Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys | August 24, 2026 | Criminal Defense
Harassment charges in New York cover a wide range of conduct. As a result, many people are surprised by how easily an argument can turn into a criminal case. If you are facing this kind of charge in Kingston as a defendant, knowing exactly what the law says is critical to protecting yourself.
New York treats harassment as a public order offense under Article 240 of the Penal Law. The charge can be filed at several different levels depending on the conduct in question; the consequences also become more serious as the degree increases. Below is a breakdown of how the law works and what each level means for someone facing charges in Ulster County.
Harassment in the Second and First Degree
Harassment in the second degree under Penal Law § 240.26 is the lowest level charge. It applies when someone acts with the intent to “harass, annoy or alarm” another person and does so by making physical contact with them, following them around in a public space, or engaging in repeated conduct that serves no legitimate purpose. This is classified as a violation rather than a crime, but it still carries up to 15 days in jail and can show up on background checks.
First-degree harassment under Penal Law § 240.25 is a Class B misdemeanor. This charge comes into play when someone intentionally and repeatedly harasses another person either by following them through public places or by engaging in a pattern of behavior that puts the other person in reasonable fear of being physically hurt. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record and carries up to three months in jail.
Aggravated Harassment Charges
Aggravated harassment in the second degree under Penal Law § 240.30 is a Class A misdemeanor. It covers conduct like making threats of physical harm through phone calls, texts, and other communications. It also applies when someone targets another person based on their race or similar characteristics. A prior conviction for first-degree harassment within the last ten years can elevate a new charge to this level as well. Penalties can include up to a year in jail.
At the highest end, aggravated harassment in the first degree under Penal Law § 240.31 is a Class E felony. This charge is reserved for bias-motivated conduct that involves damage to religious property or repeated aggravated harassment targeting someone based on a protected characteristic.
How These Cases Typically Play Out in Kingston
Harassment charges often come down to one person’s word against another’s. Many of these cases start with some sort of dispute where one party goes to the police. The accusation alone is enough to trigger an arrest, and from there, the prosecution decides how aggressively to move forward.
That matters because even at the violation level, a harassment charge can interfere with employment and housing. It can also lead to an order of protection that restricts where you can go and who you can contact. At the misdemeanor and felony levels, the long-term impact on your record grows even more serious. How you handle the early stages of your case often determines whether the charge sticks in the end.
Contact a Kingston Criminal Defense Lawyer at Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys for Legal Help
If you have been charged with any form of harassment in Kingston or elsewhere in Ulster County, New York, do not assume the charge is too minor to worry about. A criminal defense attorney familiar with how these cases move through the system can help you seek as favorable an outcome as may be possible under the law.
Reach out to Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys for an initial consultation today to learn more and schedule a free consultation. You’ll be able to receive some legal advice at that time about your charges and what you should do going forward.
We conveniently serve 3 locations in New York: Middletown, Newburgh, and Kingston.
We proudly serve Orange County, Ulster County, and their surrounding areas:
Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys – Middletown
626 E Main St
Middletown, NY 10940
(845) 566 5345
Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys – Newburgh
356 Meadow Ave
Newburgh, NY 12550
(845) 566-5345
Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys – Kingston
233 Fair St Suite #1
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 566-5345