{"id":375244,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:08","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/new-york-law\/new-york-criminal-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-12-19T15:29:21","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T20:29:21","slug":"new-york-criminal-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-york-law\/new-york-criminal-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"New York Criminal Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n \n
\n \n New York Criminal Laws\n <\/h1>\n \n Learn about your state’s laws by using the links below.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\n

Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Like other states, New York has laws in place to protect its residents from conduct that is threatening, endangering, or harmful to their health, safety, welfare, and property. It was one of the first states to enact a stalking law<\/a>. The New York Penal Laws cover all criminal acts committed in the state.<\/p>\r\n

Doing something that’s against New York Penal Laws is considered an offense. That doesn’t mean it’s a crime. Some offenses<\/a> are considered non-criminal, while others are criminal by definition. The difference involves jail time, fines, and more.<\/p>\r\n

The criminal laws of New York are less permissive than those of other states. In some instances, laws will differ under the jurisdiction of New York City. Gun laws<\/a> are strict, and the state of New York doesn’t honor the ‘stand-your-ground<\/a>‘ doctrine. While cannabis use is legal, selling or trafficking marijuana can land you in trouble.<\/p>\r\n

New York criminal laws are complex and, at times, confusing. In this section, we’ll discuss types of offenses, crime classifications, how bail works, possible defenses to crimes, and more. We’ll also provide links to articles on specific New York crimes. It’s a good idea to speak with a New York criminal defense attorney<\/a> if facing prosecution.<\/p>\r\n

New York Criminal Laws – Types of Offenses<\/h2>\r\n

Doing something against the New York Penal Laws is an offense. But not all offenses are considered crimes, even if there’s jail time involved. This can be a bit confusing. Listing the types of criminal cases<\/a> used in New York might make things a little more clear:<\/p>\r\n

Non-Criminal Offenses<\/h3>\r\n