Felony vs Misdemeanor: How Outcomes Differ in NY
February 25, 2026 · 6 min read
How do case outcomes differ between felonies and misdemeanors in New York? We analyzed all 10 charge classes from A-I Felony through B Misdemeanor using DCJS Pretrial Release Data.
Felony vs. Misdemeanor Aggregate
| Severity | Cases | Dismissal Rate | Conviction Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Felony | 536,386 | 46.7% | 52.6% |
| Misdemeanor | 743,853 | 57.1% | 42.7% |
All 10 Charge Classes Compared
| Charge Class | Cases | Dismissal Rate | Conviction Rate | Acquittal Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Misdemeanor | 625,594 | 61.8% | 38.1% | 0.1% |
| D Felony | 202,950 | 51.7% | 47.8% | 0.1% |
| E Felony | 182,556 | 49.0% | 50.7% | 0.1% |
| C Felony | 76,009 | 42.8% | 55.5% | 0.4% |
| B Felony | 65,713 | 33.2% | 65.6% | 0.4% |
| Unclassified Misdemeanor | 65,434 | 9.6% | 90.0% | 0.3% |
| B Misdemeanor | 52,825 | 66.2% | 33.7% | 0.1% |
| A-II Felony | 3,977 | 24.8% | 74.3% | 0.6% |
| A-I Felony Non Reducible | 3,033 | 21.4% | 78.3% | 0.3% |
| A-I Felony Reducible | 2,141 | 8.9% | 88.3% | 2.4% |
| Local Law Felony | 7 | 57.1% | 42.9% | 0.0% |
Key Findings
- Misdemeanors are dismissed at higher rates than felonies statewide.
- The most serious felony classes (A-I, A-II) have distinctive outcome patterns due to mandatory sentencing requirements.
- Acquittal rates are low across all charge classes but highest for the most serious felonies.
- Charge class significantly influences plea bargaining — felonies are more likely to be reduced.
Explore charge class breakdowns on individual charge pages.
Source: New York DCJS Pretrial Release Data (2019–2024). Charge class is based on arrest charge classification. These are aggregate statistics and do not predict individual outcomes.
Data source: New York DCJS Pretrial Release Data. Last updated March 2026. — NewYorkCourtFile.com
Next Step
Facing criminal charges in New York? An attorney can walk you through your options.
Talk to a New York Attorney — Free
Free · No obligation · Confidential