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.
   (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.