New York Crimes: Laws & Penalties

New York Misdemeanor Crimes by Class and Sentences

Learn what kinds of crimes are considered misdemeanors in New York and the possible sentences for each category of misdemeanor.

New York Felony Crimes by Class and Sentences

New York has complicated sentencing guidelines for felony convictions. Prison sentences and other penalties depend on several factors, including the nature of the crime and the defendant's criminal history.

New York Criminal Statute of Limitations

Like all states, New York sets forth a "deadline" for criminal cases. If the state tries to bring an action against someone after the applicable time period has passed, the person charged can have the case dismissed.

How to Handle a Bench Warrant or Failure to Appear in New York

Failing to appear for a court date can be used by the prosecutor as evidence of your guilt on the underlying charge. Don't risk this potentially devastating argument.

Expunging or Sealing Adult Criminal Records in New York

New York law allows you to petition to have your criminal record sealed—that is expunged or hidden from public view. But not all convictions are eligible.

Driving on a Suspended License in New York

If you live in New York, you may lose your driving privileges for a number of different reasons. Suspension or revocation may occur for certain convictions, driving offenses, and even failing to pay child support. Driving while your license is suspended or revoked is a crime.

New York Minor in Possession of Alcohol Laws and Penalties

A minor in New York may not purchase or possess alcohol with the intent to consume it, with few exceptions. It is also illegal for anyone to furnish alcohol to a minor, or to make false statements about a minor’s age in order to facilitate a sale to that minor.

Auto Theft Laws in New York

Motor vehicle theft is a serious crime in the state of New York. In addition to theft, New York penalizes several other behaviors involving motor vehicles.

Burglary and Home Invasions in New York

Like all states, New York makes it a crime to go into a building or onto land belonging to someone else without permission. Such behavior can result in a charge for burglary (going into a building with the intent to commit a crime) or trespass (going onto property without permission). Some burglaries, such as armed burglaries or home invasion burglaries, can result in very serious penalties.

New York Laws on Petit and Grand Larceny

New York criminal laws use the term “larceny” to describe theft laws. In New York, larceny occurs when a person “wrongfully takes, obtains or withholds” property from its rightful owner, with the intent to deprive the owner of such property.

Possession of a Controlled Substance in New York

New York classifies not only well-known drugs like marijuana, heroin, and cocaine as CDS, but also the compounds used to manufacture them.

Felony Assault in New York

In New York, an assault occurs when a person injures someone else without legal justification. Assault can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a Class D felony or higher level Class B felony.

Cyberbullying Laws in New York

Cyberbullying is the electronic cousin of traditional in-person bullying, which seems to be an unfortunate long-standing fact of teenage social life. Cyberbullying has arisen as the growth of the Internet and other forms of technology have become a big part of how teens socialize.

Misdemeanor Assault in New York

In New York, an assault occurs when a person injures someone else without legal justification. Assault can be charged as either a misdemeanor or differing levels of felonies.

New York Domestic Violence Laws

The State of New York defines family offenses as the commission of certain violent and threatening crimes when committed between people who share one of the specified relationships. In addition to facing criminal prosecution, a person who commits a family offense may be named in a restraining order, referred to as an order of protection.

Disorderly Conduct in New York

As in many states, disorderly conduct is a crime in New York. New York’s disorderly conduct statute prohibits a variety of behaviors, such as fighting, disrupting a meeting, or blocking traffic. New York also has laws against false alarms, rioting, funeral picketing, and loitering.

New York Statutory Rape Laws

In New York, it is illegal for an adult (someone 18 or older) to have sex with a minor (someone younger than 17), even if the sex is consensual. Those who break the law have committed statutory rape.

Prostitution Laws in New York

New York has laws against both buying and selling sex. For more information on prostitution laws generally, see Prostitution.

Transmitting an STD in New York

In New York, it is a misdemeanor for a person who knows that he or she is infected with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) to have sexual intercourse with another person. People who know that they are infected with STDs that can cause death and who commit sex crimes or have unprotected sex with people who do not know of the infection may also be guilty of reckless endangerment.

New York Sexting Laws for Teens and Minors

Sharing nude photos of children can result in convictions for child pornography and other serious crimes. Some states, like New York, have diversion programs that allow teenagers who are involved in sexting to attend educational programs instead of facing tough criminal penalties.

Stun Gun Laws in New York

A federal court found that New York’s complete ban on civilian possession of stun guns and Tasers was unconstitutional.

New York's Red Flag Law: Extreme Risk Protection Orders

New York allows school administrators, family members, and others to apply for orders that require dangerous gun owners to give up their weapons. Learn how the state’s red flag law works.