If you’re in the middle of preparing for a trial and could be convicted of a felony, there’s a lot to know and we’re sure you’re overwhelmed and stressed. The good news is that you can have a highly-experienced and reliable criminal defense attorney on your side. Lisa Pelosi works in New York and wants to see that everyone has their fair chance in court. Learn all you need to know about what a felony is and more here.
Felony vs. Misdemeanor
Depending on the seriousness of the crime, each state defines crimes as either a misdemeanor or a felony. There are also several types of felonies, including A-I, A-II, and B through E felonies. The difference between a felony and a misdemeanor include:
- Time spent in prison or jail: If you are convicted of a felony, it could carry a potential prison sentence. Misdemeanors commonly carry a sentence of incarceration in a jail.
- Length of Incarceration: For misdemeanors, they are generally shorter and are often around one year or shorter. Felonies are typically longer sentences and can even result in the death penalty, depending on the state. New York does not have the death penalty.
- Consequences: If you are convicted of a felony, the consequences could include losing the right to vote, possess firearms, or to hold certain jobs. Misdemeanor consequences tend to be less severe.
What is a Felony?
While it does depend on the seriousness and circumstances of the crime, felonies often include being convicted of:
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Aggravated and felony assault
- Kidnapping
- Arson
- Grand larceny
- Sale or manufacturing of drugs
- Tax Evasion
- Animal Cruelty
- Treason
Felony Degrees
Felonies are divided into four categories: first through fourth-degree felonies, or A through E felonies. Each category has its own penalties, increasing in severity from first to fourth. In New York, there are also violent and non-violent felonies. If you have any questions about what you are being charged for, ask your criminal defense attorney. In New York, the violent felony categories include, but are not limited to, the following crimes:
- Class A Felony: Could result in life or 20 to 25 year sentence. Aggravated murder, terrorism, possession of a controlled substance, possess of a chemical or biological weapon, kidnapping, arson.
- Class B Felony: Could result in a five to 25 year sentence. Gang assault, attempted murder, rape, criminal sexual act, kidnapping, robbery, incest, possession of a criminal weapon.
- Class C Felony: Could result in a three and a half to 15 year sentence. Aggravated sexual abuse, burglary, robbery, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal sale of a firearm, aggravated criminal possession of a weapon.
- Class D Felony: Could result in a two to seven year sentence. Reckless assault of a child, rape, sexual abuse, facilitating a sex offense with a controlled substance, placing a false bomb or hazardous substance.
- Class E Felony: Could result in one and a half to four year probation sentence. Persistent sexual abuse, aggravated sexual abuse, falsely reporting an incident, attempt to commit criminal possession of a weapon.
The Law Office of Lisa Pelosi understands that this is a stressful time and we want to give you a fair trial. Don’t just work with any criminal defense attorney who may not have your best interest at heart. Lisa Pelosi will fight hard for you and your case. Give us a call today for a consultation.
