Misdemeanor Categories in New York

Like most states, New York divides crimes into misdemeanors and felonies. Felonies are more serious crimes than misdemeanors. In New York, misdemeanors carry a potential jail sentence of up to one year. On the other hand, being convicted of a felony could mean spending a year or more in jail. As we have discussed in previous articles, felonies in New York are classified into five categories: Class A, B, C, D, and E felonies. On the other hand, misdemeanors in New York fall into three categories: Class A, B, and unclassified. Below, we discuss the different classes of misdemeanor crimes in New York.

Class A Misdemeanors

Class A misdemeanors carry a potential jail sentence of up to one year. A person convicted of a Class A misdemeanor can also be required to pay a monetary fine of up to $1,000 or two times the amount they gained from committing the crime. Other potential penalties for Class A misdemeanors include community service, suspension of driver’s license, and mandatory participation in rehabilitation programs.

The following are some examples of Class A misdemeanors in New York;

• Petit larceny
• Arson in the fifth degree
• Second-degree coercion
• Sexual misconduct
• Third-degree stalking
• Unauthorized use of a computer
• Assault in the third degree
• Conspiracy in the fifth degree
• Forcible touching
• Attempt to commit a class e felony
• Fourth-degree criminal mischief
• Computer tampering in the fourth degree
• Misapplication of property
• Welfare fraud in the fourth degree
• Third-degree forgery
• Tampering with public records in the second degree

Class B Misdemeanors

Class B misdemeanors are considered less severe than Class A misdemeanors. However, it is vital that you don’t underestimate a Class B misdemeanor in New York. When charged with a Class B misdemeanor, you should seek the help of a qualified criminal defense attorney.

Class B misdemeanors carry a potential jail term of up to 90 days. These crimes also attract a fine of up to $500. On top of this, there are several collateral consequences for a Class B misdemeanor conviction. For example, being convicted of a Class B misdemeanor can impact job prospects. A Class B misdemeanor conviction could affect your ability to obtain or maintain a professional license. A Class B misdemeanor conviction could also affect your ability to secure housing.

The following are some examples of Class B misdemeanors in New York;

• Conspiracy in the sixth degree
• Stalking in the fourth degree
• Third-degree sexual abuse
• Third-degree criminal trespass
• Third-degree criminal tampering
• Reckless endangerment of property
• Unlawful collection practices
• Public lewdness
• First-degree harassment
• Loitering in the first degree
• Creating a hazard
• Prostitution
• Fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana

Unclassified Misdemeanors

In New York, there is a category of misdemeanors called unclassified misdemeanors. When an offense is considered an unclassified misdemeanor, the specific law under which the crime is charged generally states the potential penalties. The following are some examples of unclassified misdemeanor offenses in New York;

• Driving with a suspended license. This offense carries a potential jail sentence of 30 days and a fine of up to $500.
• Reckless driving. This offense carries a potential jail sentence of up to 30 days and a fine of up to $300.
• Driving while intoxicated. This crime is punishable by a jail term of up to one year and a fine of up to $1,000.

Contact an NYC Criminal Attorney

If you need more information or help with a criminal case, contact our skilled and dedicated NYC criminal attorney, Mark I. Cohen, at 917-414-8585.

Source:

nycourts.gov/courthelp/criminal/typesCriminalCases.shtml