Legal Question in Criminal Law in New York

What does a Class D Felony Rape Charge mean

Hi I have a family member who is now in jail for statutory rape. He was just arrested yesterday 9/12/07. What I am wondering is the judge said he was being charged with a Class D Felony Charge of Statutory Rape but no one was able to explain this to us nor do we understand why the bail is $10,000 plus 10% and some type of property colatteral. His public defender didnt even bother to go see him and talk to him to find out his side of the story or anything like that even though they are in the same building. Can someone please explain to me why the bail is so high and what a class d felony charge is...Thank you very much for any helpful information


Asked on 9/13/07, 3:22 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Christopher Hoyt The Law Offices of Christopher W. Hoyt

Re: What does a Class D Felony Rape Charge mean

A class D felony is the level of the charge against your family member. Your family member is facing significant prison time, which will vary depending on what if any prior criminal convictions he has in his history. The bail is set by the court to make sure that the person charged with the crime will return to court. Given the nature of the charge and the amount of bail I suggest that if you and your family are not happy with the public defender that you retain private counsel right away. Public defenders can do very good work, but they also have significant case loads and you are not always going to get an attorney with the experience level you need. Please feel free to contact my office if we may provide any assistance to you in this matter.

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Answered on 9/13/07, 3:32 pm


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