What is a Class E felony?

According to New York law firm E. Stewart Jones, Class E felony charges include child abandonment, negligent homicide and third-degree rape. Penalties for a Class E felony conviction range from no jail with probation up to four years of incarceration.

Although Class E felony convictions carry lower punishment times than Class A through D charges, a felony conviction of any type limits certain activities. In New York state, for instance, a felon automatically loses his right to serve on a jury, purchase firearms or participate in elections. He is not authorized to receive welfare benefits, and he loses his eligibility for federally subsidized housing. In addition, some work licenses, such as those for attorneys, CPAs, psychologists and social workers, may be revoked.