Queens Felony Lawyer

Queens Felony Attorney

Promptly consult with a seasoned and educated Queens felony lawyer after you’ve been arrested or charged with a felony crime. No matter the circumstances, it’s important to fight the charges against you since a felony conviction on your criminal record can have drastic consequences.

Consider working with the skilled criminal defenders at The Vitaliano Law Firm. Our team of legal defense professionals has extensive experience handling felony cases. We’ve acquired successful results for clients facing felony charges of solicitation, assault offenses, sex crimes, arson, fraud, forgery, bribery, unlawful possession of a firearm, money laundering, public corruption, grand larceny, possession of a controlled substance, and more.

What Is a Felony Crime?

A felony crime is one that’s determined to be more serious than a misdemeanor. The state categorizes felonies into various classes based on severity. Here are some examples of criminal offenses in each felony class:

• Class E. The least severe category of felony crimes. Examples include fourth-degree conspiracy, computer trespassing, unlawful use of prohibited scientific material, fourth-degree aggravated sexual abuse, and placing a fake destructive device/explosive or hazardous substance in the second degree.
• Class D. This class of felonies is viewed as one level more severe than those in Class E. Examples include labor trafficking, bribing a labor official, bribing a juror, aggravated identity theft, menacing a police officer, third-degree unlawful sale of a firearm, and first-degree sexual abuse.
• Class C. Felonies in this class include the unlawful sale of a firearm to a minor, second-degree money laundering, forgery in the first degree, assault on a judge, second-degree robbery or burglary, and aggravated criminally negligent homicide.
• Class B. Felony offenses in Class B are in the second most severe class of unlawful acts, below Class A. Crimes include first-degree grand larceny, aggravated vehicular homicide, witness tampering in the first degree, aggravated assault against a police or peace officer, and first-degree rape or aggravated sexual abuse.
• Class A-II. Class A offenses are in the most serious level of crimes; A-II felonies are one step below A-I offenses. Examples include second-degree unlawful possession or sale of a controlled substance and predatory sexual assault, including against a child.
• Class A-I. This class of felonies is regarded as the most severe criminal charges one may face in the state. Examples include aggravated, first or second-degree murder, kidnapping in the first-degree, first-degree conspiracy, and acts of terrorism.

The more serious a felony is, the harsher the potential penalties become if you’re convicted. Each crime has a minimum and maximum punishment that an offender may face. The factors that can influence the specifics of a sentence include the defendant’s criminal history, if they have prior felony convictions, whether the crime is violent or non-violent, and other relevant factors.

Why You Should Fight Against a Felony Charge

Whether it’s your first offense or you’re facing your third felony charge, it’s crucial that you take the steps needed to fight your case effectively. An experienced Queens criminal defense lawyer who is familiar with felony offenses can assess your situation and determine the most advantageous course of action.

Depending on your history, the charges against you, and the details surrounding the crime — it may be ideal to pursue a plea deal, while in other cases, it’s better to assert your innocence. Even if you feel hopeless or like you have no other choice but to go for a plea deal, it’s not advised to go into criminal proceedings without legal counsel. An attorney can protect your rights, ensure you receive a fair trial, and prevent you from facing excessive penalties.

Each felony entails different punishments, but generally, a convicted offender may face time in jail or prison, probation with strict rules, penalty fines, restitution to victims, and any other sentencing the court deems appropriate. Having a felony conviction in Queens, NY can also impact your future in the long term, making it difficult to find affordable housing or job opportunities.

FAQs

How Would a Felony Conviction Affect Me in NY?

In the state, being convicted of a felony can bring very serious consequences. Criminal penalties include incarceration in jail or prison, paying fines and restitution to victims, and other court orders such as strict probation, community service, or drug treatment programs. Additionally, felons lose several citizen privileges, such as the right to vote or purchase firearms.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Felonies in NY?

The statute of limitations for felony offenses in the state can vary depending on the circumstances of the case, but it’s generally five years for most crimes. However, some felonies lack a statute of limitations. This means that the offender can be prosecuted for the felony no matter how much time has passed, such as cases of rape or murder.

Can I Have a Felony Conviction Expunged in NY?

New York does not offer expungement for felony convictions, although some crimes may be sealed after a certain amount of time has passed. Certain drug-related convictions may be sealed after the defendant has successfully finished a drug treatment program. For offenders with only one felony and no more than one misdemeanor on their record, they may ask the court to seal qualifying convictions if they have been crime-free for at least ten years.

Can You Get Felony Charges Dropped?

It is possible for felony charges to be dropped in the state in some circumstances but this is not guaranteed nor a common occurrence. Consult with an experienced felony defense lawyer, whether you’re innocent or not. Your attorney can investigate the situation and confer with the prosecution to see whether they have sufficient evidence for a case or if there’s an obvious error in the charges. It may be possible the charges get dropped before the proceedings begin.

Proficient Criminal Defense Firm for Felony Charges

The adept legal team at The Vitaliano Law Firm is well-equipped and prepared to fight on your behalf. Our experienced criminal defense lawyers can protect your rights, present a strong and compelling case, and make sure you’re not unfairly given an excessive punishment. Reach out to our office today to schedule a meeting with an understanding and knowledgeable criminal defender.