Felony Charges and Felony Classification
What are the three major types of crimes? Felonies, Misdemeanors and Petty Offenses. Find information on all three types of offenses below.
Felony charges are the most serious. There are six classes of felony charges in New York , with class A being the most serious. Felony Classes include the following:
- Spousal Abuse or Domestic Violence
- Drug Dealing or Felony Possession
- Burglary Felony
- Grand Theft
- Kidnapping
- Arson
- Murder and Homicide
- Manslaughter (non-negligent and negligent manslaughter)
- Sex Offenses such as forcible and non-forcible rape
New York Felony classes are listed below. If a person is convicted of a felony, the court could sentence the offender to a year or more in jail or prison, depending on mitigating (severity of the offense, was someone harmed, was this a first offense, etc…). Here find New York Felony classification:
- A1 Felonies
- A2 Felonies
- B violent felonies
- B non-violent felonies
- C violent felonies
- C non-violent felonies
- D violent felonies
- D non-violent felonies
- E felonies
Felony Classification and Felony Classes
Class A felonies are divided into two sub-categories: A-I and A-II felonies. Class A felonies carry the longest jail sentences and class E felonies carry the shortest jail sentences for felony cases. Jail sentences for misdemeanor and violations or infractions are even shorter.
In some cases, the Judges and prosecutors are authorized by criminal statutes to classify the offense as a felony or misdemeanor. These cases are called “wobblers” because they are decided based on:
- Injury to Victim
- Intent
- Past Criminal Record
Additional penalties for felonies can be imposed due to special circumstances or high-risk crimes, often called “extraordinary risk.” This term implies the likelihood that the convicted felon is likely to be a repeat offender. Felony crimes of this type include any crime of violence, such as rape or sexual assault, aggravated crimes, and illegal manufacturing, sale or distribution of a controlled substance.
In addition to the possibility of being sentenced to jail time on felony charges, people convicted of felony crimes lose many of their civil rights, such as:
- The right to vote
- The right to run for office
- The right to serve in the military
- Drivers license may be revoked or suspended
If a person is charged with a misdemeanor and details reveal the victim was injured or there was criminal intent, the charges could change to felony. Likewise, a defendant, after a hearing, may have charges reduced from felony to misdemeanor according to specific details of the case.
Keep in mind people charged with felony classes are given more protections due to the seriousness of felony penalties. As a result, felony cases can take much longer than misdemeanor cases.
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanor class crimes are less serious than felonies and the punishment can range from a fines or community service to up to one year in county jail or probation. Some misdemeanor crimes include:
- Vandalism
- Assault
- Bad checks (small amount)
- Shoplifting
- Battery
- Drunk driving
- Possession of unregistered firearm
- Drug offenses
Keep in mind the circumstances surrounding the crime and arrest can dictate whether or not it will be a felony or misdemeanor arrest.A repeat offense, for example, may be considered a felony rather than a misdemeanor offense.
It is not unusual to have the case for a misdemeanor crime resolved in one or two court appearances. You will be advised of your right to an attorney and often tried on another court date.
Petty offenses are minor crimes and include:
- Littering
- Minor traffic violations
- Jaywalking
- Parking infractions
These offenders are usually given a ticket and not arrested.
If you have been arrested or are under investigation on felony charges, find a criminal lawyer to help you.
