New York Criminal Sentencing Guidelines Calculator

New York uses an **indeterminate sentencing** system for most felonies — the judge imposes a minimum and maximum term within statutory ranges (Pen. Law § 70.00). The Parole Board decides actual release within that range. Determinate sentences apply to sex offenses and some drug crimes. The type of system — determinate vs. indeterminate — determines whether the judge or a parole board controls actual release.

A-I felonies (murder, operating as a major drug trafficker): **15–25 years** minimum. A-II felonies: **3–8 years** minimum. Violent felonies carry mandatory state-prison terms — probation is not an option. Second violent felony offenders face enhanced minimums under § 70.04. Mandatory minimums remove judicial discretion for specific offenses — the judge cannot sentence below the statutory floor regardless of circumstances.

Probation for felonies runs **5 years** (Pen. Law § 65.00). Misdemeanor probation: **3 years**. Violent felonies are **ineligible** for probation. Drug felonies may qualify for judicial diversion under CPL § 216.05 (DTAP) as an alternative to incarceration. Probation keeps a defendant out of prison under court-imposed conditions — but not every offense qualifies.

Good time reduces the **minimum** term by up to **one-third** (Corr. Law § 803). A prisoner sentenced to 6–12 years with maximum good time becomes parole-eligible at **4 years**. Merit time (§ 803-a) provides an additional **one-sixth** reduction for program completion. Good-time credits can dramatically reduce actual time served — understanding the rules is essential for estimating a realistic release date.

A New York criminal sentencing calculator should distinguish the sentence pronounced by the judge from expected time served. Jail credit, prison classification, earned-time rules, parole eligibility, probation eligibility, and mandatory-minimum statutes can all change the practical outcome.

• Charge level, offense class, count number, and statutory range.
• Prior record, enhancements, victim injury, weapon allegations, and drug quantity.
• Mandatory minimums, probation eligibility, diversion, and plea offer terms.
• Jail credit, good-time credit, parole eligibility, and consecutive versus concurrent time.
• Fine, court costs, restitution, supervision fees, and collateral consequences.

Treat the output as a planning range, not a promise. Judges, prosecutors, probation departments, and plea negotiations can all move the number. Use the estimate to prepare questions for a defense lawyer about the best-case, likely, and worst-case outcomes before deciding whether to plead or fight.

New York cost and deadline signals is the right starting point because statewide law sets the baseline, while the facts of your criminal case determine the actual risk band. Use the calculator before you compare attorney quotes, court options, or settlement choices.

Factors that affect the New York estimate usually comes down to three inputs: the amount at stake, the deadline or statutory rule, and whether the matter can be resolved before a contested filing. The calculator keeps those inputs separate so the result is easier to challenge.

County variation matters in New York because clerk practices, hearing calendars, and local filing steps can change the time cost even when the statewide rule is fixed.

• Kings County: 2,736,074 residents, county seat in Brooklyn.
• Queens County: 2,405,464 residents, county seat in Queens.
• New York County: 1,694,251 residents, county seat in Manhattan.
• Suffolk County: 1,525,920 residents, county seat in Riverhead.
• Bronx County: 1,472,654 residents, county seat in Bronx.

1. Run the calculator with your current numbers and save the 2026 result.
2. Compare the result with documents, notices, invoices, or deadlines already in hand.
3. Use the estimate to prepare a focused consultation or filing plan before the next deadline.