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

34.2%
Dismissal Rate
65.8%
Conviction Rate
4.5 months
Avg Duration
34.2%
65.8%
Dismissed 34.2% Convicted 65.8% Acquitted 0.0%

Source: 169 public court records, Richmond County Courts — NewYorkCourtFile.com

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.

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.

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

23.0%
Released on Recognizance (ROR)
27.0%
Bail Set
2.0%
Remanded
$5,000
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.

80.6% of Obstruction cases
in Richmond County are reduced
Defendants were convicted on a lesser charge than their original arrest charge.
Most common reductions
Obstruction Disorderly Conduct
35 cases (47.3%)
Obstruction Drug Possession
27 cases (36.5%)
Obstruction Criminal Contempt
8 cases (10.8%)
Obstruction Traffic Offense
2 cases (2.7%)
Obstruction Assault
2 cases (2.7%)

Breakdown of sentencing outcomes for Obstruction convictions in Richmond County.

27.6%
Jail
1.0%
Probation
2.0%
State Prison
4.1%
Fine Only
8.2%
Time Served

80.6% of Obstruction cases in Richmond 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 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.

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 169 cases in Richmond County, 34.2% are dismissed, 65.8% result in conviction, and 0.0% end in acquittal. The average case takes 4.5 months from arraignment to resolution. Outcomes vary based on the specifics of each case.
The dismissal rate for Obstruction in Richmond County is 34.2%, based on 169 cases from public court records. This includes cases dismissed by the court and dismissals in the interest of justice.
The average Obstruction case in Richmond County takes 4.5 months. Duration depends on factors like whether the case goes to trial, plea negotiations, and court scheduling.
23.0% of defendants are released on their own recognizance (ROR), 27.0% have bail set, and 2.0% are remanded without bail. The median bail amount when set is $5,000. Pretrial release decisions are governed by New York's bail reform laws.
The conviction rate for Obstruction in Richmond County is 65.8%, based on 169 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.
80.6% of Obstruction cases in Richmond County result in conviction on a lesser charge. The most common reduction is to Disorderly Conduct.
Richmond County has a 34.2% 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 Richmond County, 27.6% receive a jail sentence, 1.0% receive probation, and 2.0% 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: 21.3% dismissal rate, 78.7% conviction rate (98 cases). D Felony: 61.2% dismissal rate, 38.8% conviction rate (65 cases). A Misdemeanor: 16.7% dismissal rate, 83.3% conviction rate (6 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. 169 cases analyzed for Obstruction in Richmond County. Last updated March 2026. — NewYorkCourtFile.com

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