What is a Felony, Misdemeanor, and Summary in Pennsylvania?
When arrested and convicted in Pennsylvania, your punishment depends upon the seriousness of the crime and your criminal history. In Pennsylvania, Felony offenses are the most severe crimes, then misdemeanors, and then summary offenses. Crimes are categorized into Degrees, from First Degree to Third Degree, with first-degree crimes being the most serious. The question then is: What is a Felony, Misdemeanor, and Summary in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania crime classifications are:
- Murder
- Felony – 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Degree
- Misdemeanor – 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Degree
- Summary Offenses
Each classification includes sentencing guidelines a judge consults to determine the appropriate sentence. The Pennsylvania Sentencing Guidelines assign scores for each crime(s) convicted of (Offense Gravity Score) and your prior convictions (Prior Record Score). Where these two numbers intersect is the recommended guideline sentence.
Felonies
Murder Offenses
Murder includes the crimes of Murder in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Degree, as well as, Manslaughter and Involuntary Manslaughter.
Murder in the First Degree is a capital offense in Pennsylvania. Meaning it is punishable by death. Murder in the First Degree carries a penalty of life in prison or death. Murder in the Second Degree carries a sentence of life in prison.
1st Degree Felony
1st Degree Felonies are the most severe crimes charged in Pennsylvania. The penalties carry an exposure of 10 to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. Crimes included are:
- Murder
- Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
- Kidnapping
- Rape
- Burglary (when people are in the structure)
- Arson endangering persons
- Theft of property worth $500,000 or more
2nd Degree Felony
2nd Degree Felonies in Pennsylvania carry an exposure of 5 to 10 years in prison a $25,000 fine. Crimes included are:
- Sexual assault
- Involuntary manslaughter of a victim under 12 years old
- Burglary (with no one in the structure)
- Indecent assault
- Aggravated assault
- Theft of property worth at least $100,000 but less than $500,000
3rd Degree Felony
3rd Degree Felonies in Pennsylvania carry an exposure of 3.5 to 7 years in prison and $15,000 fine. Crimes included are:
- Bribery
- Possession of child pornography
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Certain gun crimes
- Theft of property worth more than $2,000 but less than $100,000
Felony Convictions
Felonies result in repercussions that extend beyond the Pennsylvania criminal system. After you have served your prions or probation time and paid any fines, you are labeled a felon, which results in limitations on your freedoms. A felony conviction in Pennsylvania, restrictions or prevents:
- Running for public office
- Owning or possessing a firearm
- Voting
- Serve on a jury
- Obtain college financial aid
- Receive government benefits
Additionally, it is more difficult for felons to obtain employment, join the military, find a place to live and enter certain professions
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanor crimes are considered less severe than felony offenses. Like felonies, Misdemeanors are separated by Degree, from 1st Degree to 3rd Degree.
1st Degree Misdemeanor
Misdemeanors in the 1st Degree are the most serious misdemeanor charge in Pennsylvania. A 1st-degree misdemeanor conviction exposes you to 2.5 to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Crimes included are:
- Simple assault
- Terroristic threats
- Stalking
- Assault of a sports official
- Multiple DUI offenses
- Theft of property worth at least $200 but less than $2,000
2nd Degree Misdemeanor
Misdemeanors in the 2nd Degree in Pennsylvania expose you 1 to 2 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Crimes included are:
- Bigamy
- Shoplifting
- Impersonating a public servant
- Strangulation
- Theft of property worth at least $50 but less than $200
3rd Degree Misdemeanor
Misdemeanors in the 3rd Degree in Pennsylvania expose you to 6 months to 1 year in prison and a $2,500 fine. Crimes included are:
- Possession of marijuana
- Open lewdness
- Railroad vandalism
- Loitering and prowling at night
- Theft of property worth less than $50
SUMMARY OFFENSES
Summary offenses are the least serious crime in Pennsylvania. The maximum punishment is 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $300. Rarely does a summary conviction result in a jail sentence.
Summary offenses are common criminal charges in Pennsylvania and handled at the lower court levels; Philadelphia Municipal Court and County Magisterial District Courts. Summaries are often called “non-traffic citations.” These offenses can result in a criminal record and appear on a background check. Summary offenses include:
- Disorderly conduct
- Loitering
- Harassment
- Underage drinking
- Trespass
- Public Drunkenness
How Can Paul S. Peters III, Esquire Help You?
Attorney Peters has vast experience and success in representing clients in all levels of Criminal matters in Pennsylvania. He will ensure your rights are protected, all arguments for your defense are properly explored and analyzed, and that he is a staunch and aggressive advocate for you. If you or your loved one has been arrested or charged with a crime in Pennsylvania, call Attorney Paul S. Peters III, Esq. immediately at 215-291-2944 to begin your defense.
YOU BETTER CALL PAUL!
215-291-2944
ppeters@thepetersfirm.com
TRUSTED AND AGGRESSIVE PENNSYLVANIA
CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY
If you have been charged with a crime in Pennsylvania in any of the following counties, contact the trusted and experienced Montgomery, Philadelphia, Bucks, Delaware, Chester, Lehigh, Lancaster, Northampton, Berks, Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntington, Juniata, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, Snyder, York Bradford, Cameron, Centre, Clinton, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Sullivan, Tioga, Union, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming County Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Attorney: