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New York criminal charge

Creating a hazard in New York

Class B MisdemeanorCurrent through 2026 New York legislative session

Creating a hazard is a Class B Misdemeanor under New York criminal law, defined by N.Y. Penal Law § 270.10. As a Class B Misdemeanor, it is punishable within the statutory sentencing range New York sets for that offense class. New York classifies offenses as felonies (classes A-I and A-II through E), misdemeanors (classes A and B, plus unclassified), violations, and traffic infractions — and a violation or traffic infraction is not a crime (N.Y. Penal Law § 10.00(6); N.Y. Vehicle & Traffic Law § 155). Felony sentences divide into indeterminate and determinate schemes depending on the offense (N.Y. Penal Law §§ 70.00, 70.02).

Defined by N.Y. Penal Law § 270.10.

What is the penalty for creating a hazard in New York?

Penalties for Creating a hazard
PenaltyRangeBasisAuthority
Jail / prisonup to 3 months (definite sentence (PEN 70.15(2)); probation of 1 year available instead (PEN 65.00(3)))discretionaryN.Y. Penal Law § 70.15
Fineup to $500 (or up to double the defendant's gain from the crime (PEN 80.05(5)))discretionaryN.Y. Penal Law § 70.15

Applies to current.

Common questions about creating a hazard in New York

What class of misdemeanor is creating a hazard in New York?

Creating a hazard is a Class B Misdemeanor in New York under N.Y. Penal Law § 270.10.

What are the penalties for creating a hazard in New York?

As a Class B Misdemeanor, creating a hazard carries up to 3 months (the maximum authorized for the class) of incarceration and a fine of up to $500 (the maximum authorized for the class) under N.Y. Penal Law § 70.15 (current).

Which New York statute covers creating a hazard?

Creating a hazard is governed by N.Y. Penal Law § 270.10 (Creating a hazard).

Legal terms used in this law

This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.