New York legal term
Misdemeanor in New York Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New York legislative session
In New York criminal law, “Misdemeanor” 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 “Misdemeanor” mean in New York criminal law?
"Misdemeanor" means an offense, other than a "traffic infraction," for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment in excess of fifteen days may be imposed, but for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment in excess of one year cannot be imposed. 5. (N.Y. Penal Law § 10.00)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Manipulation of gaming outcomes at an authorized gaming establishment
- Manufacture, transport, disposition and defacement of weapons and dangerous instruments and appliances
- Prohibited use of weapons
- Unlawful purchase of body armor
- Unlawful sale of body armor
- Unlawfully dealing with fireworks and dangerous fireworks
- Absconding from a furlough program
- Advertisement or sale of unauthorized recordings in the second degree
- Aggravated family offense
- Aggravated harassment in the second degree
- Aggravated threat of mass harm
- Arson in the fifth degree
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.