Obstruction charges in New York County are dismissed at a substantially higher rate than the statewide average, with 43.1% of cases dismissed compared to just 21.3% statewide—a gap of nearly 22 percentage points. This dismissal rate has also been rising consistently, climbing from 27.8% in 2019 to 45.7% in 2024. Among the 1,034 cases tracked, 56.9% resulted in conviction, while no acquittals were recorded. The median time from charge to case resolution is 159 days, and most cases proceed through the system without trial.

The high dismissal trend reflects aggressive charge reduction practices in the county. More than three-quarters of obstruction cases—76.7%—see charges reduced rather than prosecuted as charged, predominantly to disorderly conduct (46.1% of all reductions). For defendants convicted on obstruction charges, outcomes cluster at the lower end of penalties: nearly half receive time served, 13.5% receive jail sentences, and 8% receive prison time. Pretrial release is relatively accessible, with just 0.3% remanded and a median bail of $2,500 when bail is set.

Dismissal rate includes judicial dismissals and cases dismissed in the interest of justice. Conviction rate includes guilty pleas and findings of guilt at trial. Avg duration measures arraignment to final disposition. Data sourced from New York DCJS Pretrial Release Data. Last updated: March 2026

43.1%
Dismissal Rate
56.9%
Conviction Rate
5.3 months
Avg Duration
43.1%
56.9%
Dismissed 43.1% Convicted 56.9% Acquitted 0.0%

Source: 1,034 public court records, New York County Courts — NewYorkCourtFile.com

How outcomes differ by felony and misdemeanor classification for Obstruction in New York County.

Charge Class Cases Dismissal Rate Conviction Rate
E Felony 747 40.6% 59.4%
D Felony 203 54.1% 45.9%
A Misdemeanor 80 40.3% 59.7%

Charge class reflects the severity classification at arrest (e.g., A Felony is the most serious, B Misdemeanor the least). Outcomes vary by class due to differing prosecutorial priorities, plea bargaining patterns, and case complexity. Source: New York DCJS Pretrial Release Data.

How Obstruction outcomes in New York County have changed over time.

Year Cases Dismissal Rate Conviction Rate
2019 219 27.8% 72.2%
2020 71 40.0% 60.0%
2021 162 46.7% 53.3%
2022 181 49.0% 51.0%
2023 184 52.1% 47.9%
2024 217 45.7% 54.3%

Year reflects arrest year from DCJS Pretrial Release Data. Case volumes may vary as more recent cases may still be pending disposition.

How defendants charged with Obstruction in New York County are handled at arraignment.

24.1%
Released on Recognizance (ROR)
19.5%
Bail Set
0.3%
Remanded
$2,500
Median Bail Amount

Pretrial release data reflects arraignment outcomes under New York's bail reform laws. ROR = Released on Own Recognizance. Bail Set = cash bail or bond required. Remanded = held without bail.

76.7% of Obstruction cases
in New York County are reduced
Defendants were convicted on a lesser charge than their original arrest charge.
Most common reductions
Obstruction Disorderly Conduct
131 cases (37.6%)
Obstruction Other
86 cases (24.7%)
Obstruction Drug Possession
67 cases (19.3%)
Obstruction Criminal Contempt
46 cases (13.2%)
Obstruction Petit Larceny
18 cases (5.2%)

Breakdown of sentencing outcomes for Obstruction convictions in New York County.

13.5%
Jail
1.5%
Probation
8.0%
State Prison
0.4%
Fine Only
49.1%
Time Served

76.7% of Obstruction cases in New York County are reduced to lesser charges. An attorney can review your situation — free, no obligation.

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Case outcome rates by race for Obstruction in New York County. These statistics reflect systemic patterns and structural factors in the criminal justice system, not individual behavior.

Race Cases Dismissal Rate Conviction Rate
Black 575 41.9% 58.1%
Hispanic 307 43.1% 56.9%
White 123 45.6% 54.4%
Asian 20 65.0% 35.0%

Disparities in case outcomes reflect well-documented systemic factors including policing patterns, socioeconomic inequality, and structural bias in the criminal justice system. These statistics should not be used to draw conclusions about any individual or group. Data sourced from DCJS Pretrial Release Data.

Statistics from public court records for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Past outcomes do not predict future results. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance on your case.

Based on 1,034 cases in New York County, 43.1% are dismissed, 56.9% result in conviction, and 0.0% end in acquittal. The average case takes 5.3 months from arraignment to resolution. Outcomes vary based on the specifics of each case.
The dismissal rate for Obstruction in New York County is 43.1%, based on 1,034 cases from public court records. This includes cases dismissed by the court and dismissals in the interest of justice.
The average Obstruction case in New York County takes 5.3 months. Duration depends on factors like whether the case goes to trial, plea negotiations, and court scheduling.
24.1% of defendants are released on their own recognizance (ROR), 19.5% have bail set, and 0.3% are remanded without bail. The median bail amount when set is $2,500. Pretrial release decisions are governed by New York's bail reform laws.
The conviction rate for Obstruction in New York County is 56.9%, based on 1,034 cases from public court records. This includes both guilty pleas and findings of guilt at trial. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed New York attorney.
76.7% of Obstruction cases in New York County result in conviction on a lesser charge. The most common reduction is to Disorderly Conduct.
New York County has a 43.1% dismissal rate for Obstruction cases. Outcomes can vary significantly across New York counties. View our Obstruction overview page to compare dismissal rates, conviction rates, and case timelines across all counties.
For those convicted of Obstruction in New York County, 13.5% receive a jail sentence, 1.5% receive probation, and 8.0% are sentenced to state prison. Actual sentences depend on the specifics of each case. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance on your situation.
Outcomes vary by charge class. E Felony: 40.6% dismissal rate, 59.4% conviction rate (747 cases). D Felony: 54.1% dismissal rate, 45.9% conviction rate (203 cases). A Misdemeanor: 40.3% dismissal rate, 59.7% conviction rate (80 cases). Higher severity classes generally have different dismissal and conviction patterns due to prosecutorial priorities and plea bargaining dynamics.

Data source: New York DCJS Pretrial Release Data. 1,034 cases analyzed for Obstruction in New York County. Last updated March 2026. — NewYorkCourtFile.com

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