Felonies are the most serious crimes and are punishable by a state prison term from more than a year to life; five years probation; and/or fines and surcharges.  A conviction of a felony may also result in the loss of your driver's license, a professional license, and the exclusion from the ability to purchase or possess firearms.  Typical felonies include: burglary, robbery, assault, criminal possession/sale of controlled substances, rape and murder. 

If charged with a felony, representation by an experienced attorney is imperative.  Felony charges often commence in city, town or village courts but, are usually removed to County Court if not promptly resolved.  The procedure involved in a felony charge is complex and formal including, arrest, arraignment, bail/preliminary hearings, indictment, pre-trial hearings, trial and sentencing.  These cases generally span many months prior to resolution by plea or jury verdict. 

While many felonies are resolved by plea bargaining, it must be noted that unlike misdemeanors, there are limitations on plea bargaining with respect to felony charges. 

If you have been charged with a felony in Albany County, Rensselaer County, Saratoga County, Schenectady County, Warren County, Washington County, Columbia County, Greene County, Ulster County or Montgomery County, contact Matthew C. Hug for a free initial consultation at 518-283-3288.