New York Misdemeanor Crimes: FAQ

A misdemeanor in New York is a criminal offense that is punishable by no more than a one year “definite” sentence which would be served in a local jail, not state prison. Misdemeanor convictions will give a person a criminal record in New York, but misdemeanors are less serious than felony convictions and typically carry with them fewer long-term consequences. While you can be sentenced on multiple misdemeanors to jail in excess of one year, an crime that allows for a sentence to go beyond a year is considered a felony.

Yes. In New York, misdemeanor convictions will typically show up on routine background checks by employers or law enforcement agencies. However, there are ways to seal the record of a past criminal conviction in New York in certain circumstances. To that end, NY CPL 160.59 allows a sentencing judge to seal your case as long as certain criteria is met.

Yes. As of October 2017, a person can ask a court to seal up to two criminal convictions of which either both can be misdemeanors, but only one can be a felony. Review New York’s conviction sealing statute, NY CPL 160.59, for further information. In addition, sealing of court records related to a misdemeanor charge is available to young people who are eligible to receive Youthful Offender status.

Yes, and make no mistake about it. In New York, misdemeanors are punishable by a jail sentence. This can be up to 1 year in local jail (Rikers Island in NYC) for a class “A” misdemeanor, or up to 90 days in jail for a class “B” misdemeanor. Non-criminal violations, such as Disorderly Conduct, are also punishable by up to 15 days in jail.

Some of the most commonly charged misdemeanors in New York are Petit Larceny, PL 155.25, as it relates to shoplifting, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, cocaine, ecstasy, Molly, heroin, etc., PL 220.03, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, PL 265.01, gravity knives, and Assault in the Third Degree, PL 120.00.