N.Y. Penal Law § 70.10: Sentence of imprisonment for persistent felony offender

§ 70.10 Sentence of imprisonment for persistent felony offender.

1. Definition of persistent felony offender.

(a) A persistent felony offender is a person, other than a persistent

violent felony offender as defined in section 70.08, who stands

convicted of a felony after having previously been convicted of two or

more felonies, as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this

subdivision.

(b) A previous felony conviction within the meaning of paragraph (a)

of this subdivision is a conviction of a felony in this state, or of a

crime in any other jurisdiction, provided:

(i) that a sentence to a term of imprisonment in excess of one year,

or a sentence to death, was imposed therefor; and

(ii) that the defendant was imprisoned under sentence for such

conviction prior to the commission of the present felony; and

(iii) that the defendant was not pardoned on the ground of innocence;

and

(iv) that such conviction was for a felony offense other than

persistent sexual abuse, as defined in section 130.53 of this chapter;

grand larceny in the fourth degree as defined in subdivision twelve of

section 155.30 of this chapter; grand larceny in the third degree as

defined in subdivision three of section 155.35 of this chapter; grand

larceny in the second degree as defined in subdivision three of section

155.40 of this chapter; or grand larceny in the first degree as defined

in subdivision two of section 155.42 of this chapter.

(c) For the purpose of determining whether a person has two or more

previous felony convictions, two or more convictions of crimes that were

committed prior to the time the defendant was imprisoned under sentence

for any of such convictions shall be deemed to be only one conviction.

2. Authorized sentence. When the court has found, pursuant to the

provisions of the criminal procedure law, that a person is a persistent

felony offender, and when it is of the opinion that the history and

character of the defendant and the nature and circumstances of his

criminal conduct indicate that extended incarceration and life-time

supervision will best serve the public interest, the court, in lieu of

imposing the sentence of imprisonment authorized by section 70.00,

70.02, 70.04, 70.06 or subdivision five of section 70.80 for the crime

of which such person presently stands convicted, may impose the sentence

of imprisonment authorized by that section for a class A-I felony. In

such event the reasons for the court's opinion shall be set forth in the

record.