Last Updated on: 17th October 2023, 10:57 pm

Brooklyn Class A Felony Lawyers: Your Guide to the Best Legal Defense

If you or a loved one have been charged with a Class A felony in Brooklyn, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Class A felonies carry the most severe punishments in New York, including potential life sentences. Having the right legal representation can make all the difference in these high-stakes cases.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Class A felonies in Brooklyn and how to find the best lawyer for your situation. We’ll cover:

• What makes a crime a Class A felony
• Common Class A felony charges in Brooklyn
• Potential penalties if convicted of a Class A felony
• Finding the right Brooklyn defense lawyer for your case
• Effective legal defenses against Class A felony charges

What Makes a Crime a Class A Felony in New York?

Not all felonies are created equal. New York divides felonies into five classes – A, B, C, D and E – with Class A felonies being the most serious. Here’s what makes a crime a Class A felony under New York law:

• It carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment or death (for murder charges)
• It involves serious acts of violence, terrorism, drug trafficking, or financial fraud

Penal Law § 70.00(2)(a) lays out the specific Class A felony charges in New York. Some of the most common Class A felonies prosecuted in Brooklyn include:

Common Class A Felony Charges in Brooklyn

• Murder in the First and Second Degree – Charges involving intentional killing or extremely reckless disregard for human life. This includes drive-by shootings or killing a police officer. See NY Penal Law § 125.25 and § 125.27
• Arson in the First Degree – Intentionally starting a fire that damages a building and recklessly endangers other people. See NY Penal Law § 150.20.
• Kidnapping in the First Degree – Abducting another person through force, threat of force, or deceit. See NY Penal Law § 135.25.
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree – Possessing large quantities of very dangerous drugs like heroin, cocaine, or fentanyl. See NY Penal Law § 220.21.
• Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree – Selling very large quantities of controlled substances like methamphetamine or opioids. See NY Penal Law § 220.43.

As you can see, Class A felonies require very serious, dangerous crimes. Prosecutors frequently pursue the maximum penalties, so building an aggressive legal defense is critical.

Potential Penalties if Convicted of a Class A Felony

The stakes are sky-high with Class A felony charges. If convicted, you may face:

• 15 or 25 years to life in prison – The mandatory minimum sentence for a Class A felony conviction is 15 years. It increases to 25 years if you have a prior felony conviction. There is no parole in the federal system.
• Persistent felony offender sentencing – If you have two or more prior felonies, you may face a minimum sentence of 25 years to life as a “persistent felony offender.” See NY Penal Law § 70.10.
• Fines up to $100,000 – On top of imprisonment, the court may impose fines of up to $100,000 for a Class A felony conviction.
• Restitution – You may have to pay back victims for losses related to the crime.
• Forfeiture – The state can seize assets connected with criminal activity, like cars, cash, or real estate.
• Loss of rights – A felony conviction results in losing the right to vote, possess firearms, hold public office, and receive government benefits, among other restrictions.

Because the consequences are so severe, the smartest move is retaining an experienced Brooklyn Class A felony attorney right away. An aggressive defense lawyer can thoroughly analyze the prosecution’s case and identify any constitutional, evidentiary or procedural weaknesses to challenge.

Finding the Best Brooklyn Defense Lawyer for Your Case

Not all defense attorneys handle Class A felonies. You need a lawyer who understands the complexities of these cases and won’t hesitate to file motions challenging the government’s evidence and legal theories. Here are important factors to consider:

• Specialized experience – Look for a lawyer who regularly handles Class A felony cases in Brooklyn courts. They’ll know the judges, prosecutors and defense strategies.
• Resources – Class A felony cases often go to trial, requiring experience litigating before juries and conducting thorough investigations.
• Negotiation skills – An effective lawyer will look for ways to get charges reduced or dismissed through plea negotiations.
• Client focus – The attorney should make you their top priority, keeping you informed and fighting aggressively on your behalf.

Don’t just pick the first lawyer you find online. Vet them thoroughly and feel confident they have the skills and determination to tackle your case. Be wary of lawyers suggesting you just plead guilty at the outset. An assertive defense is almost always better than surrender.

Powerful Defenses Against Class A Felony Charges

While Class A felony cases are challenging, a resourceful defense lawyer can often get charges reduced or dismissed pre-trial. Here are some of the most effective legal defenses against Class A felonies in Brooklyn:

• Illegal search and seizure – If police violated your Fourth Amendment rights by detaining you without cause or searching your property without a warrant, the evidence can be suppressed. This is especially common in drug cases.
• Miranda violations – If police interrogate you without reading you your Fifth Amendment Miranda rights, your statements may be inadmissible. See Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966).
• Self-defense – For assault, murder or other violent charges, self-defense is a complete justification defense if you acted reasonably to protect yourself or others.
• Mistaken identity – Eyewitness misidentification is a common cause of wrongful convictions. Your lawyer may show police arrested the wrong person.
• Entrapment – If police improperly induced you to commit a crime you otherwise wouldn’t have, this is a complete defense. See People v. Brown, 82 N.Y.2d 869 (1993).

An experienced Brooklyn lawyer will look at every angle of your case to build the strongest defense possible. Don’t let the prosecution intimidate you. Fight back!

Find a Passionate Brooklyn Class A Felony Lawyer Today

Facing a Class A felony charge in Brooklyn can feel overwhelming. But with an aggressive defense lawyer on your side, you can avoid harsh mandatory minimum sentences. Don’t leave your fate to chance. Contact a dedicated Brooklyn attorney today and protect your rights at every step.