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New York has five classes of felony. It is important to understand each class so you can understand the full severity of whatever crime you’re being charged with.

The felonies are lettered: E through A. E is the least serious class of felony, and A is the most serious class. 

Here’s what you need to know.

Felonies in General

In general when you are charged with a felony here in New York state, several things happen.

• Most felonies require that a cash bail be set, blocking you from being released on its own recognizance. 
• If you are convicted of a felony, you will lose the right to vote.
• If you are convicted of a felony, you will no longer be able to sit on a jury.
• Those who are convicted of a felony may no longer collect welfare.
• Those who are convicted of a felony may be ineligible for certain operator and professional licenses.
• Certain felonies block you from visiting or living in certain locations.
• If you are convicted of a felony, you may not purchase fire arms.
• If your crimes are sexual in nature, you will usually be required to register as a sex offender.

In some cases, a New York criminal lawyer can help you get relief from some of these collateral consequences.

Take all felony charges seriously. Any of them, even the least serious, can be life changing. 

Class E Felonies

Both violent and non-violent Class E felonies are punishable by up to 4 years of probation.

Class D Felonies

A non-violent Class D felony is punishable by up to 7 years of probation.

A violent Class D felony is punishable by up to 7 years in jail. 

Class C Felonies

A Class C non-violent felony is punishable by up to 15 years of probation.

A Class C violent felony is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. 

Class B Felonies

Both violent and non-violent Class B felonies are punishable by up to 25 years in prison. 

Class B felonies are also the most common type of felony that is charged here in New York. 

Class A Felonies

All Class A felonies are classified as violent, and are punishable by 25 years to life in prison. 

Get Help Today

You should take any felony extremely seriously. If you are being charged with a felony, you will need help from an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Reach out to our office to schedule a case review today. We may be able to help you get acquitted, or get your charges dropped, dismissed, or reduced. 

See also: 

What to Consider When Contemplating a Plea Bargain in New York

Why Do Brooklyn Defense Lawyers Accept Guilty Clients? 

What Happens When Charges Get Dropped in Brooklyn?