Felonies

Understanding Felony Charges in New York, NY

NYC Felony Lawyer

Felonies are serious crimes that often carry significant penalties, including incarceration, fines, and a lasting criminal record. In New York, felonies are categorized from Class A to Class E, with Class A being the most severe. Whether you face charges for violent crimes, drug offenses, or property crimes, understanding the nature of the charges and potential consequences is crucial. New York's legal system is complex, with detailed statutes for each type of felony. Navigating these complexities requires legal support from a felony lawyer in New York.

New York State law separates felony offenses into classes, and each class has its own sentencing structure detailed in Article 70 of the New York Penal Law. For example, Class A felonies can result in sentences as harsh as life imprisonment, while lower-level felonies carry significant but lesser penalties. Courts in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island can have subtle procedural differences that affect how cases move forward and how defense strategies are planned. Our attorneys stay informed about court-specific protocols and use this knowledge to provide focused and up-to-date guidance for each client.

Our team at Maryam Jahedi Law Firm P.C. is committed to helping you understand every aspect of the felony charges you are facing. We explore possible defense strategies to protect your rights and pursue the best outcome. Working with a felony attorney in New York who understands local laws and has a proven track record can make a real difference as you navigate the justice system.

Why Choose Our Felony Attorneys in New York?

At Maryam Jahedi Law Firm P.C., our dedication to personalized service stands out in the city’s crowded legal landscape. We maintain open communication so clients feel informed and supported. Our legal professionals handle culturally sensitive cases, especially those involving family dynamics and Muslim divorce. This cultural awareness is essential in crafting defense strategies that respect every client's background.

Every borough of New York City, from Queens to Staten Island, brings its own legal challenges. Our firm has experience across all five boroughs, allowing us to recognize patterns in local prosecutions and anticipate procedural requirements that affect case outcomes. This borough-specific insight helps us act quickly and tailor defense strategies that address both legal and community factors unique to each area.

Understanding the cultural, social, and personal nuances of each client allows us to build more robust and effective defense strategies. We avoid one-size-fits-all approaches, customizing our defense methods to match the individual circumstances and values of our clients. This empathetic and culturally mindful approach not only sets us apart but also builds deeper understanding and trust between our attorneys and clients.

We serve all five boroughs of New York City, ensuring you can access our services wherever you live. Working with us means partnering with attorneys who advocate for your best interests vigorously and compassionately.

Felonies & Their Impact on Your Life

Felony convictions in New York can change your life. Beyond the immediate legal consequences, such as imprisonment and hefty fines, a felony record can affect your employment prospects, housing options, and personal relationships. Understanding these impacts underscores the need for strong legal representation by a felony attorney in New York.

New York’s licensing laws may block people with felony convictions from working in certain careers, including education and healthcare. The city’s public housing authorities and many private landlords often use background checks in screening tenants, which can hinder access to stable housing after a conviction. Employers, especially those in sectors regulated by the state or city, frequently review criminal records before deciding on hiring or promotions. Our attorneys advise clients about these obstacles and discuss ways to support reintegration into the community.

We educate clients about potential consequences and work with you to find strategies that help reduce these impacts. Our approach includes negotiating plea deals when appropriate and representing clients in appeals when necessary. At Maryam Jahedi Law Firm P.C., you do not face these challenges alone.

Long-term consequences of a felony conviction can include challenges in re-entering society, strained family relationships, and hurdles to personal advancement. Our comprehensive defense covers both immediate legal challenges and long-term personal effects. We partner with our clients to minimize legal penalties and plan for a successful life after legal proceedings.

Common Felony Charges in New York City

Felony charges in New York City cover a wide range of alleged offenses, each with specific legal consequences. Some of the most common charges include assault, burglary, robbery, grand larceny, drug offenses, and weapons possession. Drug-related felonies in the city often involve strict laws around controlled substances, reflecting both state law and New York City enforcement priorities. Convictions for these offenses can result in state prison sentences and lasting changes to your record, particularly in cases involving violence or repeat offenses.

Many cases rely on the specifics of local laws or municipal ordinances. For example, New York City enforces tighter regulations on firearm possession than much of the state. Our defense strategies account for these local restrictions, as well as the prosecution tactics public defenders and district attorneys regularly use in the city's courts. Understanding how each borough’s law enforcement operates helps us build defense plans that address both the technical legal standards and practical realities unique to city prosecution.

By working with attorneys who guide clients through diverse felony charges in New York City’s court system, clients can make better decisions about their defense. We share insights into which charges most often qualify for alternative sentencing programs, diversion, or pretrial interventions, so you see your full range of options under city and state law.

Your Rights During Felony Investigations & Arrests in New York

Law enforcement officers in New York must respect your constitutional rights from the moment they identify you as a suspect. If police question or arrest you, you have the right to remain silent and the right to request an attorney. Use these rights clearly. Insist on speaking with legal counsel before answering questions or participating in searches or lineups. Invoking these rights early prevents unnecessary self-incrimination and preserves key defenses that may become available later in your case.

In New York City, police and prosecutors move quickly during felony investigations, sometimes leading to procedural missteps. Our attorneys watch for cases where law enforcement has committed errors such as search violations, lack of probable cause, or improper identification procedures. Taking immediate steps to document police interactions and notify your lawyer of what happened can make a major difference in how law enforcement agencies build—or fail to build—a case against you.

