Fewer events are more challenging than being charged with a crime. However, you have a right to have a defense attorney handle your case.
Criminal charges have various categories based on the type of crime. Felonies are the most serious charges, with misdemeanors just below, and summary offenses representing minor crimes. Unfortunately, prosecutors often go for the highest charges they can, but the evidence might not support it. Our team can argue for the charges to be reduced or have the case dismissed for insufficient evidence. If properly charged, we can determine if a valid defense can excuse your actions.
Call Kenny, Burns & McGill today at (215) 423-5500 for your free case review with our criminal defense lawyers.
Summary Charges in Lehigh Valley
Many minor crimes are charged as summary offenses. While they do not carry as significant penalties as other crimes, you should have a criminal defense lawyer handle your case. Convictions for summary offenses can still result in hefty fines and possibly jail time.
Common Summary Offenses
Many acts can be charged as summary offenses in Lehigh Valley. Common ones include:
- Disorderly conduct
- Public intoxication
- Retail theft under $150
- Harassment
- Criminal mischief
- Minor traffic offenses
- Trespassing
People can be arrested for some of these offenses, but most receive a citation. Your citation might state the fine to pay or set a court date you must appear at. Our team can determine how to fight your case before your court date or fine is due.
Summary Offense Penalties
The penalties for summary offenses can still impact your life despite the minor nature of the crime.
Most summary offenses are penalized with fines, which can be as high as $300, according to 18 Pa.C.S. § 1101(7). Fines for second-degree summary offenses can range from $400 to $800, while first-degree offenses can be fined between $1,000 and $1,500 under 34 Pa.C.S. § 925(6)-(7).
Convictions for more serious summary offenses can also include a jail sentence of up to three months under 18 Pa.C.S. § 1105.
For traffic offenses, your driver’s license might also be suspended.
Summary offenses will also appear on a background check of your criminal record, potentially impacting employment opportunities and college admission.
Misdemeanor Charges in Lehigh Valley
Misdemeanor offenses are more serious than summary charges but do not rise to a felony crime. Still, misdemeanor convictions carry significant penalties, like imprisonment and steep fines.
Common Misdemeanor Offenses
Some of the summary offenses above can be charged as misdemeanors, which can happen if the prosecution overcharges you. Misdemeanor charges are also more likely when a victim is involved.
Common misdemeanor charges include:
- Simple assault
- Theft
- Reckless endangerment
- Subsequent retail theft offenses
- Certain drug offenses
- Terroristic threats
- Resisting arrest
Because these offenses overlap with felony and summary charges, you should have our team make sure you were appropriately charged.
Misdemeanor Penalties
Misdemeanor offenses are divided into three degrees based on the seriousness of the crime.
First-degree misdemeanors (M1) are the most serious, carrying the heaviest penalties. If convicted, defendants can be fined up to $10,000 and be sentenced to 18 months in prison under 34 Pa.C.S. § 925(2).
While second-degree misdemeanors (M2) are less serious, you can still face fines as high as $5,000 and up to a year in jail under § 925(3).
Third-degree misdemeanors (M3) are the lowest level of these offenses but are still punishable with fines up to $3,000 and six months of imprisonment, according to § 925(4).
Felony Charges in Lehigh Valley
Felony charges are the most serious that a defendant can face. A felony conviction can cost you years in prison and much more.
Common Felony Offenses
These offenses often involve alleged victims and violent acts. Common felonies include:
- Burglary
- Robbery
- Manslaughter
- Aggravated assault
- Illegal firearms possession
- Sexual assault
- Arson
- Drug distribution and trafficking
In some cases, our team can get crimes charged as a felony reduced to a misdemeanor during the preliminary stages of your case if the evidence does not support the charges.
Felony Penalties
Like misdemeanors, felonies have three degrees of severity.
Penalties for first-degree felonies are the most serious, with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison under 18 Pa.C.S. § 1103(1). You can also be fined up to $25,000 under § 1101(2).
Second-degree felonies are punishable by up to ten years imprisonment under § 1103(2), as well as a $25,000 fine.
Under § 1103(3), convictions for third-degree felonies, the lowest level, still carry prison sentences up to seven years and as much as $15,000 in fines.
Felony convictions will also stay on your criminal record and can impact you from getting certain jobs, like security. It can also impact housing and your ability to qualify for government assistance.
Criminal Homicide in Lehigh Valley
Murder, while not classified as a felony, is treated as such and has three degrees. Murders can be intentional or accidental, but the penalties are life altering.
A third-degree murder conviction can be punished with as much as 40 years of imprisonment. Those convicted of first and second-degree murder can be sentenced to life in prison.
Defendants can also be fined up to $50,000 for murder or attempted homicide under § 1101(1).
Defending a Criminal Case in Lehigh Valley
The type of defense you need will depend on your case.
For instance, self-defense is commonly argued in cases involving murder and assault. If we can show that you reasonably had to use the force you did to protect yourself or your life, your actions might be excused.
Perhaps you were never involved in the crime and were somewhere else. We will gather evidence and witnesses to establish your alibi.
Our team will also review the evidence to ensure the police legally obtained it. If they did not have a warrant or conducted a search without a legal justification or probable cause, we can request the court prevent the state from using the evidence in your case.
Call Our Criminal Defense Attorneys in Lehigh Valley for Help
Contact Kenny, Burns & McGill at (215) 423-5500 to get a free case assessment with our criminal defense attorneys.
