Tompkins County Felony Attorneys

What Is a Felony in New York?

New York state has some of the harshest felony laws in the country. A felony conviction can result in serious consequences, including significant prison time, large fines, and a permanent criminal record. New York is one of only two states that still use an indeterminate sentencing system, which means that the minimum and maximum sentences for a felony will not be determined until after the defendant has been tried and convicted. The maximum sentence for a felony can be as much as life in prison.

If you have been accused of a felony in Tompkins County, it is important to contact a felony lawyer as soon as possible. A felony conviction can significantly impact your life, including your ability to find a job, housing, and a place in the community. A felony conviction can also make it more difficult to travel outside of the country, apply for loans and mortgages, and apply for government benefits. Felony charges can involve complex legal processes, which is why it is so important to find an attorney experienced in defending felony cases.

If you are facing felony charges, contact The Law Office of Charles H. Kee online or call us at (800) 954-5724.

Felony Cases We Handle

Our firm handles all felony cases, including:

• Drug crimes
• Domestic violence
• Felony crimes
• Marijuana crimes
• Sex crimes
• Violent crimes

What Is an Indeterminate Sentence?

A felony conviction can result in an indeterminate sentence, which means that the judge does not have the ability to set a specific sentence for the crime. Instead, the judge will set a minimum and maximum sentence. The minimum sentence is the least amount of time that the defendant must spend in jail. The maximum sentence is the most amount of time that the defendant can spend in jail. The judge will determine the specific sentence after the defendant has been tried and convicted.

Felony Cases in New York Are Treated Seriously

New York State takes felony cases very seriously. Felony cases are treated as the most serious crimes, and the state has implemented several laws to make it more difficult for defendants to receive a fair trial. For example, New York law requires that all felony trials be held in front of a jury. There is no option to have a trial in front of a judge only. In addition, New York has a law that requires all felony trials to be held in the county where the crime occurred.

This means that if you are charged with a felony in Tompkins County and you live in Ithaca, you will have to travel to Ithaca for your trial. The state also has a law that requires all felony trials to be held in the county where the crime occurred, which means that you will have to travel to the location of the crime if you are charged with a felony in another county. The state has implemented these laws in an effort to make it more difficult for defendants to receive a fair trial.

Felony Cases Involve Multiple Steps

Felony cases involve several different steps, and each step can involve complex legal processes. A felony case will begin with the arrest. The police officer who arrests you will read you your Miranda rights, and you will be able to hire an attorney at this stage. If you cannot afford an attorney, you can apply for a public defender. At this stage, it is important to work with your attorney to protect your rights and to ensure that you receive a fair trial.

The next step in a felony case is the grand jury hearing. A grand jury is a group of people who will listen to the evidence against you and determine whether there is enough evidence to charge you with a crime.

What Are the Felony Sentencing Options?

New York has four felony sentencing options:

• A determinate sentence - This is a set sentence that is determined by the judge. The judge will determine the length of the sentence.
• An indeterminate sentence - This is a sentence that is determined by the judge and the Department of Corrections (DOC). The DOC will determine the minimum sentence, and the judge will determine the maximum sentence.
• A split sentence - This is a sentence that includes a period of incarceration and a period of probation. The length of the incarceration period will be determined by the judge, and the length of the probation period will be determined by the DOC.
• An alternative sentence - This is a sentence that includes a period of incarceration and a period of community control. The length of the incarceration period will be determined by the judge, and the length of the community control period.

If you are facing felony charges, contact us online or call at (800) 954-5724.