Albany Felony Attorney

If you are facing any felony charge, whether for a violent offense, drug activity or an alleged financial crime, the defense attorney you choose could make all the difference for your future. When the potential consequences of conviction include a lengthy stay in prison — along with a criminal record that will limit your prospects for your future — proven, dedicated representation is essential.

Contact The Law Office of James E. Tyner, PLLC to schedule a consultation. We will discuss your charges, your circumstances and the most promising strategy of defense in your case. I handle state and federal crimes, DWI defense, white collar crime defense, domestic violence, sex crimes and drug charges.

Understanding Felony Crimes in New York

In New York State, felonies represent the most serious category of criminal offenses, carrying potential prison sentences of more than one year. The state classifies felonies alphabetically from Class E (least severe) to Class A-I (most severe), with corresponding escalating penalties. Class A felonies can result in life imprisonment, while Class E felonies typically carry sentences of 1-4 years.

Violent felonies include offenses such as first-degree assault, first-degree robbery, and kidnapping. These crimes involve physical harm or the threat of physical harm and carry mandatory minimum prison sentences. Non-violent felonies, while still serious, include offenses like grand larceny, forgery, and certain drug possession charges.

White-collar felonies encompass financially motivated, non-violent crimes committed by business professionals. These include embezzlement, securities fraud, and money laundering. Though they do not involve violence, these crimes can result in substantial prison terms and financial penalties.

Drug-related felonies vary based on the substance type, quantity, and intent. Possession of controlled substances with intent to sell constitutes a Class B felony, potentially resulting in up to 25 years of imprisonment.

Felonies vs. Misdemeanors: Understanding the Differences

The distinction between felonies and misdemeanors in New York hinges primarily on severity and potential consequences. Misdemeanors, while serious, carry maximum jail sentences of one year, typically served in local facilities. Conversely, felonies can result in decades of imprisonment in state penitentiaries.

The prosecution process differs significantly between these offense types. Felony cases require grand jury indictments and proceed in the County or Supreme Court. Misdemeanors are generally handled in local criminal courts with streamlined procedures.

Long-term implications diverge dramatically. Felony convictions permanently strip certain civil rights, including voting rights (while incarcerated or on parole), firearm ownership, and eligibility for many professional licenses. Employment prospects become severely limited with mandatory disclosure on job applications.

The collateral consequences extend beyond legal penalties. Felony convictions can disqualify individuals from certain housing options, impact child custody arrangements, and result in deportation for non-citizens. These lasting effects underscore why securing experienced Albany criminal defense attorneys immediately following felony charges is absolutely essential for protecting your future.

Representing Persons Accused of Federal Felony Charges Across Albany, NY and Surrounding Areas

If you are facing any felony charge, whether for a violent offense, drug activity or an alleged financial crime, the defense attorney you choose could make all the difference for your future. When the potential consequences of conviction include a lengthy stay in prison — along with a criminal record that will limit your prospects for your future — proven, dedicated representation is essential.

Turn to a Proven Negotiator and Criminal

Over the past decade, we have built a reputation in Albany and beyond for resourceful, aggressive felony defense in cases from DWI to murder. Our Albany criminal law firm — led by a proven trial lawyer James E. Tyner — has achieved successful outcomes in numerous high-profile felony cases. To discuss the charges against you and our ability to help, contact us today.

No Case Too Challenging or Complex

The Law Office of James E. Tyner, PLLC has succeeded in winning dismissals and acquittals in many state and federal felony cases. Our firm is well prepared to defend you when you face:

• Charges or an investigation related to a white collar or Internet crime, such as business fraud, public corruption, or possession of child pornography
• Drug charges, including possession, intent to distribute, sale or trafficking in any illegal substance — and any related conspiracy, racketeering or money laundering charges
• Charges associated with a violent crime, such as homicide or attempted homicide, assault or rape
• Burglary or theft charges
• Felony DUI or a vehicular assault charge

Felony FAQs

What Types of Crimes are There in Albany?

There are three types of offenses in Albany: Felonies, Misdemeanors and Violations.  

Misdemeanors are classified as class “A,” class “B” and unclassified misdemeanors.  Misdemeanors are a crime, meaning that if you are convicted of a misdemeanor, you will have a criminal record for the rest of your life.

Similarly, Felony level offenses are crimes as well — the most serious type of crime that you can be charged with.

What are the Common Types of Felony Crimes?

The most serious felony crimes are designated as class “A-I” felony offenses.  In descending order of severity, they continue to include “A-II” offenses, B, C, D, and E, felony offenses.  Felony offenses can also be classified as “violent” or “non-violent” offenses as well.  Common felony crimes include, “white collar” offenses, assault, sexually-based offenses, murder and the possession or sale of illegal drugs or marijuana, etc.

What Can Happen If I am Convicted of a Felony?

A felony conviction will affect you for the rest of your life.  In addition to being exposed to serious periods of incarceration (in some cases, up to 25 years to life) a felony conviction may prevent you from obtaining financial aid for higher education or obtaining a professional license.  Finally, felony convictions can permanently disqualify you from certain privileges, like possessing firearms, and they can make you ineligible to vote, and deprive you of other civil liberties as well.

Comprehensive Investigation and Case-Building

Mr. Tyner is licensed to practice law in all state and federal courts in New York and travel frequently to handle high-stakes felony defense cases. Our firm is prepared to investigate every aspect of the allegations and circumstances of your case in order to identify the right strategy and build an aggressive defense on your behalf.

No matter what is required in your case, the decision to contact us will be a positive step. Speak to an Albany felony attorney today.