Staten Island Misdemeanor Lawyers

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Were you recently arrested? If it’s unfamiliar territory for you, it may be downright terrifying to face criminal charges as worry about how it could impact your future and the freedoms you currently take for granted. What may seem to many to be a minor crime that could be punishable with a figurative slap on the wrist – a misdemeanor – should not be taken lightly. If you are charged with a misdemeanor crime, time is of the essence to secure strong legal representation from a skilled Staten Island misdemeanor lawyer with a track record of success in helping clients get their charges dismissed or reduced. Lebedin Kofman LLP fits the bill.

It's important to seek legal representation as soon as possible after you’ve been arrested for a criminal charge. Reach out to Lebedin Kofman today for your FREE case evaluation by contacting us online or calling (888) 605-2705 now.

What Is Considered a Misdemeanor Per New York State Law?

Misdemeanors, while not as severely reprimanded as crimes as serious as felonies, still often have a devastating impact on the liberty and future of those convicted. Solely from the standpoint of jail time, you may face up to one year behind bars for your crime, not to mention a fine of up to $1,000, probation, and other penalties that apply to your specific charge.

New York State divides misdemeanor crimes as follows: Class A, Class B, and “unclassified” misdemeanors.

Class A Misdemeanors

These are the most severely penalized misdemeanor crimes. Upon conviction, a judge may sentence you to up to one year in county or city jail, community service, a fine, issuance of an order of protection, 2+ years of probation, and other sanctions.

Offenses under this category include:

• Petit larceny
• Assault in the 3^rd degree
• 4^th degree criminal possession of a weapon
• Theft of services
• Forcible touching
• Sexual misconduct
• Graffiti application

Class B Misdemeanors

These are considered less severe than Class “A” misdemeanors, yet still incur jail sentences and fees. If found guilty, you face a face, mandatory state surcharge, community service, probation, and incarceration in local county or city jail for no more than 90 days.

Class B misdemeanor offenses in New York include the following:

• Marijuana possession in the 5^th degree
• Prostitution
• Harassment in the 1^st degree
• Indecent exposure
• Stalking
• Setting off fireworks without a valid permit
• Any attempt to commit a Class A misdemeanor

Unclassified Misdemeanors

These criminal charges are scattered throughout miscellaneous New York statues, but primarily include vehicle and traffic law violations. They are referred to as misdemeanors because they are crimes that result in a criminal record and are punishable by jail time, but the statute does not specify a misdemeanor level.

Possible misdemeanor offenses in this category include:

• Driving with a suspended license
• Reckless driving
• Driving while intoxicated (DUI)

Violations

Although not actually a misdemeanor nor a crime, these are still an offense under the New York State Penal Code and you may still benefit by legal representation. Violations are punishable by fines, mandatory state surcharge, community service, and other sanctions.

Offenses include:

• Disorderly conduct
• Harassment in the 2^nd degree
• Unlawful possession of marijuana