Classification of Pennsylvania Criminal Offenses

Classification of Pennsylvania Criminal Offenses

Crimes

An offense defined under the Pennsylvania Crimes and Statutes Laws for which a sentence of death or of imprisonment is authorized constitutes a crime. The classes of crime are:
 

	Murder of the first degree.
	Murder of the second degree.
	Murder of the third degree.
	First degree murder of an unborn child.
	Second degree murder of an unborn child.
	Third degree murder of an unborn child.
	Felony of the first degree. A crime is a felony of the first degree if it is so designated under Pennsylvania law or if a person convicted thereof may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment, the maximum of which is more than ten years.
	Felony of the second degree.  A crime is a felony of the second degree if it is so designated under Pennsylvania law or if a person convicted thereof may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment, the maximum of which is not more than ten years.
	Felony of the third degree.  A crime is a felony of the third degree if it is so designated under Pennsylvania law or if a person convicted thereof may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment, the maximum of which is more than seven years.  A crime declared to be a felony, without specification of degree, is of the third degree.
	Misdemeanor of the first degree.  A crime is a misdemeanor of the first degree if it is so designated under Pennsylvania law or if a person convicted thereof may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment, the maximum of which is not more than five years.
	Misdemeanor of the second degree.  A crime is a misdemeanor of the second degree if it is so designated under Pennsylvania law or if a person convicted thereof may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment, the maximum of which is not more than two years.
	Misdemeanor of the third degree.  A crime is a misdemeanor of the third degree if it is so designated under Pennsylvania law or if a person convicted thereof may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment, the maximum of which is not more than one year.  A crime declared to be a misdemeanor, without specification of degree, is of the third degree

Summary Offenses

An offense defined under the Pennsylvania Crimes and Statutes Laws constitutes a summary offense if it is so designated one under Pennsylvania Law or if a person convicted thereof may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment, the maximum of which is not more than 90 days.

Other Crimes

Any offense declared by law to constitute a crime, without specification of the class thereof, is a misdemeanor of the second degree, if the maximum sentence does not make it a felony under under the Pennsylvania Crimes and Statutes Laws.

Important Notice

This information is generic.  It is compiled from the laws of several states and may or may not apply to this particular city, county, state or your individual circumstances. State laws vary and are continuously changing. This information does not necessarily reflect the laws in Pennsylvania.  It is not intended to be a source of legal advice or a substitute for qualified legal counsel.  Your access to and use of this web site is subject to additional terms and conditions found in our Terms of Use.  Please read it now.

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