A felony charge is one of the most serious legal situations a person can face. Whether you were just arrested or have learned that charges are being pursued against you, the decisions you make in the days and hours ahead will matter enormously. Felony convictions in New York carry mandatory prison sentences, permanent criminal records, and consequences that affect employment, housing, immigration status, and family relationships for years after the case is resolved. You need an attorney who understands New York felony law, takes your situation seriously, and gets to work immediately.
The Law Office of Patricia Machado has defended clients against felony charges in Manhattan and across New York for over two decades. Call (212) 568-4550 today for a free and confidential consultation.
In New York, a felony is any crime carrying a potential sentence of more than one year in state prison. Felonies are distinguished from misdemeanors both by the severity of the potential punishment and by the long-term consequences that follow a conviction.
New York classifies felonies into five categories, each carrying different sentencing ranges:
Violent felonies and felonies involving prior convictions carry mandatory minimum sentences under New York law, which limits judicial discretion and makes early, aggressive defense even more critical.
A misdemeanor in New York carries a maximum sentence of one year in local jail. A felony carries a minimum of more than one year in state prison and is prosecuted in Supreme Court rather than Criminal Court. The procedural path is more complex, the stakes are higher, and the collateral consequences are significantly more severe.
Beyond the prison sentence, a felony conviction produces consequences that can define the rest of a person’s life. Employment opportunities narrow significantly, as many employers conduct background checks and decline to hire individuals with felony records. Housing applications, professional licenses, and security clearances can all be affected. For non-citizens, a felony conviction can trigger deportation proceedings or render a person inadmissible.
Our firm also handles ICE detention and immigration law matters, giving clients facing both criminal and immigration consequences access to coordinated representation under one roof.
Violent felony charges including assault and aggravated assault carry mandatory minimum sentences in New York and are prosecuted aggressively. These cases often turn on witness credibility, the circumstances of the alleged incident, and whether self-defense or other justifications apply. Domestic violence charges that reach felony level involve additional procedural considerations and potential consequences for custody and family court proceedings.
New York’s drug laws classify possession and distribution offenses based on the type and quantity of the controlled substance involved. Felony drug charges range from Class E possession offenses to Class A charges involving large-scale distribution. Defense strategies in drug cases frequently focus on the lawfulness of the search and seizure that produced the evidence, which can result in suppression and dismissal when constitutional violations occurred.
Theft offenses become felonies in New York when the value of the property involved exceeds certain thresholds or when aggravating circumstances are present. Grand larceny, burglary, and robbery charges are among the most common property felonies we defend.
A DWI charge in New York becomes a felony when the defendant has a prior DWI conviction within ten years, when the offense involves a child passenger, or when the incident resulted in serious physical injury to another person. Felony DWI charges carry mandatory sentencing and license consequences that require immediate attention.
Sentencing in New York felony cases depends on the class of the offense, whether the charge qualifies as a violent felony, and the defendant’s prior criminal history. First-time felony offenders may be eligible for alternative sentencing, probation, or reduced terms depending on the specific charge and circumstances. Repeat felony offenders face mandatory minimum sentences that significantly limit available options. Understanding the sentencing exposure in your specific case is one of the first things Patricia Machado addresses with every new client, because knowing what you are facing is the foundation of every strategic decision that follows.
Effective felony defense requires early action, thorough investigation, and a command of New York’s procedural and evidentiary rules. Patricia Machado approaches every felony case by evaluating the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, identifying constitutional violations that may support suppression motions, challenging witness credibility and forensic evidence where applicable, and pursuing negotiated resolutions when they serve the client’s interests while preparing for trial when they do not. Every client receives direct communication, honest assessment, and a defense strategy built around their specific charges and circumstances.
If you or someone you love is facing a felony charge in Manhattan or anywhere in New York, do not wait. Contact the Law Office of Patricia Machado at (212) 568-4550 today to schedule your case review. The consultation is free, confidential, and the first step toward protecting your future.
Any crime carrying a potential sentence of more than one year in state prison is classified as a felony in New York. Felonies are divided into Classes A through E based on severity.
You will be arraigned in Criminal Court and, for most felonies, the case will proceed to a grand jury or be transferred to Supreme Court. Bail or detention will be addressed at arraignment. Having an attorney present from the arraignment forward is critical.
Yes, in some cases. Prosecutors may offer a reduced charge as part of a plea negotiation depending on the evidence, the specific offense, and the defendant’s history. Whether a reduction is available and advisable depends on the facts of the case.
For a first-time felony offender, a Class D felony carries a minimum sentence of one year and a maximum of seven years. Violent Class D felonies carry mandatory minimums that may be higher.
Yes. Many felony convictions constitute aggravated felonies or crimes of moral turpitude under federal immigration law and can result in deportation, removal proceedings, or bars to future immigration benefits. Our firm handles both the criminal defense and immigration dimensions of these cases.
Do not make statements to law enforcement without an attorney present. Invoke your right to remain silent and your right to counsel immediately. Then call (212) 568-4550 as soon as possible.
In some cases, yes. First-time offenders charged with non-violent felonies may be eligible for alternatives to incarceration, probation, or a plea to a reduced charge. The availability of these options depends heavily on the specific charge, the evidence, and how the case is handled from the start.
