Manhattan Felony Lawyer

Manhattan Felony Attorney

New York classifies crimes based on the severity of the criminal conduct. More serious crimes are classified as felonies. While a first-time misdemeanor offense may not lead to jail time, any felony charge requires the services of a Manhattan felony lawyer. They can fight to keep their client from serving serious prison time.

When your liberty and freedom are on the line, you can rely on The Vitaliano Law Firm to represent you in court. Our founding attorney has a strong reputation for providing a strong defense to all his clients. With strong legal representation, you can resolve your case on favorable terms.

Why Choose The Vitaliano Law Firm?

If you are facing felony charges in Manhattan, your very freedom could be in jeopardy. New York’s criminal justice system can be unforgiving if you do not have strong legal representation.

The Vitaliano Law Firm provides exceptional representation in state and federal court, and we handle homicide, narcotics trafficking, illegal firearms offenses, and other serious criminal cases.

Recognized as one of New York’s top criminal defense practices, we pride ourselves on our reputation for persistence and excellence. Choosing The Vitaliano Law Firm means having a dedicated team working tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve the greatest possible outcome.

Common Felony Crimes in Manhattan

Felonies typically involve acts that seriously harm or kill one or more people. While New York’s penal code covers a wide range of potential felony charges, these are some of the more commonly prosecuted felonies in Manhattan:

• Homicide: Homicides involve the unlawful killing of another person. In Manhattan, this crime can range from second-degree murder to manslaughter, where the killing may result from reckless actions or emotional disturbance. Homicide charges carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences or even life imprisonment.
• Narcotics Trafficking: While minor possession of marijuana may not lead to serious jail or prison time, New York’s felony laws provide harsh penalties for anyone caught selling or distributing large amounts of drugs. Being found in possession of significant amounts of narcotics can also lead to trafficking charges. Convictions can lead to significant prison time, heavy fines, and the potential for federal prosecution, depending on the quantity and type of drugs involved.
• Robbery: Robbery refers to the act of forcibly taking someone’s property by using force or threats. In Manhattan, robbery is categorized as a first- or second-degree felony, depending on factors such as the use of weapons or the degree of injury inflicted on the victim. First-degree robbery carries the harshest penalties, which can result in multiple years of imprisonment.
• Sex Crimes: Sex offenses include sexual assault, rape, and child exploitation. In Manhattan, these offenses are vigorously prosecuted. Convictions can result in lengthy prison sentences, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and significant social stigma. The personal and professional consequences of a sex crime conviction can be life-altering.

How an Attorney Can Favorably Resolve Your Felony Case

There are numerous ways that a criminal defense attorney can take steps to weaken the prosecution’s case. One of the first steps is to examine the evidence being used against you. Eyewitness testimony can be unreliable, and the burden of proof for prosecutors requires far more than circumstantial evidence that you committed a crime.

After reviewing your case, your Manhattan criminal lawyer could argue that:

• The evidence used against you was obtained illegally.
• Your constitutional rights were violated when you were arrested.
• You are the victim of mistaken identity.
• You did not commit the crime you are charged with.
• A reduced criminal charge is called for.

Each case is unique. Some felony cases require standard defense strategies that question the evidence being used against a defendant, while other cases may require a more novel approach. No matter the circumstances of your case, our founding lawyer can work to develop a defense strategy that challenges the allegations made against you.

FAQs

How Long Do You Go to Jail for a Felony in NY?

The length of a jail sentence for a felony in New York varies widely, ranging from a short term to life in prison. Sentencing depends on several factors, including:

• The class of the felony
• Any mitigating or aggravating circumstances presented during the case
• The defendant’s criminal history
• The severity of the crime

Having strong and effective legal representation can improve the chances that a defendant avoids the harshest penalties under the law.

How Long Can a Felony Case Stay Open in New York?

Felony cases in New York can remain open for several years, depending on the nature of the offense. The statute of limitations for most felonies is five years, but serious felonies like murder have no time limit and can remain open indefinitely. If prosecutors lack evidence to move forward with an investigation, a criminal defense attorney can take steps to argue that their client’s case is without merit.

What Is the Most Serious Felony?

The most serious felony is a Class A felony, which includes crimes such as first-degree murder and certain drug trafficking offenses. These crimes carry the harshest penalties, including life imprisonment without parole in some cases. Murder and drug trafficking can be prosecuted as a Class A felony. Lower felonies can be elevated to a Class A felony when aggregating factors are present.

What’s a Class D Felony in NY?

A Class D felony in New York is considered a less severe felony but still carries significant penalties. Examples include third-degree burglary and certain types of fraud. The sentence for a Class D felony can range from probation to a maximum of seven years in prison. These non-violent crimes include criminal trespass, cemetery desecration, and welfare fraud.

Schedule Your Manhattan Felony Consultation Today

Being charged with a felony in Manhattan can be a stressful and life-altering experience. When facing the full weight of the criminal justice system, it can be easy to forget that prosecutors have the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. With strong legal representation, you and your attorney can work to find flaws in the prosecution’s case.

The Vitaliano Law Firm has helped many defendants in Manhattan resolve their felony criminal cases on favorable terms. We can do the same for you. To schedule your consultation, contact our office today.