Summary Offenses
A summary offense is any minor crime, initially heard and decided by a magisterial district judge. Many violations of the Motor Vehicle Code, such as speeding, illegal parking and going through a red light, are summary offenses. However, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not a summary offense, it is a misdemeanor, which is a more serious crime. Most summary offense convictions result in a fine although a guilty plea or verdict will stay on your public record.
For the last several years of consulting we have generally provided the following guidance regarding summary offenses. The average summary trial involves the local magistrate, police officer that issued the citation, and the defendant. These matters occur in a relatively informal environment which permits the magistrate and police to
- Traffic Offenses
- Disorderly Conduct
- Underage Drinking
- Harassment
- Criminal Mischief
- First Offense Shoplifting
For the last several years of consulting we have generally provided the following guidance regarding summary offenses. The average summary trial involves the local magistrate, police officer that issued the citation, and the defendant. These matters occur in a relatively informal environment which permits the magistrate and police to