New York Laws and Legal Penalties

Comprehensive legal reference for New York. Browse DUI laws, drug possession penalties, theft charges, statutes of limitations, and more. All information is sourced from public state statutes.

Note: This information is for general educational purposes only. Laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed New York attorney for advice specific to your situation.

New York Quick Facts

  • State Capital: Albany
  • Region: Northeast
  • DUI BAC Limit: 0.08%
  • Marijuana Status: Legal (recreational)
  • Felony Theft Threshold: $1,000+
  • Murder SOL: None

New York DUI Laws

OffensePenalties
First Offense DUIUp to 1 year jail, $500–$1,000 fine, 6-month revocation
Second Offense DUIUp to 4 years, $1,000–$5,000 fine, 1-year revocation
Felony DUI Threshold2nd offense within 10 years
Legal BAC Limit0.08%

New York has both DWI and DWAI charges

Full New York DUI Guide →

New York Marijuana Laws

CategoryDetails
Legal StatusLegal (recreational)
Medical ProgramYes
Recreational UseYes
Small Amount PenaltyLegal (up to 3 oz)
Large Amount PenaltyOver 3 oz: civil violation

New York legalized recreational marijuana in 2021

Full New York Marijuana Laws →

New York Theft Penalties

CategoryDetails
Misdemeanor ThresholdUnder $1,000
Felony Threshold$1,000+ or more
Minimum SentenceUp to 1 year
Maximum SentenceUp to 25 years (Class B felony)

New York petit larceny under $1,000; grand larceny for more

Full New York Theft Penalty Guide →

New York Statutes of Limitations

Crime TypeTime Limit
MurderNone
Rape / Sexual AssaultNone (or 20 years for some)
Felony (General)5 years
Misdemeanor2 years
Fraud5 years
Theft5 years
DUI / DWI2 years
Assault5 years

New York murder 1st and 2nd degree have no SOL

Full New York Statutes of Limitations →

More New York Legal Topics