Crimes and Misdemeanors in New York

While many illicit activities in New York are considered “criminal,” state law differentiates between violations, misdemeanors, and felonies. All three classifications carry their own separate penalties, and it is important to have background knowledge about each. If you or a loved one needs more information on crimes and misdemeanors in New York, please contact our experienced Jamestown criminal defense lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.

Crimes and Misdemeanors | What is Considered an Unlawful Activity?

A great many illicit acts fall under the umbrella of criminal activities under New York law. Fraudulent activity is a major category, with embezzlement, extortion, forgery, and money laundering all common cases of criminal deception. Inappropriate actions in public, which include disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, and indecent exposure, also count as breaking the law. While it comes as no surprise that murder and manslaughter, both voluntary and involuntary, are considered crime, there are numerous illegal acts that are non-fatal but still of equal weight; textbook examples include battery, domestic violence and spousal abuse, sexual assault, stalking, and mistreatment of minors (abuse, neglect, and pornography). The cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, trafficking, and possession of drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and marijuana are all criminal acts under New York law. Additional examples of criminal activity according to the state penal code are arson, corruption, hate crimes, perjury, and trespassing, among many others.

Crimes and Misdemeanors | Different Penalties

Even though all the above count as criminal activity, they are not all treated the same in a court of law. There are three levels of criminal acts under New York State’s laws: violations, misdemeanors, and felonies. Though violations are subject to criminal cases, they are not necessarily considered crimes. As such, the maximum sentence for a violation, such as vandalism or exposing another person’s intimate parts, is 15 days in prison and a fine of up to several hundred dollars. Misdemeanors, in contrast, are crimes in the eyes of the law, and the three kinds of misdemeanors (class A, class B, and unclassified) all have different penalties. Common examples of misdemeanors include first-degree harassment and some forms of credit card fraud. Similar to a misdemeanor, a felony comprises several categories (A-I, A-II, B, C, D, and E), and penalties can range from one year to life in prison. Felonies vary widely in scope, including both violent actions such as first-degree murder as well as non-violent offenses such as possession of certain illegal drugs.

Crimes and Misdemeanors | Hire an Experienced Attorney

Verdicts in criminal cases often lead to life-altering consequences, whether the sentences involve jail time, probation, community service, fines, or other penalties. Experienced Jamestown criminal defense lawyer Scott Humble has over 30 years of experience helping clients accused of committing crimes in the state of New York, and we would be honored to represent you in court. Schedule a free consultation today with experienced Jamestown criminal defense lawyer Scott Humble today. He will fight tirelessly to ensure that justice prevails in your criminal case.

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