N.Y. Penal Law 70.15 – Sentences of imprisonment for misdemeanors and violation
§ 70.15 Sentences of imprisonment for misdemeanors and violation.
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 A misdemeanor | up to 364 days | up to $1,000 |
| Class B misdemeanor | up to 3 months | up to $500 |
Terms Used In N.Y. Penal Law 70.15
- 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.
1. Class A misdemeanor. A sentence of imprisonment for a class A misdemeanor shall be a definite sentence. When such a sentence is imposed the term shall be fixed by the court, and shall not exceed three hundred sixty-four days.
1-a. (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, whenever the phrase "one year" or "three hundred sixty-five days" or "365 days" or any similar phrase appears in any provision of this chapter or any other law in reference to the definite sentence or maximum definite sentence of imprisonment that is imposed, or has been imposed, or may be imposed after enactment of this subdivision, for a misdemeanor conviction in this state, such phrase shall mean, be interpreted and be applied as three hundred sixty-four days.
(b) The amendatory provisions of this subdivision are ameliorative and shall apply to all persons who are sentenced before, on or after the effective date of this subdivision, for a crime committed before, on or after the effective date of this subdivision.
(c) Any sentence for a misdemeanor conviction imposed prior to the effective date of this subdivision that is a definite sentence of imprisonment of one year, or three hundred sixty-five days, shall, by operation of law, be changed to, mean and be interpreted and applied as a sentence of three hundred sixty-four days. In addition to any other right of a person to obtain a record of a proceeding against him or her, a person so sentenced prior to the effective date of this subdivision shall be entitled to obtain, from the criminal court or the clerk thereof, a certificate of conviction, as described in subdivision one of § 60.60 of the criminal procedure law, setting forth such sentence as the sentence specified in this paragraph.
(d) Any sentence for a misdemeanor conviction imposed prior to the effective date of this subdivision that is other than a definite sentence of imprisonment of one year may be set aside, upon motion of the defendant under § 440.20 of the criminal procedure law based on a showing that the judgment and sentence under the law in effect at the time of conviction imposed prior to the effective date of this subdivision is likely to result in collateral consequences, in order to permit the court to resentence the defendant in accordance with the amendatory provisions of this subdivision.
(e) Resentence by operation of law is without prejudice to an individual seeking further relief pursuant to paragraph (j) of subdivision one of § 440.10 of the criminal procedure law. Nothing in this section is intended to diminish or abrogate any rights or remedies otherwise available to the individual.
2. Class B misdemeanor. A sentence of imprisonment for a class B misdemeanor shall be a definite sentence. When such a sentence is imposed the term shall be fixed by the court, and shall not exceed three months.
3. Unclassified misdemeanor. A sentence of imprisonment for an unclassified misdemeanor shall be a definite sentence. When such a sentence is imposed the term shall be fixed by the court, and shall be in accordance with the sentence specified in the law or ordinance that defines the crime but, in any event, it shall not exceed three hundred sixty-four days.
4. Violation. A sentence of imprisonment for a violation shall be a definite sentence. When such a sentence is imposed the term shall be fixed by the court, and shall not exceed fifteen days.
In the case of a violation defined outside this chapter, if the sentence is expressly specified in the law or ordinance that defines the offense and consists solely of a fine, no term of imprisonment shall be imposed.