I haven't heard of many people's lives getting derailed over misdemeanor convictions. They seem have to very minimal long-term consequences, so I am a little confused as to why so many CBers have just adopted the premise of the original post that a conviction is sure to derail this kid's life.

Most job applications only require applicants to report felony convictions. But even if they did pop on a background check, if you are an employer, and have a qualified candidate in his 30s or 40s, and you see he got convicted of an assault when he was 18, and has no other record, are you really going to let that stop you? Of course not. You're going to think. This guy was an idiot when he was young. He got it together.

But, as for the middle ground you express a desire for, it's likely going to be found. His defense attorney and his prosecutor are likely going to negotiate a plea. That plea could could even reduce the end-charge from a misdemeanor to an infraction or it could remove the charge from his record within a few years if he keeps his nose clean.