I tried to answer your post earlier but was unable to do so do so due to password problems. The local chapter of the Bar Association for your area should be able to tell you something about the attorney you have, at a minimun, whether that person is in good standing in the legal community.

Before you had an attorney, I was trying to provide you with a toll free number to the United Way "First Call for Help" Program. This program is a free referral service to those who have legal, family, medical, economic, employment or other problems that they are having difficulty dealing with. The number is 800-492-0618.
I hope everything turns out well for you.

Thanks for your kind comments in response to my previous post.

It is obvious to me that the recommendation of a counselor should be the overriding factor in deciding how long a person should remain in counseling. An attorney suggesting that a person needs a certain amount of counseling is sort of like a baker suggesitng how to make shoes. The experts should prevail when it comes to making recommendtions to the court about such matters.

I used to be a DC police officer in the First District and let me say that whether you decide to plead guilty to disorderly conduct or not is of course your decision, but remember that when they say that your record will be expunged, they are talking about the conviction record, not the arrest record. In order for the arrest record to be expunged, a court must decide that there was no probable cause to charge you in the first place.

Also, if you are having domestic violence problems, I would suggest that you contact the local chapter or the House of Ruth or other similar agency. That United Way number I gave you previously can refer you to such agencies if you feel the need.

Again, all the best and I hope it all works out for you.