N.Y. Penal Law 60.12 – Authorized disposition; alternative sentence; domestic violence cases
§ 60.12 Authorized disposition; alternative sentence; domestic violence
Attorney's Note
Under the New York Laws, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class B felony | between 1 and 25 years | up to $30,000 |
| Class C felony | between 1 and 15 years | up to $15,000 |
| Class D felony | between 1 and 7 years | up to $5,000 |
| Class E felony | between 1 and 4 years | up to $5,000 |
Terms Used In N.Y. Penal Law 60.12
- Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Hearsay: Statements by a witness who did not see or hear the incident in question but heard about it from someone else. Hearsay is usually not admissible as evidence in court.
- Probation: A sentencing alternative to imprisonment in which the court releases convicted defendants under supervision as long as certain conditions are observed.
- Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
cases.
1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, where a court is imposing sentence upon a person pursuant to section 70.00, 70.02, 70.06 or subdivision two or three of section 70.71 of this title, other than for an offense defined in section 125.26, 125.27, subdivision five of section 125.25, or article 490 of this chapter, or for an offense which would require such person to register as a sex offender pursuant to Article 6-C of the correction law, an attempt or conspiracy to commit any such offense, and is authorized or required pursuant to sections 70.00, 70.02, 70.06 or subdivision two or three of section 70.71 of this title to impose a sentence of imprisonment, the court, upon a determination following a hearing that (a) at the time of the instant offense, the defendant was a victim of domestic violence subjected to substantial physical, sexual or psychological abuse inflicted by a member of the same family or household as the defendant as such term is defined in subdivision one of § 530.11 of the criminal procedure law; (b) such abuse was a significant contributing factor to the defendant's criminal behavior; (c) having regard for the nature and circumstances of the crime and the history, character and condition of the defendant, that a sentence of imprisonment pursuant to section 70.00, 70.02, 70.06 or subdivision two or three of section 70.71 of this title would be unduly harsh may instead impose a sentence in accordance with this section.
A court may determine that such abuse constitutes a significant contributing factor pursuant to paragraph (b) of this subdivision regardless of whether the defendant raised a defense pursuant to article thirty-five, article forty, or subdivision one of section 125.25 of this chapter.
At the hearing to determine whether the defendant should be sentenced pursuant to this section, the court shall consider oral and written arguments, take testimony from witnesses offered by either party, and consider relevant evidence to assist in making its determination. Reliable hearsay shall be admissible at such hearings.
2. Where a court would otherwise be required to impose a sentence pursuant to section 70.02 of this title, the court may impose a definite sentence of imprisonment of one year or less, or probation in accordance with the provisions of section 65.00 of this title, or may fix a determinate term of imprisonment as follows:
(a) For a class B felony, the term must be at least one year and must not exceed five years;
(b) For a class C felony, the term must be at least one year and must not exceed three and one-half years;
(c) For a class D felony, the term must be at least one year and must not exceed two years; and
(d) For a class E felony, the term must be one year and must not exceed one and one-half years.
3. Where a court would otherwise be required to impose a sentence for a class A felony offense pursuant to section 70.00 of this title, the court may fix a determinate term of imprisonment of at least five years and not to exceed fifteen years.
4. Where a court would otherwise be required to impose a sentence for a class A felony offense pursuant to subparagraph (i) of paragraph (b) of subdivision two of section 70.71 of this title, the court may fix a determinate term of imprisonment of at least five years and not to exceed eight years.
5. Where a court would otherwise be required to impose a sentence for a class A felony offense pursuant to subparagraph (i) of paragraph (b) of subdivision three of section 70.71 of this title, the court may fix a determinate term of imprisonment of at least five years and not to exceed twelve years.
6. Where a court would otherwise be required to impose a sentence for a class A felony offense pursuant to subparagraph (ii) of paragraph (b) of subdivision two of section 70.71 of this title, the court may fix a determinate term of imprisonment of at least one year and not to exceed three years.
7. Where a court would otherwise be required to impose a sentence for a class A felony offense pursuant to subparagraph (ii) of paragraph (b) of subdivision three of section 70.71 of this title, the court may fix a determinate term of imprisonment of at least three years and not to exceed six years.
8. Where a court would otherwise be required to impose a sentence pursuant to subdivision six of section 70.06 of this title, the court may fix a term of imprisonment as follows:
(a) For a class B felony, the term must be at least three years and must not exceed eight years;
(b) For a class C felony, the term must be at least two and one-half years and must not exceed five years;
(c) For a class D felony, the term must be at least two years and must not exceed three years;
(d) For a class E felony, the term must be at least one and one-half years and must not exceed two years.
9. Where a court would otherwise be required to impose a sentence for a class B, C, D or E felony offense pursuant to section 70.00 of this title, the court may impose a sentence in accordance with the provisions of subdivision two of section 70.70 of this title.
10. Except as provided in subdivision seven of this section, where a court would otherwise be required to impose a sentence pursuant to subdivision three of section 70.06 of this title, the court may impose a sentence in accordance with the provisions of subdivision three of section 70.70 of this title.
11. Where a court would otherwise be required to impose a sentence pursuant to subdivision three of section 70.06 of this title, where the prior felony conviction was for a felony offense defined in section 70.02 of this title, the court may impose a sentence in accordance with the provisions of subdivision four of section 70.70 of this title.