Unlawful possession of cannabis in New York

Unlawful possession of cannabis is a Violation under New York criminal law, defined by N.Y. Penal Law § 222.25. As a Violation, it is punishable within the statutory sentencing range New York sets for that offense class. New York classifies offenses as felonies (classes A-I and A-II through E), misdemeanors (classes A and B, plus unclassified), violations, and traffic infractions — and a violation or traffic infraction is not a crime (N.Y. Penal Law § 10.00(6); N.Y. Vehicle & Traffic Law § 155). Felony sentences divide into indeterminate and determinate schemes depending on the offense (N.Y. Penal Law §§ 70.00, 70.02).

Defined by N.Y. Penal Law § 222.25.

This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.