There are two main types of crimes in Pennsylvania: misdemeanor charges and felony charges. In general, misdemeanors are less serious in comparison to felonies, but a conviction for each type of criminal offense can result in harsh penalties, including jail or prison time.

For most crimes, Pennsylvania uses "indeterminate" sentencing, meaning that the county judge will determine a minimum and maximum term if you are sentenced to jail or county prison. In general, the maximum cannot exceed the legal limit for your specific criminal charges and the minimum cannot be more than half of the maximum.

The following are the maximum term limits for misdemeanors in PA:

• First-degree misdemeanors – Five years
• Second-degree misdemeanors – Two years
• Third-degree misdemeanors – One year

The following are the maximum term limits for felonies in Pennsylvania:

• First-degree felonies – 20 years
• Second-degree felonies – 10 years
• Third-degree felonies – Seven years

However, many individual criminal offenses – such as drug possession, rape, and murder – are associated with different maximum terms compared to the lawful standard. Furthermore, some crimes – like DUI, drug manufacturing, aggravated assault, or a violent felony – carry mandatory minimum sentences.

The Basic Steps of a Criminal Proceeding in Pennsylvania

Facing criminal charges in Pennsylvania can be highly stressful and challenging. Working with an experienced PA criminal defense attorney who can help guide you through the legal process is necessary. Below is a basic outline of the process in which you are facing criminal charges.

1. Arrest.
2. Preliminary hearing.
3. Grand jury investigation.
4. Arraignment in Criminal Court.
5. Trial by jury.

The Norristown Criminal Defense Lawyers at Solomon, Berschler, Campbell & Thomas, P.C. are Here to Help

Do not hesitate to let our Montgomery County legal team protect your rights, reputation, and freedom. We can listen to your side of the story, investigate your arrest, and build a strong and personalized criminal defense strategy to help you either avoid conviction or reduce the criminal charges/penalties you face.