The consequences of getting pressed with criminal charges in Pennsylvania are serious as well as massive. There are fines and jail times associated with all of the summary offences, felonies, and other misdemeanours. Besides these, there can be other penalties imposed by the court as well. Even if you are done serving your sentence, the jail record might last lifelong with you. The collateral damages that these consequences may pose might cost you your career, your reputation, and even your family.
What Can The Consequences Possibly Be?
The penalties might include the following if you are charged with a crime in Pennsylvania:
Criminal Fines
The Pennsylvania law has fines attached to all of the crimes that are possible. The amount imposed varies greatly on the basis of how severe the crimes are. Here are some of the common fine amounts:
- Summary offences- Up to $300
- Third-degree misdemeanours- Up to $2500
- Second-degree misdemeanours- Up to $5000
- First-degree misdemeanours- Up to $10000
The law and the court can impose higher fines if the crimes are appropriate.
Jail or Prison Time
This is sentenced to a victim solely based on the severity of the crimes they have committed. Here are some of the potential terms of incarceration in cases of criminal cases of Pennsylvania:
- Summary offences- Up to 90 days
- Third-degree misdemeanours- Up to 1 year
- Second-degree misdemeanours- Up to 2 years
- First-degree misdemeanours- Up to 5 years
Restitution
There are three primary circumstances under which a court in Pennsylvania can impose restitution.
- The crime might involve acts of theft or conversion of property without knowledge
- The crime might lower someone’s property value dramatically
- The crime might pose personal injury to the victim in any form
The court might be imposing the defendant to pay restitution on a lump sum or a monthly instalment basis.
Costs
Besides these, there are chances that criminal convictions may lead to the defendant paying a lot many more costs and fees as well. These will be in addition to what has been stated above.
Other Penalties
There are possibilities of committing other crimes, the penalties of which are not listed above. You can get convicted of DUI or face driver’s license suspension.
These consequences can be more severe than they are understood. But you can also avoid them or at least mitigate the charges to the best possible level through the right help from your attorney and with the help of a trusted bail bond service provider.
