Crossword Genius

Criminal, in my opinion, had finally obeyed the law? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

conformed

'obeyed the law?' is the definition.

'criminal in my opinion had finally' is the wordplay.
'criminal' becomes 'con' (abbreviation for 'convict').
'in my opinion' becomes 'forme'.
'finally' suggests the final letters.
The last letter of 'had' is 'd'.
'con'+'forme'+'d'='CONFORMED'

(Another definition for conformed that I've seen is " toed the party line".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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