Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

arrested and cited

I was arrested the other night for obstruction of justice and got a ticket for it...I was booked into jail and everything after being bruised up and banged up by the police...My question is can I get like a deferred sentence or something like that so I won't have that charge on my record? Is there any way of getting around that charge? I do admit to obstructing justice but just don't need a charge on my criminal record..Any help would be greatly appreciated


Asked on 3/21/09, 1:08 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Paul Ferris Law Office of Paul T. Ferris

Re: arrested and cited

Enter a plea of NOT GUILTY. Hire a lawyer or apply for a public defender; this will ensure that any legal challenges are addressed and you will benefit from a review of the strengths and weaknesses of the case.

A lawyer can assist you in obtaining a dismissal, or an alternative to entering a plea of guilty or proceeding to trial, if that is what you desire. (An attorney may have the opinion that the charge cannot be proved and should go to trial.)

If you wish to proceed without an attorney, contact the prosecutor and ask about alternatives such as a continuance for dismissal, diversion or stay of proceedings (all similar). Be advised that a "deferred sentence" requires a plea of guilty; upon successful completion of probation, you can obtain a dismissal of the charge. However, for that period of time between the plea and the dismissal, you have a conviction.

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Answered on 3/21/09, 1:33 am


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