New York State Felony Charges
Any felony charge, regardless of class, should be taken extremely seriously and be handled by a seasoned criminal defense attorney. A felony conviction will impact your life, long after your sentence is complete. In New York State, you can rights such as no longer being able to vote, ineligibility for welfare and other government benefits, prohibited from purchasing firearms, and the inability to obtain certain professional licenses.
Although there are never any guarantees a criminal defense attorney gives you the best chance to dismiss charges, plea to lesser charges, reduce charges to a misdemeanor and minimize the penalties. Criminal defense attorney Andrew DeLuca has in-depth experience in the courts of Upstate New York and will zealously fight for you. Felony charges are complex and necessitate an experienced attorney who can effectively navigate the legal system.
Felony Classes
In New York, felonies are divided into five classes, which each has a maximum charge. Below is a summary of the different felony classes.
New York State Class A Violent Felony
Class A Felonies are considered the most serious, and therefore carry the toughest sentences. Class A felonies include murder, kidnapping in the first degree, crimes of terrorism, and major drug trafficking. A conviction would typically result in a life sentence.
New York State Class B Violent Felony
A Class B Violent Felony is an extremely serious charge as well, which brings about a heavy sentence of up to 25 years of incarceration upon conviction. Class B Violent Felonies include attempted murder in the 2nd degree, rape in the 1st degree, robbery in the 1st degree, among other violent crimes. These charges can allow for some plea bargaining.
Class B Non Violent Felony
NY State Class B Non Violent Felonies also carry up to a 25 year sentence as well. Some Class B Non-Violent felonies include sex trafficking, money laundering in the 1st degree, fraud in the 1st degree and aggravated vehicular homicide.
New York State Class C Violent Felony
Although Class C Felonies may seem less grave, if multiple charges are combined, a Class C Felony may be elevated to a Class B Felony, which will significantly increase the sentence of incarceration. Class C Felonies carry a 3 and a half to 15 year maximum sentence. Criminal possession of a weapon, assault and aggravated sexual abuse are all considered class C Violent Felonies.
Class C Non Violent Felony
Class C Non Violent Felonies range from no jail time with probation up to a 15 year prison sentence. Manslaughter in the 2nd degree, welfare fraud in the 2nd degree, health care fraud in the 2nd degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 4th degree are some examples of Class C Non Violent Felonies.
New York State Class D Violent Felony
Class D Violent Felony charges consists of manslaughter, robbery, rape, intimidating victims or witnesses among other charges. These charges range from a punishment of a 2 to 7 year prison sentence.
Class D Non Violent Felony
Class D Non Violent Felony charges range from probation to a 7 year sentence. Burglary, criminal mischief, computer tampering and grand larceny are some charges that fit into the category of class D Non Violent Felonies.
New York State Class E Violent Felony
Although Class E Violent Felonies and Class E Non Violent Felonies carry a lighter sentence, from probation to 4 years in jail, the result of any felony conviction should be handled with the utmost seriousness as it can lead to a loss of rights.
Class E Violent Felonies include persistent sexual abuse, placing a false bomb or hazardous substance and an attempt to commit criminal possession of a weapon.
Class E Non Violent Felony
Examples of New York State Class E Non Violent Felonies are criminal solicitation in 3rd degree, stalking in 2nd degree, rape in the 3rd degree, felony DWI, custodial interference in 1st degree, criminal mischief in the 3rd degree, welfare fraud in the 4th degree, criminal sale of marihuana in the 3rd degree, and falsifying business records in the 1st degree.
Criminal Defense Attorney for Felony Charges
Hiring a competent defense attorney is extremely important in order to defend against these charges. Even a Class E Felony conviction can later complicate every aspect of your life from renting an apartment, finding a job, government benefits or even opening a bank account. Criminal Defense Attorney Andrew DeLuca can aggressively mount a defense to protect your rights.
Capital Region Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you have been charged with a felony in the Upstate New York area, including Saratoga, Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Fulton, Montgomery, Washington County and the surrounding area, contact Mr. DeLuca today for a free consultation by calling 518-245-9109 or filling out the form below.