If you have been convicted of a serious felony, it is imperative that you seek out help immediately. There are many different ways to go about finding help for your case. One of the best options is to consult an attorney. They have experience and expertise to deal with your case and help you get the results you need. Whether you are facing charges for an assault, drug possession, theft, or even murder, you can be confident that they can help you.
Classifications of a crime
Classifications are used in criminal law to distinguish between felonies and other crimes. This helps judges to determine the appropriate sentence for convicted criminals. Generally, a crime is classified in one of four categories.
Felonies are the most serious crimes. The punishment is usually in the form of imprisonment. They can also cause severe injury and property destruction. In some cases, they may even lead to death. Those convicted of felony crimes can face lengthy prison sentences.
Felonies are categorized into three groups: first, second, and third degree. Each level carries a different term of imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense. First-degree felonies are the most serious. Usually, they carry a minimum of five years of imprisonment.
Second-degree felonies are more moderate. Usually, they carry a minimum term of three years of imprisonment. Third-degree felonies are the least serious of all. Typically, they carry a maximum term of thirty years of imprisonment.
Penalties for non-violent predicate felons
If you are charged with a felony, you may face many years in prison. This can cause a tremendous impact on your life. But if you have been convicted of a non-violent felony, you might not be facing such a harsh sentence.
In New York, a person who is convicted of a felony is classified as a “Predicate Felon”. They are given a minimum 1.5 to three years in state prison. The maximum sentence is dependent on the crime and the criminal history.
Depending on your prior convictions, you may be considered a violent or non-violent predicate felony. Violent felons are typically charged with crimes such as aggravated sexual abuse, robbery and homicide. Non-violent felons are charged with lesser crimes. Some of the lesser charges include fraudulent use of a credit card and abandonment of a child.
If you have been convicted of a non-violent predicate felony, you are subject to probation. You can also be given judicial diversion. However, if you have been convicted of aggravated sexual abuse, robbery or homicide, you are not eligible for judicial diversion.
Penalties for violent felony offenses
A violent felony is a serious crime, and it can affect your life in a variety of ways. In New York, for example, penalties for a violent felony include incarceration, significant fines, and restitution. If you have been charged with a violent felony, you may want to hire a criminal defense attorney to protect your interests.
The most common form of punishment for a violent felony is incarceration. However, some states allow probation instead, and others punish offenders with larger fines. Whether your situation is best served by incarceration, probation, or both, you should work with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Depending on the details of your case, the punishment for a violent felony may range from a year to decades of imprisonment. Even though the law permits the harshest possible penalty for a violent felony, you may be eligible for parole after serving a minimum amount of time.
Penalties for repeat offenders
There are a number of reasons why repeat offenders may be punished more severely than first time offenders. They may pose a threat to others, or they may have a greater criminal network. However, if they commit another crime, they could be removed from the community for life.
“Three strikes” legislation is a common term used to describe laws that seek to keep repeat offenders out of the community. These laws can be very effective in preventing repeated crimes and removing them from the community, but they can also lead to more violent crimes.
Several states have passed “three strikes” laws, and most are effective at reducing the number of repeat offenders in the community. Laws in these jurisdictions are intended to make it harder for repeat offenders to obtain employment or housing.
In addition, some states have imposed mandatory minimum sentences on repeat offenders. This is a form of deterrence that has a direct effect on the cost of the crime.
