Rochester Misdemeanor & Felony Defense Attorney
Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney in Monroe County
Individuals can be charged with a wide range of crimes in New York, but the penalties for conviction will depend upon whether the alleged offense is a misdemeanor or felony crime. If you have been arrested in the Rochester area, or if a loved one has been charged with a crime, it is important that you immediately contact me, Christopher K. Rodeman Attorney at Law. With years of experience as a former prosecutor, I know how to handle both misdemeanor and felony cases, and I will diligently fight to protect your rights and freedoms.
To speak with an experienced Rochester felony crimes lawyer, give us a call at (585) 928-4193 or contact us online today.
Understanding Misdemeanor Crimes in Rochester
Being charged with a misdemeanor crime can have serious consequences, including fines, probation, and even jail time. It's important to have a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side to help navigate the legal process and protect your rights.
In New York, misdemeanors are classified into three categories based on severity:
- Class A Misdemeanors: The most serious type of misdemeanor. Punishable by up to 364 days in jail and fines up to $1,000 (or double the amount gained from the offense).
- Class B Misdemeanors: Less serious than Class A misdemeanors but still carry criminal penalties. Punishable by up to three months in jail and fines up to $500.
- Unclassified Misdemeanors: These offenses do not fall under Class A or B but still carry misdemeanor penalties. Punishment depends on the specific statute under which the crime is charged.
At Christopher K. Rodeman Attorney at Law, we have years of experience representing clients facing misdemeanor charges in Rochester, NY. We understand the complexities of the legal system and will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your legal matter.
Common misdemeanor crimes we handle include:
- Petty Theft: Involves stealing items of low value, often leading to fines or probation.
- Simple Assault: Typically includes physical altercations that cause minor injuries.
- Vandalism: Destruction of property, which could result in fines or community service.
- Disorderly Conduct: Acts that disturb public peace, subject to legal penalties.
- Drug Possession: Involves holding small amounts of illegal substances, with potential probation or community service.
Don't face misdemeanor charges alone. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal matter and learn how we can help defend your rights.
Defending Against Felony Charges in Rochester
Felonies are more serious offenses that carry harsher penalties, including significant prison sentences, higher fines, and long-term consequences such as the loss of certain civil rights. New York categorizes felonies into five classes:
| Felony Class | Maximum Prison Sentence | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class A-I | Life imprisonment | Varies |
| Class A-II | Life imprisonment | Varies |
| Class B | Up to 25 years | $30,000 |
| Class C | Up to 15 years | $15,000 |
| Class D | Up to 7 years | $5,000 |
| Class E | Up to 4 years | $5,000 |
Common felony offenses include:
- Burglary
- Drug trafficking
- Grand larceny
- Assault in the first or second degree
- Manslaughter or homicide
- Firearm-related offenses
- Sexual assault crimes
A Rochester misdemeanor and felony defense attorney will analyze the charges, investigate the circumstances, and develop an effective legal strategy to defend against felony accusations.
Penalties for Misdemeanors & Felonies in NY
Misdemeanors and felonies can both result in penalties that could be life-changing. Without the guidance of an attorney, you could be looking at one or more of the following penalties upon conviction:
- Jail Time: Short-term incarceration that can disrupt personal and professional life.
- Prison Sentencing: Long-term confinement for severe offenses, impacting future opportunities.
- Restitution: Financial compensation for victims, often required by court mandates.
- Loss of Family Custody: Potentially losing parental rights or visitation privileges.
- Loss of Employment: Criminal convictions can lead to job loss or difficulty securing future employment.
- Steep Fines: Financial penalties that can strain personal finances.
- Court-Mandated Courses: Educational programs aimed at rehabilitation.
- Probation: Court supervision as an alternative to incarceration.
- Parole: Conditional release from prison with requirements to remain law-abiding.
- Permanent Criminal Record: Long-term impact on personal and professional opportunities.
Your future is important to you, and I understand the need to retain aggressive and experienced legal counsel in a timely and efficient manner. As soon as you are arrested or if you are under investigation for any misdemeanor or felony offense, you need to contact an experienced Rochester criminal defense lawyer Christopher K. Rodeman Attorney at Law. In order to protect yourself, your rights, your family, and your freedoms, I encourage you to take action and schedule a consultation with my team as soon as possible.
I am proud to say that I am a champion for my clients and I will always work to defend individuals against unnecessary penalties that may be brought forth as a result of prosecution. I will defend each individual and their rights and use my knowledge and experience to aggressively pursue the best possible resolution to each case.
Differences Between Misdemeanors and Felonies
While both misdemeanors and felonies carry legal consequences, the key differences include:
- Severity of the Crime: Felonies involve more serious conduct, such as violent crimes or large-scale fraud.
- Potential Penalties: Misdemeanors typically result in up to one year in jail, while felonies can lead to decades in prison.
- Impact on Civil Rights: A felony conviction may lead to the loss of voting rights, firearm possession rights, and professional licenses.
- Criminal Record Consequences: Both charges can affect employment opportunities, but felony convictions carry a greater stigma.
- Court Process: Misdemeanors are generally handled in local criminal courts, while felony cases may go through grand jury proceedings and higher-level courts.
Contact Our Team in Rochester, NY
Having legal representation is crucial when facing criminal charges, as the outcome of a case can significantly impact one’s future. A Rochester misdemeanor and felony defense attorney works to ensure fair treatment, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and pursue the best possible resolution. Skilled legal advocacy can lead to the dismissal of charges, reduced penalties, or alternative sentencing options that help avoid a criminal record. Protecting constitutional rights throughout the legal process is essential, and an experienced defense lawyer can make a critical difference in securing a favorable outcome.
The criminal justice system can be overwhelming, and individuals facing charges need strong legal representation. A Rochester misdemeanor and felony defense lawyer evaluates all aspects of a case, builds a solid defense, and works to achieve the best possible outcome. Whether the goal is a case dismissal, reduced charges, or avoiding incarceration, an attorney is a critical advocate in the fight for justice.
To speak with an experienced Rochester felony crimes lawyer, give us a call at (585) 928-4193 or contact us online today.
Testimonials
Helping Clients Move Forward
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“Mr. Rodeman was able to get us the plea deal we needed from a difficult judge. He was honest and up front about the difficulties we could face, but prevailed to help us resolve our issue.”- Ray
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“Chris is down to earth, caring and understanding about the situation. He is very likeable and very well connected and never stops working for you until completion. Things turned out very favorable for us and we are grateful.”- Boylin
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“Chris made what could have been a horrible situation into a much more manageable one and in the process helped turn my life around as well.”- Bob S
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“Mr Rodeman knows the system and its players from his days as a prosecutor. He is extremely professional, non-judgemental, and so competent in court. I could go on and on about how much we appreciate his help in our case.”- Kiki France-Perry
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He is truly a phenomenal lawyer. He cares about his clients and knows the Law. If you’re reading this, he is the person to go to. Mr. Rodeman is very dedicated and will help you receive the best possible outcome. He does a great job.
Why Choose Christopher K. Rodeman Attorney at Law?
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Experience as a Special Assistant District Attorney
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Flat-Rate Pricing for Cases Involving DWI
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24/7 Availability for Emergency Calls
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Affordable Payment Plans
