Reviewed on: May 04,2026
Pending Criminal Charges

Court Outcome for Paraphernalia and Disorderly Conduct?

my friend got a possession of paraphernalia and disorderly conduct and intimidation. she been in jail for 3 weeks. what do u think is gonna happen when she sees the judge in a couple days?

The honest answer is that it depends on several factors, but the charges themselves are on the lower end of the severity scale, which works in her favor.
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Answered by a former federal inmate · 14+ years advising families
✓ Verified answer May 30,2018 · Pending Criminal Charges
1

The honest answer is that it depends on several factors, but the charges themselves are on the lower end of the severity scale, which works in her favor.

Possession of paraphernalia and disorderly conduct are misdemeanor-level offenses in most jurisdictions. For someone with little or no prior criminal history, a first appearance on charges like these often results in a fine, probation, a diversion program, or time served. Judges see these cases constantly and for first-time or low-history defendants, a hard sentence is not the typical outcome.

The intimidation charge is the one worth paying attention to. Depending on how it is charged and who the alleged victim was, intimidation can carry more weight than the other two combined. If it involved threatening a police officer or a witness, the calculus changes considerably.

Here is the part that deserves a direct question, though. Three weeks in jail before seeing a judge is a long time for charges at this level. The most likely explanation is that bail was set and she was unable to meet it. But if bail was denied or set unusually high, that suggests the court or the prosecutor has a more serious view of her situation than the charges on paper might indicate. A prior record, a probation or parole status, or something about the circumstances of the arrest could be driving that.

The intimidation charge combined with three weeks of pretrial detention before a hearing is worth taking seriously. If she does not already have an attorney, she needs one before she walks into that courtroom. A public defender if nothing else, but someone who can review everything before she appears.

Accepted Answer Date Created: May 30,2018
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About this answer: This response was prepared by InmateAid’s editorial team in consultation with former inmates who have direct experience with the federal correctional system. InmateAid has served families of the incarcerated since 2012. This is general information only — not legal advice. Last reviewed May 2026.