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Major Felony Convictions In New York Can Have Life-Altering Effect

Last updated on December 15, 2023

If you or a loved one has been charged with a felony offense, competent legal representation is essential in order to protect your constitutional rights. The prosecution in these cases has a wide variety of resources from which to draw from and with that said that is why you should find an experienced criminal defense attorney that best understands your needs while at the same time has in-depth knowledge and experience in the criminal justice system. In addition, it is also a benefit to have an attorney that will fight for you but also works well with the courts and the district attorney’s office. We at the Kushner Law Group, PLLC, are here to defend your rights and guide you through this daunting process.

Generally speaking in New York state a felony is a criminal offense where the sentence imposed is in excess of one year, for example:

  • Arson
  • Burglary
  • Cigarette smuggling
  • Computer and internet crimes
  • Felony assault
  • Grand larceny
  • Homicide
  • Hate crimes

In addition, multiple convictions can extend the jail time. Also, drug felony related convictions have their own sentencing guidelines. Every criminal case is different so no outcome can be guaranteed. An experienced criminal defense attorney will work to defend your innocence in an attempt toward dismissing your charges, plea to a lesser charge, reduce the charge to a misdemeanor or try to reduce imprisonment time and fines.

Understanding The Classes Or Categories Of New York Felonies

Felonies are divided into classes or categories in New York. The following is a list of the categories:

1. Class A Violent Felony = Life, 20-25 years (ex. Aggravated enterprise corruption, aggravated murder, Arson in the first degree, conspiracy in the first degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, criminal sale of controlled substances in the first degree, etc.)

2. Class B Violent Felony = 5-25 years (ex. Gang assault in the first degree, attempted murder in the second degree, manslaughter in the first degree, rape in the first degree, burglary in the first degree, etc.)

3. Class B Non-Violent Felony = 1-3, Max 25 years (ex. Grand larceny in the first degree, criminal possession of controlled substances in the third degree, criminal sale of controlled substances in the third degree, enterprise corruption, money laundering in the first degree, etc.)

4. Class C Violent Felony = 3 1/2 to 15 years (ex. Gang assault in the second degree, burglary in the second degree, robbery in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, criminal use of a firearm in the second degree, etc.)

5. Class C Non-Violent Felony = No Jail, Probation, 1-2 years to 15 years (ex. Aggravated vehicular assault, manslaughter in the second degree, grand larceny in the second degree, welfare fraud in the second degree, criminal possession of a forged instrument in the first degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, etc.)

6. Class D Violent Felony = 2-7 years ( ex. Assault in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, making a terrorist threat, stalking in the first degree, etc. )

7. Class D Non-Violent Felony = No Jail, Probation, 1-3 to 7 years (ex. Reckless endangerment in the first degree, vehicular manslaughter in the second degree, burglary in the third degree, robbery in the third degree, criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, identity theft in the first degree, bail jumping in the first degree, criminally using drug paraphernalia in the first degree, unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine in the third degree, criminal possession of marijuana in the second degree, criminal possession of marijuana in the second degree, criminal sale of marijuana in the second degree, money laundering in the third degree etc.)

8. Class E Violent Felony = No Jail, Probation, 1 ½ to 4 years (ex. Persistent sexual abuse, aggravated sexual abuse in the fourth degree, falsely reporting an incident in the second degree, placing a false bomb or hazardous substance in the second degree, attempt to commit criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree subdivision five, six, seven, and eight etc.)

9. Class E Non-Violent Felony = No Jail, Probation, 1 1/3 to 4 years (ex. Unlawful imprisonment in the first degree, grand larceny in the fourth degree, criminal possession of methamphetamine manufacturing material in the first degree, criminal possession of precursors of methamphetamine, criminal possession of marijuana in the third degree, criminal possession of a firearm, money laundering in the fourth degree, etc.)

Contact Us Today: We Take Felony Charges Seriously

Felony charges are serious offenses that one should not take likely. The Kushner Law Group, PLLC, is here to defend you because we have criminal defense experience in both Federal and State courts. Call us now at 718-838-9341 or contact us via email so we can initiate your defense strategy.