In Suffolk County, obstruction charges result in conviction in nearly 79 percent of cases, well above the typical dismissal rate of 20 percent statewide. The county's dismissal rate sits slightly below the statewide average at 20 percent, suggesting obstruction cases here proceed to conviction more consistently than elsewhere. Over the past six years, dismissal rates have remained flat around 17 percent, indicating prosecutors have maintained a steady approach to these charges rather than increasing or decreasing them substantially. Cases take roughly six and a half months from charge to resolution.

Charge reductions are the dominant feature of obstruction cases in Suffolk County, occurring in over 70 percent of cases. Most defendants charged with obstruction see their charge reduced to disorderly conduct or criminal contempt rather than face the original charge at trial. At the pretrial stage, half of defendants have bail set—typically around ten thousand dollars—while roughly a third are released on their own recognizance. Among those convicted, jail sentences are most common at 25 percent, followed by time served at 15.5 percent, while prison sentences occur in less than 10 percent of convictions.

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

20.0%
Dismissal Rate
78.9%
Conviction Rate
6.6 months
Avg Duration
20.0%
78.9%
Dismissed 20.0% Convicted 78.9% Acquitted 1.1%

Source: 116 public court records, Suffolk County Courts — NewYorkCourtFile.com

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

Charge Class Cases Dismissal Rate Conviction Rate
E Felony 64 12.8% 85.1%
D Felony 41 22.9% 77.1%
A Misdemeanor 11 50.0% 50.0%

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 Suffolk County have changed over time.

Year Cases Dismissal Rate Conviction Rate
2019 17 16.7% 83.3%
2020 19 23.5% 76.5%
2021 12 20.0% 80.0%
2022 20 23.5% 76.5%
2023 25 20.0% 73.3%
2024 22 16.7% 83.3%

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 Suffolk County are handled at arraignment.

35.8%
Released on Recognizance (ROR)
50.0%
Bail Set
0.0%
Remanded
$10,000
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.

70.4% of Obstruction cases
in Suffolk County are reduced
Defendants were convicted on a lesser charge than their original arrest charge.
Most common reductions
Obstruction Disorderly Conduct
18 cases (38.3%)
Obstruction Criminal Contempt
15 cases (31.9%)
Obstruction Drug Possession
11 cases (23.4%)
Obstruction DWI / DUI
2 cases (4.3%)
Obstruction Strangulation
1 cases (2.1%)

Breakdown of sentencing outcomes for Obstruction convictions in Suffolk County.

25.4%
Jail
11.3%
Probation
9.9%
State Prison
4.2%
Fine Only
15.5%
Time Served

70.4% of Obstruction cases in Suffolk 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 Suffolk County. These statistics reflect systemic patterns and structural factors in the criminal justice system, not individual behavior.

Race Cases Dismissal Rate Conviction Rate
Black 51 27.0% 73.0%
White 38 6.9% 93.1%
Hispanic 22 21.1% 78.9%

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 116 cases in Suffolk County, 20.0% are dismissed, 78.9% result in conviction, and 1.1% end in acquittal. The average case takes 6.6 months from arraignment to resolution. Outcomes vary based on the specifics of each case.
The dismissal rate for Obstruction in Suffolk County is 20.0%, based on 116 cases from public court records. This includes cases dismissed by the court and dismissals in the interest of justice.
The average Obstruction case in Suffolk County takes 6.6 months. Duration depends on factors like whether the case goes to trial, plea negotiations, and court scheduling.
35.8% of defendants are released on their own recognizance (ROR), 50.0% have bail set, and 0.0% are remanded without bail. The median bail amount when set is $10,000. Pretrial release decisions are governed by New York's bail reform laws.
The conviction rate for Obstruction in Suffolk County is 78.9%, based on 116 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.
70.4% of Obstruction cases in Suffolk County result in conviction on a lesser charge. The most common reduction is to Disorderly Conduct.
Suffolk County has a 20.0% 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 Suffolk County, 25.4% receive a jail sentence, 11.3% receive probation, and 9.9% 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: 12.8% dismissal rate, 85.1% conviction rate (64 cases). D Felony: 22.9% dismissal rate, 77.1% conviction rate (41 cases). A Misdemeanor: 50.0% dismissal rate, 50.0% conviction rate (11 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. 116 cases analyzed for Obstruction in Suffolk County. Last updated March 2026. — NewYorkCourtFile.com

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