Bayside, NY Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense Lawyers Handling Misdemeanor and Felony Cases in Bayside, Queens

In addition to handling hate crimes, probation violations, parole violations, domestic violence offenses, white collar crimes, and various types of criminal court hearings, our knowledgeable legal team also represents defendants who have been charged with:

• Drug Crimes 
  • Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (Drug Possession)
  • Criminal Possession of Marijuana
  • Criminal Possession of Methamphetamine Manufacturing Material
  • Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance (Drug Sales and Distribution)
  • Criminal Sale of Marijuana
  • Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia
  • Operating as a Major Trafficker
  • Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine
• Homicide Crimes 
  • Aggravated Criminally Negligent Homicide
  • Aggravated Murder
  • Aggravated Vehicular Homicide
  • Criminally Negligent Homicide
  • Manslaughter
  • Murder
• Sex Crimes
  • Aggravated Sexual Abuse
  • Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child
  • Criminal Sexual Acts
  • Forcible Touching
  • Persistent Sexual Abuse
  • Predatory Sexual Assault
  • Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child
  • Rape
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Sexual Misconduct
• Theft Offenses and Property Crimes 
  • Burglary
  • Criminal Mischief (Vandalism)
  • Criminal Trespass
  • Graffiti
  • Grand Larceny (Grand Theft)
  • Petit Larceny (Petty Theft)
  • Possession of Burglar’s Tools
  • Possession of Stolen Property
  • Robbery
  • Shoplifting
• Violent Crimes and Assault Offenses 
  • Aggravated Assault
  • Assault
  • Gang Assault
  • Hazing
  • Menacing
  • Reckless Endangerment
  • Stalking
  • Vehicular Assault
• Weapons Crimes 
  • Aggravated Criminal Possession of a Weapon
  • Criminal Possession of a Firearm (Gun Possession)
  • Criminal Possession of a Weapon
  • Criminal Sale of a Firearm
  • Criminal Use of a Firearm

What Are the Penalties if You Are Charged and Convicted of a Crime in New York?

The penalties you will face if you are convicted of a crime in Queens will depend on the following factors:

• Whether you have a record of prior offenses, and if so, how extensive your criminal record is.
• Whether any mitigating factors or aggravating factors were present in the crime.  A mitigating factor can shorten a person’s sentence, while aggravating factors have the opposite effect.
• The way the crime is classified.

Criminal classification occurs at a few levels in New York.  At the most fundamental and basic level, a crime is either a misdemeanor or a felony.  Felonies are more serious, but both are capable of leading to fines, incarceration, and criminal records, in addition to other consequences.

Felonies and misdemeanors are both subdivided into narrower, more specific groups.  Each of these groups, which are called “classes,” have their own penalties.

Classes are designated using letters of the alphabet.  The closer the letter is to the beginning of the alphabet, the more serious the penalties if the defendant is convicted.  Additionally, felonies can be “violent” or “non-violent,” which can make a significant difference with regard to sentencing.  New York penalties for misdemeanors and felonies of different classes are explained below.

• Misdemeanors
  Class B – Fine up to $500, sentence up to 3 months in jail
  Class A – Fine up to $1,000, sentence up to 1 year in jail
• Felonies
  Class E – Up to 4 years in prison
  Class D – Up to 7 years in prison
  Class C – Up to 15 years in prison
  Class B – Up to 25 years in prison
  Class A-II – Up to 20 to 25 years in prison, life in prison
  Class A-I – Up to 20 to 25 years in prison, life in prison

The fine for a felony in Queens is typically the greater of:

• $5,000
• Double the amount the defendant gained by committing the offense (e.g. $6,000 fine for a $3,000 financial gain)

However, there are some exceptions to this rule.  Certain drug-related felonies can be fined much more heavily.  Starting with Class C drug felonies, these fines range anywhere from $15,000 up to $100,000.

Were You Arrested, or Received a DAT? Contact Our Bayside Defense Attorneys

If you, your child, your spouse, or one of your family members was arrested in Queens by the NYPD, you need to speak with a knowledgeable Bayside defense attorney as soon as possible.  The criminal lawyers of Sullivan & Galleshaw have more than 30 years of experience handling felony and misdemeanor cases, including court hearings related to parole and probation violations in Queens.  Call our law offices right away at (800) 730-0135 to schedule a free, completely confidential legal consultation.