New York criminal charge
Unlawful prevention of public access to records in New York
Unlawful prevention of public access to records is a Violation under New York criminal law, defined by N.Y. Penal Law § 240.65. As a Violation, 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 § 240.65.
What is the penalty for unlawful prevention of public access to records in New York?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 15 days (definite sentence (PEN 70.15(4)); a violation is not a crime (PEN 10.00(6)) and conviction is not a criminal conviction) | discretionary | N.Y. Penal Law § 70.15 |
| Fine | up to $250 (or up to double the defendant's gain (PEN 80.05(4), (5))) | discretionary | N.Y. Penal Law § 70.15 |
Applies to current.
Common questions about unlawful prevention of public access to records in New York
Is unlawful prevention of public access to records a crime in New York?
Unlawful prevention of public access to records is a violation in New York, and a violation is not a crime under New York Penal Law § 10.00(6) — a conviction is a noncriminal disposition, not a criminal conviction. Unlawful prevention of public access to records is governed by N.Y. Penal Law § 240.65.
What are the penalties for unlawful prevention of public access to records in New York?
As a Violation, unlawful prevention of public access to records carries up to 15 days (the maximum authorized for the class) of incarceration and a fine of up to $250 (the maximum authorized for the class) under N.Y. Penal Law § 70.15 (current).
Which New York statute covers unlawful prevention of public access to records?
Unlawful prevention of public access to records is governed by N.Y. Penal Law § 240.65 (Unlawful prevention of public access to records).
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.