What Are Common Types of Criminal Charges?

January 17, 2025

Contact a West Chester Criminal Defense Lawyer at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes for Help with Your Case

The punishment that you may receive upon being convicted of a crime depends on its classification and severity. Pennsylvania breaks criminal offenses down into three primary categories, which are as follows:

  • Summary offenses
  • Misdemeanors
  • Felonies

Summary Offenses in Pennsylvania

While no criminal charge is without consequence, a summary offense represents the least severe type of criminal charge in Pennsylvania. An officer may issue a citation for a summary offense rather than an arrest or indictment. In such cases, a relatively quick hearing in front of a judge could result in a disposition of the case. Summary offenses may include the following types of charges:

  • Retail theft (typically under $150)
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Harassment
  • Public intoxication

Although summary offenses are minor, they can still result in penalties such as up to 90 days in jail and a potential criminal record. Even though these offenses can often be resolved more quickly, you should still consider hiring a lawyer to defend you, as you may be eligible for pretrial diversion programs or other alternatives that could lessen the severity of the consequences.

Misdemeanors

A misdemeanor falls between a summary offense and a felony. While misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, they are still criminal charges that can lead to permanent consequences, such as a criminal record. Misdemeanors are divided into three degrees, with penalties increasing with the severity of the charge:

  • Third-degree misdemeanors: Up to one year in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500.
  • Second-degree misdemeanors: Up to two years in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
  • First-degree misdemeanors: Up to five years in jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

Common misdemeanors in Pennsylvania include:

  • Simple assault
  • Driving Under the Influence (DUI) (Note: DUI can escalate to a felony depending on prior offenses or BAC level)
  • Reckless driving
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Theft of property valued at less than $2,000
  • Possession of a small amount of marijuana (Note: Some municipalities have decriminalized small amounts of marijuana, so penalties can vary)

Felonies

Felonies are the most serious type of crime in Pennsylvania. Felony charges often require the prosecution to prove intent, though in certain cases (such as felony murder), intent is not required. A felony conviction will almost always result in jail time, with the severity of the punishment depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

Felonies are categorized by degree, with the following penalties:

  • First-degree felonies: Up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
  • Second-degree felonies: Up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
  • Third-degree felonies: Up to seven years in prison and fines up to $15,000.

The severity of a crime can escalate from a misdemeanor to a felony based on factors such as the amount of money involved or the severity of the harm caused. For instance, theft is classified as a misdemeanor if the value of the stolen property is less than $2,000 but can become a felony if the value exceeds that threshold.

There are additional felony categories for specific crimes, such as felony murder, which can carry life sentences without the possibility of parole. In such cases, proving intent is not necessary for a conviction.

Examples of felony crimes in Pennsylvania include:

  • Burglary
  • Armed robbery
  • Kidnapping
  • Rape
  • Murder

Legal Representation

No matter what type of criminal charges you face, it’s essential to have legal representation. A criminal defense lawyer can ensure your rights are protected and advocate for the best possible outcome in your case. Navigating the criminal justice system without legal support could lead to an inferior result.

Contact a West Chester Criminal Defense Lawyer at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes for Help with Your Case

If you are facing any type of criminal charge, a West Chester criminal defense lawyer at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes can help. Call today at 610-431-7900 or submit our online form to schedule a free initial consultation. Located in West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Chester County, Bucks County, Delaware County, Lehigh County, Montgomery County, and Philadelphia County.

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