Penal Law of New York
Criminal charges explained in plain language
Each guide sets out the statute, what the district attorney must prove, the maximum jail and fine, and the defenses that most often decide the case. Charges are grouped by Penal Law article, the way an indictment is written. They are written by a New York criminal defense lawyer serving Rockland, Orange and Westchester Counties, so you can understand New York criminal law before your first court date.
Article 120 — Assault and Related Offenses
11 chargesPL 120.00 · Class A Misdemeanor
Assault in the Third Degree
ViewPL 120.05 · Class D Felony
Assault in the Second Degree
ViewPL 120.10 · Class B Felony
Assault in the First Degree
ViewPL 120.15 · Class B Misdemeanor
Menacing in the Third Degree
ViewPL 120.14 · Class A Misdemeanor
Menacing in the Second Degree
ViewPL 120.13 · Class E Felony
Menacing in the First Degree
ViewPL 120.20 · Class A Misdemeanor
Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree
ViewPL 120.25 · Class D Felony
Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree
ViewPL 120.03 · Class E Felony
Vehicular Assault in the Second Degree
ViewPL 120.45 · Class B Misdemeanor
Stalking in the Fourth Degree
ViewPL 120.50 · Class A Misdemeanor
Stalking in the Third Degree
ViewArticle 121 — Strangulation and Related Offenses
2 chargesArticle 125 — Homicide, Abortion and Related Offenses
5 chargesPL 125.25 · Class A-I Felony
Murder in the Second Degree
ViewPL 125.20 · Class B Felony
Manslaughter in the First Degree
ViewPL 125.15 · Class C Felony
Manslaughter in the Second Degree
ViewPL 125.10 · Class E Felony
Criminally Negligent Homicide
ViewPL 125.12 · Class D Felony
Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree
ViewArticle 130 — Sex Offenses
5 chargesArticle 135 — Kidnapping, Coercion and Related Offenses
4 chargesArticle 140 — Burglary and Related Offenses
8 chargesPL 140.20 · Class D Felony
Burglary in the Third Degree
ViewPL 140.25 · Class C Felony
Burglary in the Second Degree
ViewPL 140.30 · Class B Felony
Burglary in the First Degree
ViewPL 140.10 · Class B Misdemeanor
Criminal Trespass in the Third Degree
ViewPL 140.15 · Class A Misdemeanor
Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree
ViewPL 140.17 · Class D Felony
Criminal Trespass in the First Degree
ViewPL 140.05 · Violation
Trespass
ViewPL 140.35 · Class A Misdemeanor
Possession of Burglar's Tools
ViewArticle 145 — Criminal Mischief and Related Offenses
4 chargesArticle 150 — Arson
5 chargesArticle 155 — Larceny
5 chargesPL 155.25 · Class A Misdemeanor
Petit Larceny
ViewPL 155.30 · Class E Felony
Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree
ViewPL 155.35 · Class D Felony
Grand Larceny in the Third Degree
ViewPL 155.40 · Class C Felony
Grand Larceny in the Second Degree
ViewPL 155.42 · Class B Felony
Grand Larceny in the First Degree
ViewArticle 160 — Robbery
3 chargesArticle 165 — Other Offenses Relating to Theft
6 chargesPL 165.40 · Class A Misdemeanor
Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fifth Degree
ViewPL 165.45 · Class E Felony
Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree
ViewPL 165.50 · Class D Felony
Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree
ViewPL 165.52 · Class C Felony
Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Second Degree
ViewPL 165.54 · Class B Felony
Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the First Degree
ViewPL 165.05 · Class A Misdemeanor
Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle in the Third Degree
ViewArticle 170 — Forgery and Related Offenses
4 chargesPL 170.05 · Class A Misdemeanor
Forgery in the Third Degree
ViewPL 170.10 · Class D Felony
Forgery in the Second Degree
ViewPL 170.20 · Class A Misdemeanor
Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Third Degree
ViewPL 170.25 · Class D Felony
Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree
ViewArticle 190 — Other Frauds
4 chargesArticle 195 — Falsifying and Failing to File Public Records and Reports
2 chargesArticle 200 — Bribery Involving Public Servants and Related Offenses
1 chargeArticle 205 — Offenses Involving Law Enforcement and Public Safety Employees
1 chargeArticle 210 — Perjury and Related Offenses
2 chargesArticle 215 — Other Offenses Relating to Judicial and Other Proceedings
8 chargesPL 215.50 · Class A Misdemeanor
Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree
ViewPL 215.51 · Class E Felony
Criminal Contempt in the First Degree
ViewPL 215.52 · Class D Felony
Aggravated Criminal Contempt
ViewPL 215.55 · Class A Misdemeanor
Bail Jumping in the Third Degree
ViewPL 215.56 · Class E Felony
Bail Jumping in the Second Degree
ViewPL 215.57 · Class D Felony
Bail Jumping in the First Degree
ViewPL 215.40 · Class E Felony
Tampering with Physical Evidence
ViewPL 215.15 · Class E Felony
Intimidating a Victim or Witness in the Third Degree
ViewArticle 220 — Controlled Substances Offenses
12 chargesPL 220.03 · Class A Misdemeanor
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree
ViewPL 220.06 · Class D Felony
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree
ViewPL 220.09 · Class C Felony
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree
ViewPL 220.16 · Class B Felony
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree
ViewPL 220.18 · Class A-II Felony
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree
