If you are accused of a crime, your best option may be to contact a Rochester criminal lawyer from Tully Rinckey PLLC for advice on your best options. With strong legal representation from our firm on your side, you could rest assured that your case is being handled by unshakeable advocates with experience in every aspect of criminal law in the State of New York.
Common Crimes in Rochester
Crimes commonly charged in Rochester range from traffic violations like speeding or Driving While Intoxicated to major felonies involving the transport and distribution of illegal drugs. In addition to helping with these sorts of cases, one of our Rochester criminal attorneys could also represent you in the face of probation violations, as well as for violations of New York’s strict gun regulations.
However, just because certain criminal charges are not common does not mean that we would not be able to help. Our legal team could also provide knowledgeable representation for sex crime charges, white collar crimes, juvenile offenses, and more.
What is the Difference Between and Misdemeanor and a Felony?
Excepting very minor infractions such as speeding tickets, the State of New York classifies all crimes codified in New York Penal Law as either misdemeanors or felonies. This categorization reflects the intensity of the crimes, with misdemeanor charges being less serious than felony charges.
Misdemeanors come in two classes: Class A and Class B. Convictions for Class A misdemeanors may carry a penalty of up to one full year in jail, while Class B misdemeanors are considered less severe and only have a maximum jail time penalty of 90 days.
Felonies, on the other hand, have six classification levels, ranging from E up to A-II and A-I in order of severity. Regardless of their specific class, all felonies in Rochester carry a potential penalty of more than one year spent in prison. In fact, certain felonies can result in up to twenty-five years behind bars, or even life in prison for violent Class A felonies.
Aggravating Factors in Crimes
Crimes can be “aggravated” or bumped up in intensity for a number of different reasons. Each individual crime typically has its own specific circumstances that may cause the judge or prosecution to elevate the potential penalties, but there are some general rules that Rochester courts follow.
If a crime was allegedly committed with a weapon, the presence of the weapon often increases the potential penalty and may result in bumping the charge up from a misdemeanor to a felony. Similarly, a prior criminal history may upgrade charges from misdemeanors to felonies. A death or serious injury occurring as a result of the alleged crime can also be an aggravating factor.
Contacting a Rochester Criminal Lawyer
No matter what sort of crime you are charged with, retaining experienced legal counsel may be of the utmost importance. Lack of knowledge about the legal system can very often result in unfavorable outcomes to a court case, so having a seasoned Rochester criminal lawyer on your side could help you navigate the complexities of the legal system while bolstering your case.
The legal warriors at Tully Rinckey PLLC could work to get inadmissible evidence tossed out of court, explore the possibility of negotiating with the prosecution for a lesser charge, and may be able to get your case dropped entirely. To schedule an initial consultation, give us a call today at 8885294543 or email us at info@tullylegal.com.
