Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys | February 9, 2026 | New York Law
Criminal charges are divided into three main categories in New York State: felonies, misdemeanors, and violations. Felonies are the most serious crimes and can lead to years in prison; meanwhile, misdemeanors carry shorter jail sentences and a higher likelihood of probation. Violations are the least serious and may result only in fines.
Learning about how your charges are classified can be beneficial as you move forward. This will dictate not only the potential penalties and long-term consequences you could face, but also what your criminal defense strategy might look like in response.
Felonies
Under New York law, a felony is any crime punishable by more than one year in state prison. Felonies are further divided into five classes: A, B, C, D, and E, with Class A felonies being the most severe.
Examples include:
- Class A Felony: Murder and major drug trafficking offenses
- Class B Felony: Manslaughter and armed robbery
- Class C Felony: Assault with a deadly weapon
- Class D Felony: Burglary and criminal possession of a weapon
- Class E Felony: Lower-level offenses, such as certain theft crimes
Being convicted of a felony in New York can lead to lengthy prison terms and substantial fines, among other serious penalties imposed by the court. Felony convictions also result in long-term collateral consequences like difficulty finding housing and employment.
Misdemeanors
A misdemeanor is considered less serious than a felony but more severe than a violation. These offenses are punishable by up to one year in a local jail instead of state prison.
Misdemeanors include:
- Class A Misdemeanors: The most serious, carrying up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000. Examples include petit larceny and third-degree assault.
- Class B Misdemeanors: Punishable by up to three months in jail and smaller fines. Common examples include harassment and prostitution.
- Unclassified Misdemeanors: These crimes can lead to a penalty of three years of probation in most cases. DWI is sometimes charged under this category.
Judges may impose alternative sentences for misdemeanors in some cases, such as probation and community service. However, a misdemeanor conviction still creates a criminal record, which can appear on background checks and impact your freedoms going forward.
Violations
Violations (sometimes called infractions) are not technically crimes under New York law, though they are still prosecuted in criminal court. The maximum penalty is 15 days in jail and a $250 fine.
Examples include:
- Disorderly conduct
- Trespassing
- Loitering
- Certain traffic offenses
While violations do not result in a criminal record, repeated offenses can impact sentencing in future cases.
How the Classification of Your Charges Could Affect Your Case
The classification of your offense determines nearly every aspect of your case, from how prosecutors handle it to the type of court it is heard in. Felony cases are typically prosecuted in New York Supreme Court, while misdemeanors and violations are handled in Criminal Court.
It also impacts plea bargaining and your right to a jury trial. For example, felony defendants have broader discovery rights and are entitled to grand jury proceedings, while misdemeanor cases often move faster through the system.
Contact the Middletown Criminal Defense Attorneys at Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys for a Free Consultation Today
For more information, contact an experienced Criminal Defense lawyer at Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys, to schedule a free consultation today. We conveniently serve in 3 locations in New York, including Middletown, Newburgh, and Kingston.
We proudly serve Orange County, Ulster County, and their surrounding areas:
Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys – Middletown
626 E Main St
Middletown, NY 10940
(845) 566 5345
Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys – Newburgh
356 Meadow Ave
Newburgh, NY 12550
(845) 566-5345
Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys – Kingston
233 Fair St Suite #1
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 566-5345