What is a Summary Offense in PA?
In the state of Pennsylvania, a summary offense is a type of criminal offense that is considered less serious than a misdemeanor or a felony. Summary offenses are also known as "traffic citations" or "parking tickets" because they are often used to penalize individuals for minor violations of the law.
Definition of a Summary Offense
According to the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, a summary offense is a misdemeanor that is punishable by a fine, imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or both. Summary offenses are generally considered to be less serious than misdemeanors, which can carry more severe penalties, such as imprisonment for up to five years.
Types of Summary Offenses
There are several types of summary offenses in Pennsylvania, including:
- Misdemeanor disorderly conduct: This type of offense is punishable by a fine of up to $300 and/or imprisonment for up to 30 days.
- Criminal mischief: This type of offense is punishable by a fine of up to $300 and/or imprisonment for up to 90 days.
- Vagrancy: This type of offense is punishable by a fine of up to $200 and/or imprisonment for up to 30 days.
- Disorderly conduct: This type of offense is punishable by a fine of up to $200 and/or imprisonment for up to 30 days.
- Disorderly conduct by loud and raucous behavior: This type of offense is punishable by a fine of up to $200 and/or imprisonment for up to 30 days.
- Disorderly conduct by offensive language: This type of offense is punishable by a fine of up to $200 and/or imprisonment for up to 30 days.
- Public drunkenness: This type of offense is punishable by a fine of up to $200 and/or imprisonment for up to 30 days.
- Urinating or defecating in public: This type of offense is punishable by a fine of up to $200 and/or imprisonment for up to 30 days.
Penalties for Summary Offenses
The penalties for summary offenses in Pennsylvania can vary depending on the specific offense and the individual circumstances of the case. In general, summary offenses are punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both. The maximum penalties for summary offenses are:
- Fine: up to $300
- Imprisonment: up to 90 days
- Both: up to $300 fine and/or 90 days imprisonment
What Happens if You’re Convicted of a Summary Offense?
If you’re convicted of a summary offense in Pennsylvania, you may face a fine, imprisonment, or both. In addition to these penalties, a summary offense conviction can also lead to other consequences, such as:
- A criminal record: A summary offense conviction can result in a criminal record, which can impact your ability to obtain employment, housing, or other benefits.
- Increased insurance rates: A summary offense conviction can result in increased insurance rates.
- Loss of professional licenses: A summary offense conviction can result in the loss of professional licenses.
- Immigration consequences: A summary offense conviction can result in immigration consequences, such as deportation.
How to Resolve a Summary Offense Charge
If you’ve been charged with a summary offense in Pennsylvania, there are several ways to resolve the charge. Some possible ways to resolve a summary offense charge include:
- Pleading guilty: You can plead guilty to the charge and accept the penalties.
- Pleading no contest: You can plead no contest to the charge and accept the penalties.
- Going to trial: You can go to trial and present evidence to contest the charge.
- Pursuing a plea agreement: You can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charges or penalties.
- Seeking a trial date: You can seek a trial date and prepare for trial.
Table: Summary of Summary Offenses in Pennsylvania
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct | Up to $300 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment |
| Criminal Mischief | Up to $300 fine and/or 90 days imprisonment |
| Vagrancy | Up to $200 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment |
| Disorderly Conduct | Up to $200 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment |
| Disorderly Conduct by Loud and Raucous Behavior | Up to $200 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment |
| Disorderly Conduct by Offensive Language | Up-to $200 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment |
| Public Drunkenness | Up to $200 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment |
| Urinating or Defecating in Public | Up to $200 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment |
Conclusion
Summary offenses are a type of criminal offense in Pennsylvania that are considered less serious than misdemeanors or felonies. Summary offenses are punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both. If you’ve been charged with a summary offense, it’s important to understand the penalties and potential consequences. It’s also important to seek the advice of an experienced attorney to help you navigate the legal process and achieve the best possible outcome.
