# A Simple Guide to Understanding Misdemeanor Offenses in New York | Edelman, Krasin & Jaye **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. What Is A Misdemeanor? 2. How Misdemeanor Crimes Work In New York 3. How To Defend Yourself From A Misdemeanor Charge 4. Speak To Our Attorneys Today ![Person in handcuffs with hands behind the back](https://ekjlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/z2.jpg) # A Simple Guide to Understanding Misdemeanor Offenses in New York Misdemeanor offenses in New York are a serious matter and shouldn’t be taken lightly. From minor infractions to felonies, getting one on your criminal record can have a major impact on your life. That said, there are a few legal strategies you can use to defend yourself. Learn more about how misdemeanor offenses work in New York and how to navigate the legal process if you’re charged with one. ## What Is A Misdemeanor? [New York’s laws define misdemeanors](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PEN/70.15) as criminal offenses between felonies and minor violations. But not all misdemeanors are created equal. The state classifies them into two categories (Class A and B) depending on how serious the offense was. Class A [misdemeanors](https://ekjlaw.com/long-island-ny/misdemeanor-defense-lawyer/) carry the heaviest penalties, and you could face up to a $1,000 fine and 364 days in jail. Common crimes in this category include: - Third-degree assault - Forcible touching - Graffiti damage - Trying to escape a police officer - Sexual misconduct - Resisting arrest Class B misdemeanors could make you spend up to three months in jail and pay a fine of up to $500. Common crimes include: - Forging a check - Exposing yourself - Persistent harassment - Loitering with the intention of selling drugs Outside these categories, the state uses separate laws and penalties related to that offense. For a free legal consultation, call [(800) 469-7429](tel:+18004697429) ## How Misdemeanor Crimes Work In New York After you’ve been arrested, the next step is [arraignment](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/arraignment). During this part, the police formally charge you with the crime and set bail. From there, you’ll need to go to multiple hearings and possibly a trial to review the case’s evidence. At the same time, you and the prosecutor will prepare your claims by collecting evidence. This process can be time-consuming and challenging, so consult your criminal defense lawyer to understand each step better and plan appropriately. ## How To Defend Yourself From A Misdemeanor Charge To defend yourself against a misdemeanor, you need to approach it strategically. Here are a few tips that could help you: ### Challenge The Evidence If you know the prosecution is wrong, review the evidence they present and find a way to undermine its credibility. This could involve questioning the methods used to find proof or how they handled the evidence itself.  If you successfully challenge it, you can weaken the prosecution’s case and reduce or completely eliminate your charges. ### Negotiate A Plea Bargain Plea bargaining can be a pragmatic approach, especially when a lot of evidence is stacked against you. By pleading guilty and negotiating with the prosecution, there’s a chance you’ll get off with a lesser offense and receive a lighter penalty. ### Provide A Solid Alibi There’s always a chance the prosecution falsely accused you of a crime you didn’t commit. If this is your case, having solid proof you weren’t at the crime scene can counter any charges against you. Detailed evidence like surveillance footage, transaction records, or witnesses are more than enough to support your alibi. [Click to contact](https://ekjlaw.com/contact-us/) our [criminal defense lawyers](/) today ## Speak To Our Attorneys Today Facing a misdemeanor charge alone can be risky, especially when unfamiliar with the law. Our experienced[New York criminal defense attorneys](https://ekjlaw.com/long-island-ny/criminal-defense-lawyer/) are committed to protecting your rights and building a solid case in your favor. Please[contact us](https://ekjlaw.com/contact-us/) online or at (866) 576-0484 to schedule a free case review with one of our experts today. Call or text [(800) 469-7429](tel:+18004697429) or complete a [Free Case Evaluation form](https://ekjlaw.com/contact-us/) Criminal Defense Blog Posts: [![gun with bullets](https://ekjlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/gun-300x200.jpg)](https://ekjlaw.com/blog/man-arrested-and-charged-after-stray-gunshot-hits-bystander/) ### [Man Arrested and Charged After Stray Gunshot Hits Bystander](https://ekjlaw.com/blog/man-arrested-and-charged-after-stray-gunshot-hits-bystander/) Some of our readers in the New York City metro area may have heard about a recent incident that allegedly occurred in [![Police sirens](https://ekjlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/cop-dwi-300x225.jpg)](https://ekjlaw.com/blog/on-duty-new-york-city-police-officer-faces-dwi-charges/) ### [On-Duty New York City Police Officer Faces DWI Charges](https://ekjlaw.com/blog/on-duty-new-york-city-police-officer-faces-dwi-charges/) Being charged with driving while intoxicated in New York City can lead to severe penalties including jail time, fines [![NYPD Finally Admits to Illegally Saving Kids’ Fingerprints](https://ekjlaw.com/wp-content/themes/edelman-child/assets/app/img/default-image.webp)](https://ekjlaw.com/blog/nypd-finally-admits-to-illegally-saving-kids-fingerprints/) ### [NYPD Finally Admits to Illegally Saving Kids’ Fingerprints](https://ekjlaw.com/blog/nypd-finally-admits-to-illegally-saving-kids-fingerprints/) Sometimes it is hard to know who to believe. For years, the New York City Police Department insisted that it was not [![Convictions On Drug Sale Charges Carry Heavy Penalties](https://ekjlaw.com/wp-content/themes/edelman-child/assets/app/img/default-image.webp)](https://ekjlaw.com/blog/convictions-on-drug-sale-charges-carry-heavy-penalties/) ### [Convictions On Drug Sale Charges Carry Heavy Penalties](https://ekjlaw.com/blog/convictions-on-drug-sale-charges-carry-heavy-penalties/) New York’s drug laws are some of the toughest and most complicated in the nation. The state has six degrees of --- Source: https://ekjlaw.com/blog/a-simple-guide-to-understanding-misdemeanor-offenses-in-new-york/