Obstruction in Richmond County
169 cases · Richmond County Courts · DCJS Data
Obstruction cases in Richmond County are dismissed at notably higher rates than statewide averages—34.2 percent compared to 21.3 percent across the state. This 12.9 percentage point gap suggests Richmond County prosecutors or courts handle obstruction charges more leniently than the typical jurisdiction, or that cases brought here have weaker evidence thresholds. Still, nearly two-thirds of obstruction defendants are convicted. The trend over the past six years has moved against defendants, with dismissal rates falling from 29.2 percent in 2019 to 22.5 percent in 2024, indicating prosecutors have become more aggressive in pursuing these charges to conviction.
Charge reductions occur in the vast majority of obstruction cases—80.6 percent—which substantially improves outcomes for most defendants. Half of those reductions bring charges down to disorderly conduct, while another 39 percent become drug possession charges. When conviction does occur, jail time is the dominant sentence at 27.6 percent of cases, though 8.2 percent result in time served only. Bail is set in 27 percent of cases with a median amount of $5,000, while 23 percent of defendants are released on their own recognizance pretrial.
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
Case Outcomes
Source: 169 public court records, Richmond County Courts — NewYorkCourtFile.com
Outcomes by Charge Class
How outcomes differ by felony and misdemeanor classification for Obstruction in Richmond County.
| Charge Class | Cases | Dismissal Rate | Conviction Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| E Felony | 98 | 21.3% | 78.7% |
| D Felony | 65 | 61.2% | 38.8% |
| A Misdemeanor | 6 | 16.7% | 83.3% |
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.
Year-Over-Year Trends
How Obstruction outcomes in Richmond County have changed over time.
| Year | Cases | Dismissal Rate | Conviction Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 27 | 29.2% | 70.8% |
| 2020 | 16 | 53.8% | 46.2% |
| 2021 | 13 | 33.3% | 66.7% |
| 2022 | 22 | 40.0% | 60.0% |
| 2023 | 47 | 40.0% | 60.0% |
| 2024 | 44 | 22.5% | 77.5% |
Year reflects arrest year from DCJS Pretrial Release Data. Case volumes may vary as more recent cases may still be pending disposition.
Pretrial Release
How defendants charged with Obstruction in Richmond County are handled at arraignment.
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.
Charge Reductions
in Richmond County are reduced
Sentencing When Convicted
Breakdown of sentencing outcomes for Obstruction convictions in Richmond County.
80.6% of Obstruction cases in Richmond County are reduced to lesser charges. An attorney can review your situation — free, no obligation.
Ask a Richmond County attorney — freeOutcomes by Demographics
Case outcome rates by race for Obstruction in Richmond County. These statistics reflect systemic patterns and structural factors in the criminal justice system, not individual behavior.
| Race | Cases | Dismissal Rate | Conviction Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 62 | 40.4% | 59.6% |
| White | 54 | 25.5% | 74.5% |
| Hispanic | 45 | 34.9% | 65.1% |
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.
Common Questions
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.
Data source: New York DCJS Pretrial Release Data. 169 cases analyzed for Obstruction in Richmond County. Last updated March 2026. — NewYorkCourtFile.com
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