What Is a Class C Felony in New York?

While both misdemeanors and felonies can result in jail time, fines, and other penalties, felonies usually result in harsher penalties than misdemeanors. Under felonies, the higher the level of the crime, the harsher the consequences. There are five categories of felonies in New York: Classes A, B, C, D, and E. Class A is the highest level of felony offenses, meaning Class A felonies carry the harshest penalties. Class A felonies are punishable by up to life in prison. After Class A felonies are Class B felonies, then Classes C, D, and E. However, regardless of which felony offense you are charged with, it is crucial that you enlist the help of a qualified criminal defense attorney. In this article, we discuss some vital information about Class C felonies in New York, including examples of Class C felonies in New York, potential penalties for Class C felonies, and what to do if charged with a Class C felony in New York.

Examples of Class C Felonies in New York

In New York, Class C felonies are considered more serious than Class D and E felonies but less serious than Class A and B felonies. In New York, there are violent and non-violent Class C felonies. Examples of Class C violent offenses include, but are not limited to, the following;

• Second-degree burglary
• Second-degree robbery
• Assaulting a judge
• Second-degree aggravated sexual abuse
• Second-degree aggravated manslaughter
• Gang assault in the second degree
• Aggravated criminally negligent homicide
• Second-degree criminal sale of a firearm
• Strangulation in the first degree
• Second-degree criminal use of a firearm
• Aggravated criminal possession of a weapon
• Second-degree hindering prosecution of terrorism

The following are examples of Class C non-violent felony offenses;

• Third-degree arson
• Welfare fraud in the second degree
• Forgery in the first degree
• First-degree computer tampering
• Grand larceny in the second degree
• Second-degree manslaughter
• Bribery in the second degree
• Criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fourth-degree
• Bribe receiving in the second degree
• Second-degree money laundering
• Use of a child in a sexual performance
• Illegal manufacture of methamphetamine in the second degree
• Criminal sale of a firearm to a minor
• Fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance
• Fourth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance

Potential Penalties of Class C Felonies in New York

In New York, the penalties for a Class C felony include prison time, probation, and fines. The prison term for a Class C felony may go up to 15 years, and the monetary fine may be up to $5,000. However, it is vital to note that the penalties for a Class C felony may depend on several factors, such as whether or not the offense was violent, the defendant’s criminal history, mitigating factors, and any aggravating factors. Depending on the type of crime, there may be other penalties, such as sex offender registration.

What To Do if You’ve Been Charged With a Class C Felony in New York?

If you’ve been charged with a Class C felony in New York, the following are some of the steps you should take;

• Stay calm
• Exercise your right to remain silent
• Contact a qualified criminal defense attorney
• Understand the charges against you
• Gather evidence

Being charged with a Class C felony in NY can be scary. However, an attorney can help you work toward the best possible outcome.

Contact an NYC Criminal Attorney

For more information or if you are facing a Class C felony charge in New York, contact the qualified NYC criminal attorney at Mark I. Cohen, Esq., at 212-732-0002.