expect?
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If I got arrested last night for disorderly conduct, what can I expect?
I have never been in trouble and don’t have a clue about what laws and court things please help me out with this.
Asked on July 20, 2013 under Criminal Law, Wisconsin
Answers:
Robert Johnston / Law Office of Robert J. Johnston Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
Every state varies, and often the process varies from court to court. Disorderly Conduct is a crime. Not a hugely serious crime, but a crime nonetheless.
You should have been given a court date. You have the right to a trial, which would require the prosecution to prove you guilty. Usually however, people with that particular charge do not have trials. Its usually considered unwise to have a trial if it appears that you will lose it, as it could result in a more serious sentence.
You will have the opportunity to plead guilty and pay a fine. But if you do that then you will have it on your criminal record.
In the area where I practice, we can get the defendant into a community service program which will result in a dismissal of the charge and the criminal record expunged; as long as they don't have a bad record aleady, which I sense you do not.
As with any serious legal matter, you really should retain an attorney. Again, in my area, which is SC, they attorney can take care of everything and you would not need to appear in court.
Robert J. Johnston
843-946-0099
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