ViewPL 220.21 · Class A-I Felony
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree
ViewPL 220.31 · Class D Felony
Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree
ViewPL 220.34 · Class C Felony
Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree
ViewPL 220.39 · Class B Felony
Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree
ViewPL 220.41 · Class A-II Felony
Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree
ViewPL 220.43 · Class A-I Felony
Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree
ViewPL 220.50 · Class A Misdemeanor
Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree
ViewArticle 225 — Gambling Offenses
1 chargeArticle 230 — Prostitution Offenses
1 chargeArticle 240 — Offenses Against Public Order
6 chargesPL 240.26 · Violation
Harassment in the Second Degree
ViewPL 240.25 · Class B Misdemeanor
Harassment in the First Degree
ViewPL 240.30 · Class A Misdemeanor
Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree
ViewPL 240.31 · Class E Felony
Aggravated Harassment in the First Degree
ViewPL 240.20 · Violation
Disorderly Conduct
ViewPL 240.50 · Class A Misdemeanor
Falsely Reporting an Incident in the Third Degree
ViewArticle 245 — Offenses Against Public Sensibilities
1 chargeArticle 260 — Offenses Relating to Children, Disabled Persons and Vulnerable Elderly Persons
1 chargeArticle 265 — Firearms and Other Dangerous Weapons
6 chargesPL 265.01 · Class A Misdemeanor
Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree
ViewPL 265.02 · Class D Felony
Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree
ViewPL 265.03 · Class C Felony
Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree
ViewPL 265.04 · Class B Felony
Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the First Degree
ViewPL 265.08 · Class C Felony
Criminal Use of a Firearm in the Second Degree
ViewPL 265.09 · Class B Felony
Criminal Use of a Firearm in the First Degree
ViewArticle 511 — Licensing of Operators
1 chargeArticle 600 — Duties of Drivers Involved in Accidents
1 chargeArticle 1128 — Driving in Laned Highways
1 chargeArticle 1129 — Following Too Closely
1 chargeArticle 1180 — Speed Restrictions
1 chargeArticle 1192 — Offenses Involving Alcohol and Drug Impairment
5 chargesVTL 1192.3 · Misdemeanor
Driving While Intoxicated (VTL 1192.3)
ViewVTL 1192.1 · Traffic Infraction
Driving While Ability Impaired by Alcohol (VTL 1192.1)
ViewVTL 1192.4 · Misdemeanor
Driving While Ability Impaired by a Drug (VTL 1192.4)
ViewVTL 1192.4-a · Misdemeanor
DWI by Combined Influence (VTL 1192.4-a)
ViewVTL 1192.2-a(a) · Misdemeanor
Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated (VTL 1192.2-a(a)))
ViewArticle 1194 — Chemical and Breath Tests
1 chargeArticle 1212 — Reckless Driving
1 chargeArticle 1219 — Miscellaneous Traffic Regulations
1 chargeQuestions & answers
Common questions about New York criminal charges
- What is the difference between a felony, a misdemeanor and a violation in New York criminal law?
- Under the New York Penal Law, a felony can carry more than one year in state prison, a misdemeanor can carry up to 364 days in a local jail, and a violation (such as harassment in the second degree) carries up to 15 days. Traffic infractions under the Vehicle and Traffic Law are a separate category. Each charge guide above lists its classification and maximum penalty.
- What must the prosecutor prove to convict me?
- The district attorney must prove every element of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt. If even one element is not proven, the charge cannot result in a conviction. Each guide breaks the statute into its elements in plain language so you can see what the prosecution must establish.
- Where will my case be heard in Rockland, Orange or Westchester County?
- Most cases begin in the local town, village or city court where the arrest occurred. Misdemeanors usually stay there; felonies may begin locally and then move to County Court after indictment. Your summons or appearance ticket names the court. Our Courts page lists every local court we cover in the three counties.
- When should I contact a criminal defense attorney?
- As early as possible, ideally before you speak with police or attend your first court date. Early representation allows a lawyer to protect your rights at arraignment, address bail or release conditions, preserve evidence and begin building a defense strategy.
- Do you handle cases in Westchester County?
- Yes. The Law Office of Yvonne Garbett represents clients in criminal and traffic matters in Westchester County courts, as well as throughout Rockland and Orange Counties. The office is based in New City and answers calls and texts 24/7.
- Can a criminal charge be reduced or dismissed?
- Sometimes. Depending on the facts, the evidence and your history, possible outcomes can include dismissal, a reduction to a lesser offense, an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal, or an alternative-to-incarceration program. No lawyer can guarantee a result; prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Charged already?
The first court date usually decides the outcome
Yvonne Garbett is a former Rockland County Assistant District Attorney from 2002–2006, admitted in 2002 with 24 years as an attorney and private defense practice since 2006. Call or text any time — the office answers 24/7.