What Is a Class B Felony in New York?
By now you probably already know that in New York, crimes are categorized as either misdemeanors or felonies. You probably already know that misdemeanors and felonies are further divided into different classes. Misdemeanors in New York are divided into Class A and B, whereas felonies are divided into Class A, B, C, D, and E. In our previous articles, we discussed Class E, D, and C felonies. In this article, we discuss Class B felonies in New York.
What Are Class B Felonies in New York?
In New York, Class B felonies are considered more serious than Class C, D, and E felonies, but less serious than Class A felonies. This means that a person convicted of a Class B felony in New York will most likely face more serious consequences than a person convicted of a Class C, D, or E felony. However, they will most likely face less serious penalties than someone convicted of a Class A felony.
Examples of Class B Felonies in New York
There are several Class B felonies in New York. The following are some of the Class B felony offenses under the state’s penal law;
- Conspiracy in the second degree
- Grand larceny in the first degree
- First-degree gang assault
- Bribery in the first degree
- First-degree assault
- Aggravated vehicular homicide
- Rape in the first degree
- Kidnapping in the second degree
- Arson in the second degree
- Criminal possession of stolen property in the dirt degree
- First-degree criminal sexual act
- Health care fraud in the first degree
- Aggravated manslaughter in the first degree
- Criminal sale of a controlled substance to a child
- Attempted kidnapping in the first degree
- Criminal use of a firearm in the first degree
- Robbery in the first degree
- Criminal sale of a firearm in the first degree
Penalties of Class B Felonies in New York
In New York, Class B felonies carry a potential jail sentence of five to 25 years. Monetary fines associated with Class B felonies in New York can be as much as $30,000. For instance, if a person pleads guilty to or is convicted of selling drugs to a child, they may be fined as much as $30,000. Other potential penalties for Class B felonies in New York include probation, restitution, and loss of rights. For example, being convicted of a Class B felony can result in you losing your right to possess firearms.
New York courts have leeway when it comes to sentencing individuals convicted of Class B felonies. However, when a person is found guilty of a Class B felony, the court is still required to impose a punishment that falls within the parameters of the penalties allowed for the specific offense. For example, a judge cannot convict someone to life in prison after they are convicted of a Class B felony. Under NY Penal Law Section 70.00, the maximum prison sentence for a Class B felony in the state is 25 years.
Contact an NYC Criminal Attorney
A Class B felony is one of the most serious crimes you can be charged with. If you’ve been arrested and charged with a Class B felony in New York, it is crucial that you seek legal help immediately. To speak to a criminal defense attorney with years of experience handling different felony charges, contact our NYC criminal attorney, Mark I. Cohen, at 212-732-0002.
