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The Most Common Criminal Charges in New York City and Their Penalties
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The Most Common Criminal Charges in New York City and Their Penalties
New York City is home to over 8 million people, so it’s no surprise that crime rates here are higher than in many other parts of the country. Some of the most common criminal offenses charged in NYC include drug possession, assault, robbery, theft, and drunk driving.
Drug Charges
Drug possession, sale, and trafficking charges are very common in NYC. The penalties depend on the type and amount of drug involved. For example, possession of a small amount of marijuana is a violation with a $100 fine. But possession of larger amounts or harder drugs like cocaine can be a misdemeanor or felony with jail time. Selling drugs near a school or to minors leads to even harsher punishments.
Assault
Assault charges range from misdemeanors for simple assault to violent felony assaults like aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Misdemeanor assaults may lead to up to 1 year in jail, while felonies can result in state prison time of up to 25 years. Domestic violence charges are also common and can lead to extra penalties.
Theft/Larceny
Petty theft for items less than $1,000 in value is a misdemeanor, while grand larceny of items over $1,000 is a felony. Punishments range from fines and probation for minor shoplifting to years in prison for large-scale fraud or theft.
Robbery
Robbery involves theft by force or threat of force. Armed robbery with a deadly weapon is a very serious first-degree felony with up to 25 years in prison. Strong-arm robbery with no weapon is still a second-degree felony with up to 15 years behind bars.
Drunk Driving
In New York State, the legal limit for blood alcohol content is .08%. First-time drunk driving convictions often lead to fines, license suspension, and installation of an ignition interlock device. But additional drunk driving offenses can be felonies with multi-year prison sentences. When an injury or death occurs due to drunk driving, the penalties are even more severe.While this covers some of the most common criminal charges, there are many other offenses prosecuted in New York City on a regular basis. The penalties tend to be harsher than in other parts of the country due to the high population density and public safety concerns. Consulting with a local criminal defense attorney is highly recommended for anyone facing criminal charges in NYC.