Levels of Crimes in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, criminal offenses vary widely, from petty theft to violent crimes like aggravated assault, with the most severe being murder. Penalties also vary depending on the crime and can range from community service to capital punishment, although Pennsylvania hasn’t carried out an execution since 1999. If you are facing criminal charges in Pennsylvania, understanding the levels of crimes and their consequences is crucial. Pennsylvania categorizes offenses into three main groups: summary offenses, misdemeanors, and felonies.
Summary Offenses
Summary offenses are the least severe type of crime in Pennsylvania. These offenses do not involve a jury trial and are typically handled in local courts. While less serious than misdemeanors or felonies, they can still carry penalties, such as fines and jail time, with the maximum penalty being 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $300. However, some violations may carry higher fines. Some examples of summary offenses include:
- Disorderly conduct
- Public drunkenness
- Harassment
- Retail theft (first offense)
- Underage drinking
Misdemeanor Offenses
The other level of crime in Pennsylvania is misdemeanor offenses. Misdemeanors are a more serious level of crime compared to summary offenses. Although misdemeanors are lesser crimes than felonies, they can still result in jail time, though sentences are generally shorter. Additionally, persons charged with misdemeanor offenses can be incarcerated in addition to facing other penalties like fines, probation, or community service. Pennsylvania divides misdemeanors into three degrees, with first-degree misdemeanors being the most serious:
- First Degree: Punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Examples include stalking, possession of weapons on school property, terroristic threats, and involuntary manslaughter.
- Second Degree: Punishable by up to two years in prison and fines of up to $5,000. Examples include simple assault causing bodily injury, indecent exposure, and reckless endangerment.
- Third Degree: Punishable by up to one year in prison and fines of up to $2,500. Examples include criminal trespassing, hazing, harassment, and desecration of the flag.
In addition, some misdemeanors in Pennsylvania are ungraded, meaning a degree is not assigned to them. These offenses are treated case-by-case, with penalties specific to the crime.
Felony Offenses
Felonies are the most serious criminal offenses in Pennsylvania, carrying the harshest penalties. These crimes often result in significant prison time, more considerable fines, and lasting consequences on a person’s record. Like misdemeanors, felonies are categorized into three degrees, with first-degree felonies being the most severe.
- First-Degree Felony: Punishable by up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000. Examples include third-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, and kidnapping.
- Second-Degree Felony: Punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000. Examples include statutory sexual assault, false imprisonment, unlawful restraint, and second-degree manslaughter of a law enforcement officer.
- Third-Degree Felony: These are the least serious of the felony offenses and are punishable by up to seven years in prison and fines of up to $15,000. Examples include concealment of a child and failure to register as a sex offender, among others.
Pennsylvania also recognizes ungraded felonies for certain offenses, such as those under the Controlled Substance Act, with sentences ranging from one year to 15 years in prison and fines as high as $250,000.
Contact a Lehighton & Carbon County Criminal Attorney
If you have been charged with a crime in Pennsylvania, contact our Lehighton & Carbon County Criminal Attorney at The Law Office of Adam R. Weaver. Esq., today to schedule a consultation.
