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felony misdemeanor new york

The Differences Between A Felony and Misdemeanor in New York

It is imperative that you retain legal counsel immediately if you are charged with either a misdemeanor or felony in New York because both types of charges can result in serious consequences to you if you sustain a conviction. Those who have been convicted of misdemeanors or felonies will more often than not obtain a criminal record that will follow them throughout the remainder of their lives, in addition to the initial sentencing, i.e. jail time and fines. Having a criminal record can prevent you from being hired for certain jobs, residing in certain geographical areas, obtaining certain professional licenses and securing certain loans. Whatever types of charges you are facing, please read on, then contact an experienced Rockland County criminal defense attorney to learn the differences between a felony and a misdemeanor in New York.

How does a felony differ from a misdemeanor in New York?

Felonies and misdemeanors have huge differences from each other. A misdemeanor, simply put, is a minor crime, while a felony is a serious crime that can land you in jail or prison for many years or even the rest of your life. Though not always the case, a misdemeanor will have a smaller impact on your life than the potential long-term consequences of a felony.

Examples of felony and misdemeanor offenses in New York

Misdemeanors:

  • Prostitution
  • Petty theft
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Drug possession
  • Simple assault
  • Trespassing
  • Public intoxication
  • Vandalism
  • Animal crimes (dog bites)

Felonies:

  • Murder
  • Arson
  • Terrorism
  • Criminal possession of a chemical weapon
  • Criminal possession of a controlled substance
  • Kidnapping
  • Operating as a major trafficker

Regardless of the degree of your charges, you should reach out to a skilled Rockland County attorney to discuss your next steps.

Why do you need a Rockland County criminal defense attorney?

A defendant who represents him- or herself has a fool for a client. Even though you will not face the death penalty in the Empire State, you could face decades behind bars, especially if you have a record. Prosecutors are not inclined to treat any criminal matter lightly and will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law. No matter what your unique circumstances are, you will need a skilled criminal defense attorney to aggressively fight your charges at every turn of the process. Our firm is here to help, so please give us a call today.

CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED ROCKLAND COUNTY FIRM

Kevin T. Conway has over 30 years of experience as a Spring Valley criminal attorney handling DUI, DWI, traffic violations, violent crimes, sex crimes, illegal gun possession, shoplifting, and juvenile crimes. Attorney Conway is also experienced in commercial law matters, zoning law, and estate planning. If you need a Rockland County criminal lawyer, contact our Spring Valley office for a free consultation.

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