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Learn how felony cases proceed in Nassau County, from arrest and arraignment through grand jury proceedings, Supreme Court appearances, and possible outcomes.
Felonies are the most serious category of criminal offenses in New York. They carry potential sentences of more than one year in state prison and are classified from Class A (most serious) to Class E (least severe). Common felony charges include:
A felony charge can have life-changing consequences, including prison time, probation, significant fines, and a permanent criminal record. Because of the severity of these cases, the legal process is more complex than misdemeanor proceedings.
A felony case typically begins with an arrest. After being taken into custody, the individual is brought before a judge in Nassau County District Court for arraignment.
At this first appearance:
Bail decisions are critical in felony cases. Early legal advocacy can influence whether a person remains in custody or is released while the case is pending.
Unlike misdemeanors, most felony cases in New York must be presented to a grand jury. The grand jury determines whether there is enough evidence to formally charge the defendant with a felony.
During this stage:
If the grand jury votes to indict, the case moves forward in Nassau County Supreme Court. If not, the charges may be reduced or dismissed.
After indictment, the defendant appears in Nassau County Supreme Court for arraignment on the indictment. The case then enters the pretrial phase.
This stage may include:
Effective motion practice can significantly impact the strength of the prosecution’s case.
Many felony cases are resolved through negotiated agreements. Possible outcomes may include:
If no resolution is reached, the case proceeds to trial. In felony trials:
A not guilty verdict results in dismissal of the charges.
If convicted of a felony, potential penalties may include:
A felony conviction can affect employment opportunities, professional licenses, housing, and immigration status. The stakes are high, and each stage of the process requires careful legal strategy.
Facing a felony charge in Nassau County can be overwhelming for both individuals and their families. Experienced legal representation ensures that rights are protected from the very beginning, that every available defense is explored, and that the strongest possible path forward is pursued.
With knowledgeable and strategic advocacy, it is possible to navigate even the most serious charges with clarity, preparation, and a focus on achieving the best attainable outcome.
We’ll thoroughly investigate your case to build a strong strategy that protects your freedom
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent. Do not answer questions or make statements to police without a lawyer present. Anything you say can be used against you. Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately so they can protect your rights and begin building your defense from the earliest stage.
Yes. Criminal charges can be dismissed for many reasons, including lack of evidence, constitutional violations, illegal searches, procedural errors, or speedy trial violations. An experienced criminal defense attorney can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and pursue dismissal whenever possible.
Criminal cases can take anywhere from a few weeks to over a year, depending on the charges, court scheduling, motion practice, and whether the case resolves through dismissal, plea, or trial.
Your first appearance is called an arraignment. The judge will read the charges, determine bail or release conditions, and set future court dates. Having a criminal defense lawyer present is critical to protect your liberty and begin your defense immediately.
Not necessarily. Many first-time offenses result in non-jail outcomes such as dismissal, reduction, probation, fines, or an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD). The outcome depends on the charges, facts of the case, and the strength of the defense strategy.
Legal fees vary depending on the seriousness and complexity of the case. Misdemeanor cases typically cost less than felony or federal cases. Most criminal defense attorneys offer consultations and flexible payment structures depending on the circumstances.
Yes, in many cases. Options such as dismissals, ACDs, reductions to non-criminal violations, and sealing may allow you to avoid or minimize a permanent criminal record.
Yes. Even misdemeanor convictions can result in jail time, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record. A defense lawyer can often get charges reduced, dismissed, or resolved in a way that protects your future.
You will be processed, fingerprinted, and brought before a judge for arraignment. The judge will determine release conditions and schedule future court dates. A criminal defense lawyer can begin challenging the charges immediately.
Yes. Many felony cases are negotiated down to misdemeanor charges depending on the facts, evidence, and defense strategy. Early and aggressive representation greatly improves these chances.
Felony penalties vary widely and may include probation, fines, or prison. However, many felony cases can be resolved without incarceration depending on the facts and defense.
Depending on the charges, the judge may release you on your own recognizance, set bail, or impose non-monetary conditions. Bail laws in New York have changed significantly, and many charges are now non-bail eligible.
Your license may be suspended at arraignment and could later be revoked depending on the outcome. However, many drivers are eligible for conditional licenses that allow them to continue driving legally.
Immediately. The earlier a lawyer becomes involved, the more opportunities there are to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and pursue dismissal or reduction of charges.
Yes. Cases can be dismissed through motion practice, lack of evidence, constitutional violations, or negotiation. Many cases resolve favorably before ever reaching trial.
Yes. Many cases qualify for sealing after dismissal or after a waiting period following conviction. Sealing prevents most employers and the public from seeing your record.
Federal cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and typically involve more extensive investigations and potentially more severe penalties. Federal procedures and sentencing guidelines differ significantly from state court.
Possibly. Federal agents typically do not contact individuals without reason. You should assume you may be under investigation and consult an attorney immediately.
Yes. Federal cases can be dismissed or resolved favorably depending on the evidence, legal issues, and defense strategy. Early intervention by experienced counsel is critical.
A federal grand jury reviews evidence to determine whether charges should be filed. If you believe you are involved in a grand jury investigation, you should contact a lawyer immediately.
Do not speak with them without a lawyer present. Even innocent statements can be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions and contact a federal defense attorney immediately.
You will appear before a federal judge, who will determine whether you are released on bail or detained. The case will then proceed through federal court, which involves strict procedures and deadlines.
Yes. Many defendants are released on bond or conditions. The court considers factors such as risk of flight and danger to the community.
Yes. You should never speak with federal agents without a lawyer present. This is critical to protect your rights and avoid self-incrimination.
In some cases, yes. A court may grant bail pending appeal depending on the circumstances.
A CPL 440 motion is a post-conviction motion used to challenge a conviction based on issues outside the trial record, such as ineffective assistance of counsel or newly discovered evidence.
Yes. Convictions can be overturned through appeals, CPL 440 motions, or other post-conviction relief depending on the circumstances.
Yes. Newly discovered evidence can be grounds to reopen or overturn a conviction.
Yes. You have the right to appeal your conviction and challenge legal errors that occurred during your case.
Generally, you must file a notice of appeal within 30 days of sentencing. It is critical to act quickly to preserve your rights.
A direct appeal challenges errors in the trial record, while a CPL 440 motion raises issues outside the record, such as ineffective assistance or new evidence.
You may be able to challenge your conviction through a CPL 440 motion based on ineffective assistance of counsel.