Felony charge are more serious than misdemeanor charges. As the result, a felony criminal conviction carries stiffer penalties that can impact your life forever. Not only do felony convictions carry potential time in prison, there’s also a slew of classes and fines, probation, and other consequences that could tarnish your good name. Additionally, people who are convicted of a felonious charge lose many rights that everyone else in the country enjoys, such as :
- You may not vote in an election
- You may not participate as a juror
- You may not apply for or use federally subsidized housing
- You may not receive welfare benefits
Since the felony conviction is public record, anyone can access the information with a few clicks of their computer mouse. The charge can prevent you from gaining employment, housing, or even a relationship! If convicted of a felony, you may spend no less than one-year in a NY state prison. Yes, that could very well mean a stint at Rikers Island, one of the state’s most notorious prisons. The length of the prison sentence varies, however, and factors such as the nature of the charge and your criminal history impact the final decision the judge will hand down.
