Syracuse Felony Defense Lawyers Representing Clients Accused of High-Level Criminal Offenses

If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a felony offense, you know that it is a very serious situation. Felony criminal offenses are punishable by at least one year in state prison and a hefty fine.

The lawyers of the law firm Passalacqua & Associates, LLC understand what a serious and frightening time this can be in your life. As expected, you are uncertain as to what the future may bring and how to proceed with a defense.

Our lawyers are here and ready to help. We have been serving the citizens of Syracuse and surrounding areas for years and have a proven track record of being able to obtain favorable results for our clients.

We do not make prejudgments in regard to your case. We recognize the fact that there are times when good people make poor choices. As a result of those choices, some individuals find themselves involved with the legal system.

We pride ourselves on the fact that we sit down with our clients and listen to their side of the story. We are committed to launching an aggressive defense on your behalf. Our main objective is to either have your charges reduced or dismissed.

Call Passalacqua & Associates, LLC  at (315) 500-6425 to get started protecting your future.

What is the Lowest Class of Felony That You Can be Charged Within New York?

Under New York sentencing guidelines, the lowest class of felony that an individual can be charged with is a Class E felony.

Some examples of a Class E felony in New York include forcible touching, aggravated harassment, theft, and assault. A DWI/DUI is often charged as a Class E felony if you have at least one prior DWI conviction within the last ten years.

Typically, the sentence imposed for a felony of this nature could range between 2 and 5 years in prison. The exact amount of time is dependent on the individual circumstances that surround the crime.

Do You Lose Certain Rights if You Are Convicted of a Felony in New York?

If you are convicted of a felony in the state of New York, there are certain rights and privileges that you will no longer be able to enjoy. All felonies, regardless of their classification, are considered to be extremely serious in nature and therefore carry severe penalties. Aside from potential incarceration and steep fines, convicted felons also lose certain civil rights as well, such as:

• The Right to Vote: After a felony conviction, you are prohibited from voting after being incarcerated or while on probation or parole. Normally, once you have successfully completed your imposed sentence, your voting rights may be restored, but only after you have re-registered.
• The Ability to Own or Possess Firearms: Under this legal stipulation, after you are convicted of a felony, you no longer have the right to buy, possess, or own a firearm. With the help of an attorney, you may be able to receive a pardon and have this right restored. Otherwise, your right to a firearm is permanently revoked.
• The Right to Sit on a Jury: Due to the fact you have been convicted of a serious criminal offense, you lose your right to sit on a jury and have a say in other court proceedings.
• The Right to Obtain Welfare or Federally Funded Housing: A felony conviction makes you ineligible in New York to receive any type of public assistance benefits or qualify to live in public housing.
• The Ability to Hold a Professional License: If you are convicted of a felony, you could lose any current professional license that you may hold. In addition, you could be barred from obtaining a professional license in the future. This is especially problematic if you work in the medical field and need a professional license as part of your employment.

What is the “Persistent Felony Offender” Law in New York?

In New York, the law defines a persistent felony offender as one who is convicted of a violent felony after having been previously convicted of two or more felony offenses.

If the court finds you guilty of being a persistent felony offender, there are various sentencing guidelines that apply based on the type of crime that has been committed. For example, if the crimes were Class A felonies of predatory sexual assault against a child, the minimum period imposed by law must be 25 years.

If the charges are classified as lesser felony offenses, the minimum amount of time in the sentencing guidelines also drops as well. For example, a Class B felony offense has a standard sentence of at least 20 years, not to exceed 25 years.

Why Should I Hire the Law Firm of Passalacqua & Associates, LLC to Defend Me Against Felony Charges?

Being charged with a felony, no matter what classification, is a serious offense with potentially life-altering consequences. You do not want to trust your future to just any defense attorney in Syracuse, New York. You need to be certain that the law firm that you choose has the experience and ability to aggressively defend your case.

Passalacqua & Associates, LLC has the resources necessary to thoroughly investigate your case, review witness testimony, take depositions, and examine physical evidence in order to achieve an outcome that is favorable to you. Our main objective is to either have your felony charges dismissed or reduced.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a felony, contact our law offices by calling (315) 500-6425 and scheduling a free strategy session with a highly qualified member of our legal team.