Facing Felony Charges? You Need The Right Attorney Fighting For You
Offenses categorized as felonies are considered the most serious. As such, the prosecutor will employ various resources to land a conviction. If you are found guilty of committing a felony, you could spend years to life in prison. Even after you have served your sentence, the effects of a conviction can have lasting impacts on your life: your reputation might be ruined, you could lose a professional license, you could run into difficulty getting a job, your ability to obtain credit or a loan could be affected, and you may be banned from receiving certain types of government assistance, including housing and student financial aid.
Although you might consider handling a felony charge on your own, it’s best to seek the help of a skilled attorney. The criminal justice system is complex, and various rules and regulations exist that you must follow. One mistake could result in life-altering consequences. A seasoned lawyer who understands the system and how to present convincing defenses in felony cases can help minimize the effects of a potential conviction on your life.
At Frost & Kavanaugh, our team has over 50 years of combined legal experience, and we know what it takes to fight charges. We have handled numerous criminal cases from traffic offenses to murder, and we work relentlessly to protect the rights, freedom, and future of those facing felony charges. Our lawyers are ready to get to work for you.
If you’ve been accused of committing a felony, call our skilled team today at 518-629-0230.
What Is A Felony?
A felony is a crime that carries with it a prison sentence of more than one year. They range from A-1 felonies (the highest level) to E felonies (the lowest level), and can be violent felonies or nonviolent felonies. The type of offenses categorized at this level usually involves serious criminal conduct.
In New York various acts are considered felonies, including, but not limited to:
- Arson: This offense occurs when a person intentionally or recklessly damages property by setting fire to it. Depending on circumstances, it can be charged as a class E, C, B or A-I felony.
- Aggravated manslaughter: Intentionally causing death to a police officer can be either a class C or B felony (or murder, depending on the circumstances).
- Aggravated sexual abuse: Inserting a finger or foreign object into the sex organs or anus of someone who can’t give consent, by compulsion, or causing physical injury is a class E, D, C, or B felony.
- Burglary: A person who knowingly enters a dwelling or building with the intent to commit a crime could be charged with a class D, C, or B felony.
- Criminal sexual act: Engaging in sexual conduct with a person incapable of consent or who is under 17 years of age, or by compulsion is a class E, D, or B felony.
- Kidnapping: Depending on the specifics, if a person abducts another individual, they could be charged with a class B or A-I felony.
- Manslaughter: Recklessly causing someone’s death or intending to cause serious physical injury that results in death is prohibited and can result in a class C or B felony charge.
- Murder: Intentionally causing death to another person or a police officer is a class B or A-I felony.
- Rape: Having sexual intercourse with a person who can’t give consent for a reason other than age (such as being impaired by alcohol or drugs, or having mental deficiencies), with someone less than 17 years of age, or by forcible compulsion is a class E, D, or B felony.
- Sexual conduct against a child: If, over the course of at least 3 months, a person engages in two or more sexual acts with a child, they could be charged with a class D or B felony.
What Are The Potential Penalties For A Felony Conviction?
In New York, felonies are classified as A, B, C, D, or E offenses, with A being the most serious and E being the least. If a person is found guilty, the punishments imposed depend on the class of the crime, whether the charge is considered violent or nonviolent, and whether it is a drug charge.
According to New York Penal Code Article 70 – § 70.00, the maximum prison sentences for non-drug felonies are as follows:
- Class A: life
- Class B: 25 years
- Class C: 15 years
- Class D: 7 years
- Class E: 4 years
Drug Offenses Penalties
Drug penalties in New York can be severe and have a long-term affect in your future. Both prescription and illegal drugs are divided into categories called “schedules” for the purpose of assigning penalties. Learn more about specific penalties for drug offenses below:
Sentence PRS Probation
A-I felony
- no priors 8-20 5 no
- major trafficker 15/25-Life 5 no
- prior nonviolent 12-24 5 no
- prior violent 15-30 5 no
A-II felony
- no priors 3-10 5 no
- prior nonviolent 6-14 5 yes (life)
- prior violent 8-17 5 no
B felony
- no priors 1-9 1-2 yes (five years)
- sale near school 2-9 1-2 yes (five years)
- sale to child 2-9 1-2 yes (25 years)
- prior nonviolent 2-12 1½-3 yes (life)
- prior violent 6-15 1½-3 no
C felony
- no priors 1-5½ 1-2 yes (five years)
- prior nonviolent 1½-8 1½-3 yes (five years)
- prior violent 3½-9 1½-3 yes (five years)
D felony
- no priors 1-2½ 1 yes (five years)
- prior nonviolent 1½-4 1-2 yes (five years)
- prior violent 2½-4½ 1-2 no
E felony
- no priors 1-1½ 1 yes (five years)
- prior nonviolent 1½-2 1-2 yes (five years)
- prior violent 2-2½ 1-2 no
Get Effective Legal Counsel From Our Team
If you were charged with a felony in Troy or Albany counties, reach out to our skilled attorneys as soon as possible. Backed by extensive experience in the criminal justice system, we know the law and can help you understand your rights and legal options. At Frost & Kavanaugh, we will work toward a favorable outcome on your behalf.
Schedule a consultation today by calling us at 518-629-0230 or contacting us online.