Details About Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Offense Classes & Gravity Score

Criminal offenses committed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania are split into two major categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Among these two classes of offenses, felonies are the most serious. These two categories are divided into different degrees that include: first, second and third degree. However, not all felonies and misdemeanors are assigned degrees. Also, some crimes come with a mandatory minimum sentence, which requires the judge to make you serve a certain number of years in prison. A well-trained and experienced Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney can explain these things to you in a way that is easy to understand.

Being convicted of a felony changes your life. Felony convictions carry up to 20-year prison terms, which means you lose your freedom to choose everything from what you wear to what you eat, and can affect your ability to obtain employment and care for your family.

To learn more about offense classes and the gravity score, it is best to contact a reputable Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Lawyer like Sean Logue, as a knowledgeable attorney will be able to give you the accurate information and details.

Among the three felony classifications, a felony of the first degree has the most severe penalties. This category includes major crimes such as rape, kidnapping, voluntary manslaughter, and aggravated assault on a prison employee, or police or court officer. Penalties for these crimes include:

• Up to $25,000 fine.
• Up to twenty years of imprisonment.

Second-degree felonies are also considered to be very serious offenses. The crimes in this category include sexual assault, false imprisonment of a juvenile, and burglary of an unoccupied building. Penalties for this are:

• Up to ten years of imprisonment.
• Up to $25,000 fine.

Crimes such as bribery, promoting juvenile prostitution, or possessing child pornography are considered third-degree felonies. A person found guilty of committing any of these crimes, faces the following penalties:

• Up to seven years of imprisonment.
• Up to $15,000 fine.

Selling or repairing offensive weapons, causing danger to children, and stalking are all considered to be first-degree misdemeanors. The penalties for these offenses include:

• Up to five years of imprisonment.
• Up to $10,000 fine.

Carelessly endangering another person, setting fire to property, or resisting arrest are all considered to be second-degree misdemeanors. Penalties for a second-degree misdemeanor are:

• Up to two years of imprisonment.
• Up to $5,000 fine.

Disorderly conduct, selling alcohol to juveniles, and obstructing emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, are some of the offenses included in the category of third-degree misdemeanor. A person committing any of these offenses in Pennsylvania faces the following penalties:

• Up to one year of imprisonment.
• Up to $2,500 fine.

Summary offenses are the least serious of all crimes in Pennsylvania. They are less severe than both misdemeanors and felonies. Crimes like public drunkenness, criminal mischief, and traffic offenses are considered to be summary crimes. They generally come with the following penalties:

• Fines of up to $300
• Jail sentences as long as 90 days

Even though summary offenses are low-level crimes, it’s still a good idea to have an attorney go with you when you stand before the judge. A lawyer will work to lessen your fines, keep you out of jail, and explain your charges to you in detail.

If you or your loved one has been arrested for any of the crimes described above, you should contact a Criminal Lawyer in Pittsburgh, like Sean Logue right away.

For immediate help from a reputable and reliable Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney, including an explanation of offense classes and gravity scores, immediately contact the attorneys at Logue Law by calling us at 844.PITT.DUI or 844.PITT.DUI, or by contacting us online.

Logue Law Group serves the following areas: Pittsburgh, the counties surrounding Pittsburgh, West Virginia, and Ohio.