Differentiating Violent Crimes from Other Allegations
In simple terms, a violent crime is one that is likely to result in bodily injury to another person. To use a basic example, an assault with a dangerous weapon is a violent crime because it involves inflicting bodily injury on another person.
However, the definition of a violent crime is strictly controlled by the law. In fact, New York Penal Law provides an exact list of what crimes are considered “violent felonies”. Within this definition, there are four subclasses, each with their own potential penalties for conviction.
Classes of Violent Crimes
The least serious violent offenses in Syracuse are class E felonies. New York Penal Law §70.02(1)(d) contains a list of these offenses. Although there are comparatively minor charges, these offenses do carry a mandatory prison sentence of at least one and a half year. The maximum penalty here is four years in prison.
Class D felonies are next in line. NYPL §70.02(1)(c) states that the available sentences here range from two to eight years in prison, and potential qualifying offenses include Stalking in the First Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, and Rape in the Second Degree.
Class C felonies are even more serious. According to New York Penal Code §70.02(1)(b), these can include Aggravated Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, Assault on a Police Officer, and Robbery in the Second Degree, and potential jail sentences range from three and a half up to twenty years.
Finally, class B the most serious violent felonies. Under New York Penal Code §70.02(1)(a), you may face a minimum prison sentence of five years if convicted on such a charge, and the maximum penalties rise to as much as 30 years for some offences. Examples of these crimes include Robbery in the First Degree, Sex Trafficking, and Manslaughter in the First Degree.
