What types of offenses are there in New York?

In New York, there are four classes of offenses for which a person may be prosecuted: traffic infractions, violations, misdemeanors, and felonies. Traffic infractions and violations are considered “petty offenses,” and are not considered crimes. They carry the least severe sanctions, generally no more than fines or jail sentences of up to fifteen days.


Misdemeanors and felonies are crimes. Misdemeanors are less-serious crimes, carrying no more than one year in jail. Felonies are more serious, and carry more than a year of imprisonment, including possible life sentences for the most-serious felonies.

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1. What types of offenses are there in New York?
2. What happens when someone is arrested?
3. What is the function of the District Attorney?
4. What is an arraignment?
5. What is bail and how is it set?
6. What happens to a misdemeanor or violation case after arraignment?
7. What happens to a felony case after arraignment?
8. Are grand jury proceedings open to the public?
9. What happens after a grand jury votes an indictment?
10. What is a trial?
11. What are the stages of a trial?
12. What types of sentences may be imposed if a person pleads guilty or is found guilty after a trial?
13. Can a convicted defendant or the District Attorney take a case to a higher court?