Harassment, Stalking, Misconduct Disorderly Conduct

[QBall]

Recently 2 of my friends and I pulled a dumb college prank and were charged with theft and receiving of stolen property in the state of Pennsylvania. When we went to court we were given two options:
1. $300 disorderly conduct charge
2. Admit guilt to the two previous charges and be put into a program in which we would do community service and be put on 6-12 months probation after which everything would be wiped clean from our records.

At first we went with the second option but now after thinking more about it the disorderly conduct seems to be the best way to go. We contacted our lawyers and they said we can still switch. We were told that even a speeding ticket would violate probation and all of our charges would be brought back so we think that disorderly conduct is the safest way to go.

Could someone please advise me if this would be the better thing to do

 

[Michael Wechsler]

Speak to your lawyers. They will know this area of law best, the county in which you practice, and other relevant factors. Only you can choose the most appropriate plea.

You should probably also ask your attorneys whether completing the probationary period will wipe clean the record so that the case is technically dismissed. You might be better of just playing it REALLY clean and driving slowly for 6-9 months, but you'll be happier in the end, IMHO.

 

[QBall]

Completing probation would wipe our records completely clean. The only reason I'm even questioning whether or not I should do it is because of that what if. What if something like a ticket does happen then they bring back all my charges... When I look at it this way it seems to be more beneficial to take the disorderly conduct. But if nothing did happen then I may be mad at myself for not doing the program and probation. Another thing was that I live in Maryland so any time I need to go home I have to get permission since I'm not allowed to leave the state.

 

[Michael Wechsler]

Everything in life is a "what if." It shouldn't be too difficult to keep clean for 6 months... it if is then you should think about what you are doing and whether it's worth it. A charge such as this one could affect you for longer than the 6 months of keeping clean... it's your call.