Acting quickly and working with a skilled legal team helps ensure that courts respect your rights. Timely intervention often changes the course of a felony investigation and gives clients more control over their options as their case develops in New York courts.

Localized Insights: Navigating New York's Legal Landscape

Each borough in New York City has its own judicial landscape. Understanding local police practices, court procedures, and community dynamics can shape legal outcomes. Our presence across New York City gives us the local insight you need to navigate these specifics effectively.

Court calendars, filing requirements, and plea arrangements can vary across the five boroughs. The Bronx and Brooklyn courts, for example, may handle arraignments and pre-trial motions on different schedules than courts in Queens or Manhattan. We stay up to date with each court’s preferences and current caseloads, which allows us to anticipate changes in timing or process that affect your defense. This understanding lets us act quickly for you, regardless of where your case is heard.

We rely on our knowledge of New York's felony statutes and court systems to provide a thorough defense strategy. From arraignment to trial, our team's familiarity with local courts helps us anticipate challenges and prepare clients effectively. As a felony lawyer in New York, our local insights are vital in tailoring defense strategies.

Being part of New York City's diverse and vibrant community means our legal strategies draw from the latest local legal trends and developments. This allows us to use current defense tactics that align with the latest precedents and the unique circumstances of each borough. Our close connections with local courts and legal practitioners allow us to gather insights and create nuanced defense strategies.

When You Need a Felony Attorney: Understanding the Process

When facing felony charges, act quickly and wisely. Here’s a typical process you might experience:

  • Arrest & Initial Hearing: If arrested, you will be taken to an initial hearing where bail is determined.

  • Indictment: Charges are formalized during the grand jury process.

  • Pre-Trial Motions: We file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.

  • Plea Bargaining: In some cases, negotiating a deal with the prosecution is the best course of action.

  • Trial & Sentencing: If the case proceeds to trial, our lawyers vigorously defend you, working for the best possible outcome.

Most felony cases follow a consistent process, but local differences influence how quickly each step unfolds. For example, Manhattan and Brooklyn courts often move cases at a different pace than those in Staten Island or Queens, which can result in longer periods between arrest and indictment. We advise clients on typical timeframes and court expectations within each borough. These differences can affect decisions about pre-trial motions and negotiation strategies. Our team tracks updates to local procedures so you stay informed at each step.

Frequently Asked Questions About Felonies in New York

What Are the Different Classes of Felonies in New York?

In New York, felonies are classified from Class A to Class E, with Class A crimes being the most severe and carrying penalties such as life imprisonment. Class B through Class E felonies involve lighter sentencing, but all carry serious repercussions. Knowing which class of felony you are accused of helps shape defense strategies to reduce potential consequences.

How Can a Felony Lawyer Help Me?

A felony lawyer in New York provides critical support by building a defense strategy, negotiating plea deals, and representing you in court. They protect your rights throughout the legal process and work to attain a favorable outcome. At Maryam Jahedi Law Firm P.C., our attorneys navigate complex legal matters and give clients the empathy and support they need during challenging times.

Effective legal representation includes more than courtroom appearances. It involves planning, gathering evidence, and understanding each client's needs. We craft tailored defenses that focus on both immediate legal tactics and long-term goals, so every client receives the care and attention they deserve from a skilled felony attorney in New York.

Can a Felony Conviction Be Expunged in New York?

New York does not offer expungement for felonies as some states do; however, sealing of certain convictions is possible under specific conditions. This legal process restricts who can view your criminal record and can help when seeking employment or housing. Navigating these proceedings often requires legal guidance to manage New York's complex legal system.

Having a convicted felony sealed can help reduce social stigma, allowing individuals to regain some normalcy. Our attorneys at Maryam Jahedi Law Firm P.C. assess eligibility for record sealing and assist in the careful preparation and filing of necessary documents, supporting you through the process until it is complete.

What Should I Do if I'm Accused of a Felony?

If accused of a felony, contact a lawyer immediately to review your case and protect your rights. Avoid speaking about the charges without your attorney present. Early legal intervention can heavily influence your defense strategy. At Maryam Jahedi Law Firm P.C., we provide prompt support to help you take the right steps from the start.

Being proactive from the moment of accusation can change the path of your legal matter. From details like maintaining documentation to making key decisions like negotiating with prosecutors, your actions can sway outcomes. Our attorneys make sure all these aspects are covered, relying on experience and attention to detail.

Can a Felony Charge Be Reduced to a Misdemeanor?

Court procedures can reduce a felony charge to a misdemeanor through plea negotiations or if the facts of the case suggest lesser offenses. Having a felony attorney in New York, like those at Maryam Jahedi Law Firm P.C., helps you evaluate whether reduced charges are possible and work with prosecutors to achieve the best outcome.

Reducing charges not only decreases legal penalties but also lessens the impact on your life. Our criminal defense firm conducts thorough evaluations and negotiations, highlighting mitigating circumstances to the prosecution and court. This approach ensures clients receive a fair hearing and a stronger chance at a better future.

We’re able to provide services in Farsi and Russian

332-237-3700

Address

111 Broadway

Suite 707

New York, NY 10006

Follow Us

This website is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. Use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Attorney advertising. Maryam Jahedi Law Firm P.C. is licensed in New York. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.