New York legal term
Disability in New York Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New York legislative session
In New York criminal law, “Disability” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the New York criminal code.
What does “Disability” mean in New York criminal law?
"Disability" means a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. 7. (N.Y. Penal Law § 240.00)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Aggravated harassment in the first degree
- Aggravated harassment in the second degree
- Aggravated harassment of a judge
- Criminal possession of a firearm, rifle or shotgun in a sensitive location
- Criminal purchase or disposal of a weapon
- Domestic act of terrorism motivated by hate in the first degree
- Domestic act of terrorism motivated by hate in the second degree
- Endangering the welfare of a vulnerable elderly person, or an incompetent or physically disabled person in the second degree
- Endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person in the first degree
- Endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person in the second degree
- Harming an animal trained to aid a person with a disability in the first degree
- Harming an animal trained to aid a person with a disability in the second degree
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.