There are two main types of crimes in New York: misdemeanors and felonies. Although a misdemeanor is less serious than a felony, a conviction can still result in harsh criminal penalties, such as fines and even jail time.
The following are the three types of misdemeanors in New York:
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Class A misdemeanors – Punishable by a jail sentence of up to 364 days, two or three years of probation, and/or a maximum fine of $1,000 (or double the amount an offender gained from the criminal offense).
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Class B misdemeanors – Carries a maximum jail term of three months, one year of probation, and/or a fine of no more than $500 (or double the amount an offender gained from the criminal offense).
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Unclassified misdemeanors – Each of these offenses are associated with their own set of potential penalties.
On the other hand, the most serious crimes are considered felonies. A felony conviction can result in imprisonment for more than one year.
The following is a breakdown of the felony classes in New York:
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Class A-I felonies – Punishable by a maximum life prison sentence and a minimum term between 15 and 25 years.
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Class A-II felonies – Carries a maximum life sentence and a minimum term between three and eight years and four months.
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Class B felonies – Punishable by imprisonment for up to 25 years with a minimum term between one year and one-third of the maximum sentence.
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Class C felonies – Carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years with a minimum term between one year and one-third of the maximum sentence.
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Class D felonies – Punishable by imprisonment for up to seven years with a minimum term between one year and one-third of the maximum sentence.
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Class E felonies – Carries a maximum prison sentence of four years with a minimum term between one year and one-third of the maximum sentence.
Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, you need to defend yourself with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Your lawyer can thoroughly review your case, gather evidence, and build a personalized defense strategy to help you avoid serious penalties or a conviction.
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony in Albany, contact O’Brien & Eggleston PLLC today and schedule a free consultation. Our legal team has more than 20 years of combined legal experience!
