Depending on the particular crime you commit, the law imposes certain penalties. If you have committed a crime that is classified as a felony offense, your penalties may vary in severity depending on the circumstances surrounding the crime. In New York, several aggravating factors could impact the severity of your criminal sentence. After a conviction or pleading guilty, the court will evaluate the circumstances of the crime and determine an appropriate criminal sentence. The court is entitled to impose additional and harsher penalties if they see fit after evaluating the aggravating factors of the crime. If you or a loved one has been charged with a felony, it is imperative to have the right legal representation to prevent harsh penalties. Please read on and contact one of our adept Nassau County Criminal Defense Attorneys who can defend your rights and interests in court to seek a favorable sentence.
What aggravating factors could affect the severity of a felony conviction in New York?
If you are charged with a felony, during your hearing the court will evaluate the circumstances of the crime you committed. As mentioned above, depending on whether you have aggravating factors, the courts may impose harsher penalties. The following aggravating factors could increase the severity of your sentence:
- If you have a criminal past.
- If you caused or threatened physical harm to another person.
- If the crime you committed was motivated by a victim’s religion, ethnicity, race, or sex (hate crime).
- If your crime involved the use of a dangerous weapon such as a firearm.
- If you committed the crime in a protected or sacred location.
- If the crime you committed was associated with a gang.
- If the victim of your crime was elderly, disabled, or a police officer.
- If you played a large role in the crime if other parties were involved.
- The level of danger your crime poses to the safety of the public.
Should I speak to an attorney?
Being charged with a felony conviction is a scary and overwhelming experience as felony offenses carry harsh penalties. When charged with a felony, it is imperative to retain the legal services of a qualified Nassau County criminal defense attorney. Our skilled attorneys are committed to helping clients avoid a conviction or achieve a more lenient sentence. As mentioned above, some aggravating factors can increase the severity of your sentence. However, in some cases, they can also help decrease the severity of your criminal sentence. Our determined criminal defense attorneys can mitigate your sentence by demonstrating you did not cause harm to another person, you have no criminal history and are unlikely to commit a crime again, you did not use a weapon, you did not play a large role in the crime if other parties were involved, and you did not pose a serious threat to the safety of the general public. In some cases, the circumstances surrounding your crime can help you achieve a more lenient sentence. It is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as they can make sure you understand your legal options and available defenses.
In the unfortunate event that you have been charged with a felony, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our seasoned attorneys. Our firm is ready to fight on your behalf today to seek favorable results.
