Sentencing

A criminal conviction ends with sentencing. Your sentence can include many different kinds of punishments, like prison, supervision, fines or restitution. These depend on different factors, like the crime committed, your history and what happened. A conviction also brings other consequences that affect your life in many other ways besides jail time. Visit Collateral Consequences to learn more about civil penalties outside of the criminal case. Read the sections below to learn about sentencing in the criminal case.

Sentencing Basics
Learn what happens at sentencing.

Pre-Sentencing Report
A Judge uses a pre-sentence report to help decide your sentence.

Common Sentences
Learn about the types of punishments given to a defendant convicted of a crime.

Surcharges & Fees
There are mandatory surcharges, and fees that a defendant convicted of a crime can be ordered to pay.

Victim Impact Statement
A crime victim can submit statements about how the crime affected his or her life. The Judge considers the Victim Impact Statement at sentencing.

Restitution
A crime victim can ask the court to order you to pay for losses that happened because of the crime.

Sealed Records
Find out if your criminal case is sealed and who can see your records.

Leandra's Law
Find out the penalties for driving while intoxicated with a 15 year old or younger child passenger.

Ignition Interlock Device
Anyone convicted of driving while intoxicated or aggravated driving while intoxicated felony or misdemeanor is required to install an Ignition Interlock Device within 10 days of Sentencing.

Sex Offenders Basics
Read about the risk levels and reporting obligations of sex offenders. Find the link to the law.

DNA Databank
Learn about the New York State DNA Databank.