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Sentencing and Time Served in New York State

Time served in New York State depends on the offense class, sentencing statute, criminal history, and jail credits. There is no single answer; the system is highly structured.

Offense Classes & Maximum Prison Terms (Penal Law Art. 70)

Class	Examples	Max Indeterminate (Violent)	Max Determinate (Violent)	Max Non-Violent
A-I Felony	Murder 1, Aggravated Murder	Life w/o parole / 20–Life	—	—
A-II Felony	Major Drug Trafficking	Life / 8–Life	—	3–8 years
B Violent	Robbery 1, Assault 1, Burglary 1	5–25 years	5–25 years	—
B Non-Violent	Grand Larceny 1, Drug Sale 3	—	—	1–8.33 years
C Violent	Robbery 2, Burglary 2, Weapon 2	3.5–15 years	3.5–15 years	—
C Non-Violent	Drug Poss 3, Fraud 1	—	—	1–5 years
D Violent	Assault 2, Weapon 3	2–7 years	2–7 years	—
D Non-Violent	Drug Poss 4, Theft 2	—	—	1–2.33 years
E Felony	Drug Poss 5, DWI 3rd	—	—	1–1.33 years
A Misd	Assault 3, Petit Larceny	—	—	≤ 1 year (local jail)
B Misd	Harassment, Trespass	—	—	≤ 90 days

Key Mechanisms Affecting Actual Time

Indeterminate vs. Determinate: Violent felonies → determinate (flat term, 6/7 good time). Non-violent → indeterminate (min–max, Parole Board release).
Good Time / Merit Time: 1/7 off determinate (≈14.3%); merit programs can cut 1/3–1/2 min for non-violent.
Jail Credits: Pre-sentence detention credited day-for-day.
Predicate / Persistent Felony Offender: Prior felonies → mandatory minimums, life possible.
Youthful Offender (YO): Ages 16–18 (some 19) → sealed record, max 1.33–4 years.
Alternative Programs: Shock Incarceration (boot camp), Drug Court, Willard (substance abuse) — can avoid prison.
Post-Release Supervision (PRS): 1.5–5 years mandatory after prison for most felonies.