What is the punishment for a class D felony in New York?

The state of New York has five categories of felonies. Class E felonies are the least severe. Class D felonies are a step above but are far from being the state’s most severe offenses. Crimes that are included on the list of Class D felonies are criminal possession of a weapon, unlawful surveillance, and a 3rd DUI.

Generally, individuals convicted of these offenses may be slapped with fines up to $5,000. The sentencing scale for a Class D felony in New York usually includes incarceration of at least 2 years but no longer than 7 years. There are circumstances that may cause sentencing to be more or less severe.

For example, if a person has been convicted of two or more violent felonies, he may be deemed a persistent violent offender. People in this category who are then convicted of a Class D felony, face a minimum of six years in prison and may be sentenced to as many as 25 years. On the contrary, for a first Class D conviction that involves a non-violent crime, a person may be able to avoid incarceration and only receive probation.

If you are charged with a Class D felony in New York, realize that there is a possibility that you will face harsh consequences. For the best outcome, you should contact one of the state’s criminal defense lawyers.