Long Island Felony Lawyer

Long Island Felony Attorney

Being charged with a felony in Long Island can have serious consequences, including significant legal penalties, long-term effects on your personal and professional life, and the potential for lengthy prison sentences. Hiring a Long Island felony lawyer can greatly improve your chances of a favorable outcome in court. An experienced criminal defense attorney can question the evidence being used against you, among other legal strategies.

The founding attorney at The Vitaliano Law Firm is a former prosecutor who understands how to get results for clients. Whether you are facing criminal charges for homicide, drug trafficking, or another serious crime, our lawyer can investigate your case so you do not have to endure the worst-case consequences of the crime you are charged with.

Why Choose The Vitaliano Law Firm?

When the weight of the criminal justice system bears down on you, it can seem overwhelming. The Vitaliano Law Firm routinely represents clients who are facing serious prison time. We understand how felony criminal charges can put severe stress on you and your loved ones.

Setting our law firm apart is the fact that our founding lawyer is a former prosecutor who understands the strategies that are used to pressure defendants into accepting guilt or unfavorable plea bargain agreements. Our lead Long Island criminal law attorney is not intimidated by those tactics, and his insights can prove valuable to the defense of his clients.

Common Long Island Felonies

New York’s penal code provides sentencing guidelines for many potential felonies. Here are some of the more commonly prosecuted felonies.

• Robbery: Robbery refers to the act of forcibly taking someone else’s property. The target of a robbery is often cash or other valuables that can be easily carried away. This crime is typically brought as a felony, charges can range from first-degree robbery (which usually involves serious injury) to second-degree robbery, which relies on force or intimidation.
• Narcotics Offenses: Drug crimes are common in New York. While possession of small amounts of cannabis may not lead to jail time for first-time offenders, New York reserves the most serious felony classification (A-1) for individuals who are caught distributing and selling large quantities of drugs. Known as trafficking, the felony can lead to a life sentence for anyone who is found guilty of this serious crime.
• Assault: Assault is the intentional infliction of bodily harm to another person. In Long Island, charges can vary from third-degree assault, which may involve minor injuries, to first-degree assault, which involves serious physical injury or the use of a weapon.
• Burglary: Burglary is related to robbery in that it involves the theft of property. Unlike robbery, burglary occurs when the property owner is not present. The criminal act can still lead to a felony charge, depending on the value of the stolen item and other factors.
• Sex Offenses: Sex crimes, including sexual assault, rape, and child exploitation, are commonly prosecuted as felonies. These types of crimes are viewed as being particularly heinous and harmful to society, so they are prosecuted vigorously in Long Island. A conviction could lead to significant prison sentences and mandatory registration as a sex offender.

How Felony Sentencing Is Determined

Felony sentencing in New York is influenced by several key factors. First, the classification of the felony, which ranges from Class A (most serious) to Class E (least serious), has a significant role in determining the potential sentence.

Judges consider the nature of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances, such as the impact on the victims or whether the crime involved violence or weapon use.

Just as aggravating factors can lead to increased potential penalties, mitigating factors can be presented by the defense attorney as part of a request to reduce the criminal charge. Many criminal cases are resolved without the need to go to trial. If prosecutors offer a favorable plea bargain, the defendant has the option of accepting the terms of the plea bargain in return for a guilty plea.

FAQs

Do Felonies Go Away After Seven Years in New York?

Felonies do not automatically go away after seven years in New York. Sealing a conviction in New York involves specific rules. Eligibility is determined by criteria outlined in Criminal Procedure Law (CPL), which include factors such as:

• The number and type of convictions
• Time elapsed since sentencing
• Successful completion of substance abuse programs

What Can Felons Not Do in NY?

In New York, felons cannot vote while incarcerated and must complete their sentence, including parole, to regain that right. They may be denied professional licenses in fields like nursing or law. They are also prohibited from owning firearms. Convicted felons may face restrictions on public assistance eligibility and serving on juries based on their convictions.

What Is the 30/30 Law in NY?

The 30/30 law in New York mandates that felony cases must be indicted within 30 days after an arraignment. If the prosecution fails to meet this deadline, the case may be dismissed. This law aims to ensure timely legal proceedings and protect defendants’ rights by preventing unnecessary delays in the judicial process.

How Long Does It Take to Seal a Felony in NY?

If you are eligible to have your records sealed, the process typically takes several months. The exact duration depends on various factors, including court backlog and the complexity of the case.

Once an application is submitted, it may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months for the court to review and approve the sealing request. An experienced criminal defense attorney can reduce the time you wait.

Schedule Your Long Island Felony Consultation Today

If you are facing felony charges in Long Island, you need legal representation you can rely on. The Vitaliano Law Firm has a strong reputation for providing skilled legal counsel for defendants who are facing serious criminal charges.

Our firm can reduce the penalties you are facing by presenting evidence that is favorable to your defense. Whether through a plea bargain agreement, trial, or motion to dismiss charges, we can explore every reasonable possibility when representing you in court. To schedule your felony consultation, contact our office today.