I was charged with disorderly conduct. Do I need a lawyer?

I have a feeling there may be a bit more in the officer's report than what you mention here as traditionally a disorderly conduct is issued when they dont have you on a drunk in public or resisting arrest, yet you're still being an A=Hole - I'm from LA, CA as well and have traveled to NYC - if you talk $#!T, you're gonna get rolled, especially if they find out you're from CA... If you were the ****** then man up, pay the fine and dont get in more trouble by contesting it - NY Cops are nothing when it comes to NY judges - if you were playing it cool and can subpoena a video of the entrance to the club where you got roughed up, get a lawyer - a CA voice will never win over NYPD w/o representation - been there done that!!!