All criminal charges should be considered serious, as any conviction on a person’s record can cause significant and far-reaching negative effects on their life. However, it is important for all citizens to understand how criminal charges are classified and their varying severity. Read on to learn about felony vs. misdemeanor charges in Pennsylvania and the ranges of possible penalties for each.
What Is a Misdemeanor?
A misdemeanor is a criminal offense that is generally considered less serious than a felony, but serious enough to be considered a crime and punished as such. Offenses such as loitering or public intoxication can be misdemeanors, as well as trespassing or even basic assault.
In Pennsylvania, misdemeanors are classified into three tiers, or grades. These grades are as follows:
- M1: A first-degree misdemeanor is the most serious classification. Simple assault of a child under the age of 12 committed by a person over the age of 18 is considered a first-degree misdemeanor. Such offenses can result in jail sentences of up to five years and fines of up to $10,000.
- M2: A second-degree misdemeanor is still serious, but not as serious as a first-degree misdemeanor. Simple assault of an adult by another adult is usually charged as a second-degree misdemeanor. The possible punishments include up to two years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
- M3: Offenses such as disorderly conduct can be charged as third-degree misdemeanors in Pennsylvania. Punishments can include a fine of up to $2,500 and up to one year in jail.
What Is a Felony?
A felony is a crime that is considered more serious than a misdemeanor and is punishable by longer prison sentences and higher fines. Felonies also often result in more lifelong restrictions than misdemeanors. For example, a convicted felon is usually barred from firearm ownership for the rest of their life. Many employers and housing providers may also exclude applicants because of a felony on their record.
Like misdemeanors, felonies are separated into three degrees in Pennsylvania. These are as follows:
- First-degree: Aggravated assault on a police officer is one example of an offense that can be charged as a first-degree felony in Pennsylvania. Interestingly, aggravated assault is the most common violent crime across the United States, with more than 805,000 cases reported across the United States in 2024. First-degree felonies are punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
- Second-degree: Aggravated assault against another adult member of the public can be charged as a second-degree felony. These offenses are punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
- Third-degree: Burglary is one example of an offense that can be a third-degree felony in Pennsylvania. Third-degree felonies can result in up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
Hire a Felony Lawyer
If you are facing felony charges in Pennsylvania, or if you have been involved in an incident that could be charged as a felony, you should hire a skilled felony lawyer as soon as you are able. Louis W. Emmi, Attorney at Law, has been defending clients against criminal charges in Pennsylvania for more than 40 years. Contact our team today to discuss your case and find out how we can help.
