FELONY PRACTICE 

In New York State, felony practice is considerably more complicated because of the plea-bargaining guidelines, procedural issues, and the complicated nature of felony sentencing. 

Felonies are defined by classifications and levels, which will be explained further below.  Additionally, felony drug offenses are treated differently in terms of options available and sentencing guidelines.  The New York State Legislature recently amended the sentencing guidelines for drug offenses.   

In New York, every person has the right to be prosecuted by an indictment when charged with a felony.  However, because many cases can be worked out before the indictment stage, many people elect to plead off of what is referred to as an SCI, or Superior Court Information.  A SCI, in essence, is a waiver of our right to be indicted.  The reasons why people plead off of an SCI instead of an indictment are numerous, but the main reason is because of the District Attorneys' Offices' "No Plea Bargaining Post Indictment" policies.

Many people, however, when faced with a felony charge, elect to be indicted and proceed to trial.  Additionally, every person charged by way of felony complaint has the right to have a Grand Jury hear the evidence against them, and that Grand Jury will decide whether or not the felony charges can stand.

Because of the increased complexity, and consequences, associated with felony offenses it is vital that you or your loved one is represented by an attorney experience in handling complex criminal cases.  At Raiser & Kenniff we pride ourselves on our years of experience in handling complex felony matters.  Some of our high profile felony cases have garnered national and international media coverage.  As former prosecutors, we know how to anticipate the government's strategy and formulate your defense accordingly.  We also understand that a defendant accused of a felony offense is often facing one of the most difficult experiences of their life.   At Raiser & Kenniff we not only defend you zealously, we treat you compassionately knowing that an attorney client relationship built on mutual trust and respect is a key to a successful defense.