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New York criminal charge

Forcible touching in New York

Class A MisdemeanorCurrent through 2026 New York legislative session

Forcible touching is a Class A Misdemeanor under New York criminal law, defined by N.Y. Penal Law § 130.52. As a Class A 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 § 130.52.

What is the penalty for forcible touching in New York?

Penalties for Forcible touching
PenaltyRangeBasisAuthority
Jail / prisonup to 364 days (definite sentence (PEN 70.15(1); any statutory reference to one year is applied as 364 days per PEN 70.15(1-a)); probation of 2 or 3 years available instead (PEN 65.00(3)))discretionaryN.Y. Penal Law § 70.15
Fineup to $1,000 (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 forcible touching in New York

What class of misdemeanor is forcible touching in New York?

Forcible touching is a Class A Misdemeanor in New York under N.Y. Penal Law § 130.52.

What are the penalties for forcible touching in New York?

As a Class A Misdemeanor, forcible touching carries up to 364 days (the maximum authorized for the class) of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000 (the maximum authorized for the class) under N.Y. Penal Law § 70.15 (current).

Which New York statute covers forcible touching?

Forcible touching is governed by N.Y. Penal Law § 130.52 (Forcible touching).

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.