NYS Penal Code Vocabulary

Violation

An offense, other than a traffic infraction, with a sentence of 15 days or less.

Misdemeanor

An offense, other than a traffic infraction, with a sentence of imprisonment over 15 days up to one year.

Felony

An offense for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment of over one year may be imposed.

Crime

A misdemeanor or a felony.

Physical Injury

Impairment of physical condition or substantial pain.

Serious Physical Injury

Physical injury creating a substantial risk of death, or causing death, serious/protracted disfigurement, or protracted impairment of health/organ function.

Deadly Weapon

Any loaded weapon from which a shot, readily capable of producing death or serious physical injury, may be discharged, or a switchblade, dagger, billy, blackjack, or metal knuckles.

Dangerous Instrument

Any instrument, article, or substance (including a vehicle) which, under the circumstances, is readily capable of causing death or serious physical injury.

Arson

Damaging buildings or property by intentionally starting a fire or causing an explosion.

Robbery

Forcible stealing of property.

Burglary

Knowingly entering or remaining unlawfully in a building with intent to commit a crime therein.

Assault

Intentionally or recklessly causing physical injury to another person, causes physical injury to another person by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.

Criminal Mischief

Intentionally damaging the property of another person or intentionally participates in the destruction of an abandoned building, or recklessly damages property of another person in an amount exceeding $250, or with intent to prevent a person from communicating a request of emergency assistance, intentionally disables or removes telephonic or similar communication sending equipment.

Menacing

Intentionally placing another person in fear of death, imminent serious physical injury, or physical injury.

Reckless Endangerment

Recklessly engaging in conduct that creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury to another.

Murder

Causing the death of another person with intent, or under circumstances evincing a depraved indifference to human life.

Manslaughter

Recklessly causing death of another person or intentionally aids or causes another person to commit suicide.

Rape

Sexual intercourse with a person who is incapable of consent by some factor other than being less than 17 years old, being 21 years old or more engages in sexual intercourse with a person less than 17 years old, or engages in sexual intercourse with another person without their consent where lack of consent is by reason of some other factor than incapacity to consent.

Criminal Sexual Act

Oral or anal sexual conduct with a person without their consent.

Trespass

Knowingly entering or remaining unlawfully in a building or upon real property.

Larceny

Stealing property, including by taking, obtaining, or withholding property from an owner.