Summary Offenses
DON'T UNDERESTIMATE A SUMMARY OFFENSE
The Pennsylvania Crimes Codes divides criminal charges by three separate grading levels: (1) Felony, (2) Misdemeanor, and (3) Summary.
While the Summary offense is the least serious of the gradings it is important to remember that a Summary offense is still a criminal offense which carries with it the chance for criminal penalties. A Summary offense typically starts off with police contact which results in a Summary Citation; this is also called a Summary Non-Traffic Citation. The Summary Citation looks a lot like your typical traffic ticket, and this may lull some into a false sense of security resulting in an apathetic response or even a guilty plea. A Summary offense carries with it criminal penalties to include fines, costs, as well as the potential for jail time. A person can look at a jail sentence of up to 90 days and face a fine of up to $300; the fine for some Summary offenses can reach as high as $1000 or more. Summary offense include:
It is also important to understand that a Summary conviction results in a criminal record. It is possible to expunge a Summary offense from your criminal record if you have been free of arrest or prosecution for five years following the conviction for the Summary offense. 18 Pa.C.S.A § 9122(b)(3).
