MISDEMEANORS
The criminal justice system can be intimidating and confusing.
It is intimidating because of the potential consequences. Being charged with a crime can result in a permanent stain on your record, extensive fines and costs, and incarceration. Additionally, the full power of the government is available for use against the defendant. The police have financial resources, investigative resources, and the power to subpoena, among other tools.
It is confusing because the Crimes Code is written in "legalese" and the sheer number of offenses is overwhelming. There are different courts for different offenses. There are different Court Rules for different offenses.
It is impossible for the average individual to understand all of the steps which must be taken and the different ways to protect oneself during the process. The following is not intended to be a full explanation of the criminal justice process, but rather an introduction and overview. If you have been charged with a crime, it is vital that you contact an attorney immediately. If you do not have an attorney, your local County Bar Association can refer you to one. The Allegheny County Bar Association telephone number is (412) 261-5555.
Most Criminal cases begin with either an arrest or the issuance of a summons. A summons will be issued for the less serious offenses.
Offenses are ranked, in order of seriousness from Summary (least), Misdemeanor, to Felony (most).
A Summary Offense usually results in a fine. Felonies usually result in incarceration. Misdemeanors fall somewhere in between.
It is intimidating because of the potential consequences. Being charged with a crime can result in a permanent stain on your record, extensive fines and costs, and incarceration. Additionally, the full power of the government is available for use against the defendant. The police have financial resources, investigative resources, and the power to subpoena, among other tools.
It is confusing because the Crimes Code is written in "legalese" and the sheer number of offenses is overwhelming. There are different courts for different offenses. There are different Court Rules for different offenses.
It is impossible for the average individual to understand all of the steps which must be taken and the different ways to protect oneself during the process. The following is not intended to be a full explanation of the criminal justice process, but rather an introduction and overview. If you have been charged with a crime, it is vital that you contact an attorney immediately. If you do not have an attorney, your local County Bar Association can refer you to one. The Allegheny County Bar Association telephone number is (412) 261-5555.
Most Criminal cases begin with either an arrest or the issuance of a summons. A summons will be issued for the less serious offenses.
Offenses are ranked, in order of seriousness from Summary (least), Misdemeanor, to Felony (most).
A Summary Offense usually results in a fine. Felonies usually result in incarceration. Misdemeanors fall somewhere in between.