Sentencing in NYC Violent Felony Cases

Being convicted of a violent felony in New York City can mean serious and life-altering consequences once you have received your official sentence. At Greco Neyland, PC, our violent crime lawyers are here to help you better understand sentencing in NYC violent felony cases and work to minimize the impact of that sentence following a conviction. We are also here to defend you against a conviction in the first place. Trust us to defend you and protect your rights today.

Sentencing for Violent Felonies in New York City

Suffering a felony conviction in New York City can change your entire life. Beyond the typical penalties like imprisonment, fines, and a criminal record, you can also find yourself with limited options for housing, damage done to your professional and personal reputation, and a 30% unemployment rate. When it comes to conviction and sentencing in these cases, it is important to understand what violent felonies are often charged in NYC:

• Assault and battery: These crimes can range from simple assault to aggravated assault involving serious physical injury and the use of a weapon. In most cases, sentencing will be determined by the aggravating factors at play.
• Weapons offenses: This can include the illegal possession of a firearm, possession of illegal weapons, or charges in relation to the use of a firearm during another crime.
• Robbery offenses: This can include subsequent charges of armed robbery or strong-arm robbery where intimidation or force was allegedly used in connection with taking property from a victim.
• Homicide cases: These are some of the most serious allegations in NYC and often result in the most severe sentences when convicted. These crimes include murder in various degrees, attempted murder, and manslaughter, all of which carry the possibility of life imprisonment.
• Other violent felonies: Additional violent felonies you may be charged with in NYC include kidnapping and abduction, hate crimes, carjacking, gang-related violence, and arson.

In violent felony cases, where prison time is a possibility, sentencing will likely be scheduled for a later date after a conviction is reached, whether by a finding of guilt or by plea. The sentence you face will depend on factors like your criminal background, any past convictions you have on record, the exact circumstances of the alleged crime, and the attitude of the victim.

Additionally, different crimes have differing ranges of punishment. When it comes to understanding sentencing in a NYC violent felony case, it is wise to turn to an attorney who can minimize the impact this sentence can have on your life.

How an Attorney Can Work to Minimize Your Sentencing

If you have been convicted of a violent felony in NYC, you need a lawyer who can work to minimize your sentencing. Furthermore, hiring an attorney before conviction can help mitigate the sentence. When you hire a violent crime defense lawyer, they can help protect you from harsh forms of sentencing by taking the following actions:

• Analyzing evidence: The first thing your defense lawyer can do is analyze the evidence the prosecution has brought against you and determine if there are any weaknesses. They can also uncover evidence that can help you avoid conviction.
• Building a defense: Once your attorney has evaluated the evidence, they can begin to create a defense strategy and negotiate a reduced sentence in your case or seek a possible plea bargain. Around 98% of criminal cases end in plea bargains rather than trial in the U.S.

About Greco Neyland, PC

At Greco Neyland, PC, our attorneys have been serving New York City residents for years when it comes to criminal defense. Led by two former prosecutors, our team knows its way around a criminal case and can use this knowledge to your advantage. Members of our team have been named to the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers lists for several years in a row. We take pride in this level of legal excellence and strive to advocate for all clients.

FAQs

Can I Be Charged With a Violent Crime Even if No One Was Injured?

Yes, you can be charged with a violent crime in New York even if no actual physical injury took place. This is because many of the violent crimes statutes of the state include attempted offenses, situations where a weapon was displayed, or threats of violence without actual action. In these cases, the prosecution will charge you based on your supposed intent or actions that established a reasonable risk of harm.

Will My Criminal Case Go to Trial in NYC?

Your criminal case could go to trial in NYC, yes, but it will ultimately depend on various factors, including the nature of your case and your lawyer’s ability to seek a potential plea bargain on your behalf. In fact, just under 2% of criminal cases are actually brought to trial across the United States. About 0.4% cases go to trial and are acquitted, while around 1.9% go to trial and are found guilty.

What Are My Rights in a Criminal Case?

In a criminal case in New York City, you have several rights, and it is important to be aware of and exercise those rights whenever possible. Your rights include the right to remain silent, the right to seek legal counsel, and the right to be afforded protection from illegal searches and seizures.

Where Will My Violent Felony Case Be Handled in NYC?

In NYC, your violent felony case will be handled at the New York State Supreme Court for the borough where the alleged crime took place. For example, if a crime took place on Staten Island, the case would be handled by the Richmond County Supreme Court at 26 Central Avenue. If a crime occurred in Brooklyn, the case would be handled at the Kings County Supreme Court, 320 Jay Street.

Hire a Violent Crime Lawyer Today

When you find yourself facing felony charges in New York City, it is important that you hire a violent crime lawyer as soon as possible. At Greco Neyland, PC, we are highly skilled at reducing violent felony charges and seeking lighter or reduced sentences for our clients.

While our past results cannot guarantee a future outcome, we are here to advocate for you and do whatever is possible to seek a sentence reduction. Contact our offices today to schedule your consultation.