I know a guy personally who was convicted of y.o. and convicted of at least one felony that he did time for. Got a complete pardon for the felony. And later got a security clearance. Personally i wouldnt waste y.o. status for a misdemeanor. But thats me. And also its not really the " justice " system. Its the legal system. Whatever the outcome the boys will be fine. U did the right thing by firing the lawyer. He sucked. When he wouldnt return your calls. He would have been fired before court. Some lawyers just bleed and feed. My sister in law talked to a lawyer one time. He charged her $15000 then later said he couldnt help her. No refund