Is Burglary a Felony in New York?

There are three different degrees of burglary that you can be charged with in New York, and all of them are likely to result in felony charges. This is because burglary is not just the act of stealing something. This crime is premeditated and requires you to trespass on someone else’s property on purpose. This makes the crime look far more severe in the eyes of the prosecutor, and that means that you could face some serious penalties if convicted. This is why you should talk to a Queens theft crime lawyer who can help you develop a defensive strategy.

Will I Get a Felony Charge for Burglary?

Yes, it’s likely that you will end up being charged with a felony when you are charged with burglary. Even a third-degree charge is a Class D felony. At the same time, you might end up getting charged with related crimes that can subject you to even harsher penalties. You could be charged with assault, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal trespass, and other crimes.

Other factors can also result in more severe punishment. If someone was hurt or you allegedly stole property valued at a certain amount of money or more, these elements could influence the case against you. You need to do everything that you can to defend yourself and fight off these accusations.

How Can I Be Punished For Burglary?

Punishments for burglary often include jail time and an expensive fine. The degree of the crime you are convicted for will often be the biggest factor determining what kind of sentence you will have to serve. General guidelines are:

Third-degree offense: This is a class D felony punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and a jail sentence of one to seven years.

Second-degree offense: This is a class C felony punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and a prison term of one to fifteen years.

First-degree offense: You could be put away for 25 years if you are convicted of this class B felony.

What Can A Defense Attorney Do to Help?

Your lawyer will do their best to help you develop a defensive strategy that can poke holes in the prosecution’s case and create reasonable doubt. They will:

• Protect your civil rights
• Get improperly obtained evidence thrown out
• Argue that you had no intention of committing a crime on this property
• Argue that this is a case of mistaken identity
• Negotiate for plea deals and lesser charges

Contact Our Law Firm

So if you have been charged with a felony, you need an attorney who is committed to helping you defend yourself and beat that charge. Contact Vasiliou Law and schedule a free consultation with our team. We can tell you more about your options and what an experienced defense attorney can do for you.