Felony and Misdemeanor Differences
Charged with a criminal offense in Pennsylvania? It is normal to feel stressed out, confused, and overwhelmed. Whether the charge is classified as a felony or a misdemeanor matters. At The Hoover Firm, LLC, we handle all types of cases, no matter how serious. Here, our Harrisburg criminal defense lawyer provides an overview of the differences between felonies and misdemeanors in Pennsylvania.
Understanding How Pennsylvania Classifies Criminal Charges
Pennsylvania law defines the grading of criminal offenses under 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 106. The statute outlines three classes of felonies (F1, F2, F3) and three classes of misdemeanors (M1, M2, M3). In the Commonwealth, felonies are considered the most serious category of offenses. They carry the longest prison terms and largest fines. While misdemeanors are less severe, they are by no means minor issues. Indeed, a conviction for a misdemeanor in Pennsylvania can still result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.
Penalties for Felonies in Pennsylvania
Felony convictions can carry a long prison sentence, steep fine, and considerable other collateral consequences, including things like the loss of civil rights, professional licenses, or firearm ownership. A felony of the first degree (F1) is the most severe and carries up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. A felony of the second degree (F2) carries up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. A felony of the third degree (F3) carries up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
Penalties for Misdemeanors in Pennsylvania
Misdemeanors, while less serious than felonies, are not minor matters. A misdemeanor of the first degree (M1) can result in up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. A misdemeanor of the second degree (M2) carries up to two years in prison and a $5,000 fine. A misdemeanor of the third degree (M3) carries up to one year in prison and a $2,500 fine. Though the penalties are shorter, a misdemeanor conviction still leaves a permanent mark on your criminal record.
Why the Classification Matters (Felony vs. Misdemeanor)
The distinction between a felony and misdemeanor is more than just the potential sentence. In other words, it shapes the entire case. Felony cases are often handled in higher courts and may involve grand juries or complex pretrial litigation, while misdemeanors are generally resolved more quickly but still require strong defense work. Notably, if you are facing a felony criminal charge in Pennsylvania, there may potentially be options available to get the crime downgraded in severity to a misdemeanor offense. Your Harrisburg, PA criminal defense attorney can help you explore every available option to take on the case.
Contact Our Harrisburg Criminal Defense Attorney Today
At The Hoover Firm, LLC, our Harrisburg criminal defense lawyer handles both felony charges and misdemeanor charges. If you or your loved one was arrested, please do not hesitate to contact us for a completely confidential, no obligation initial consultation. From our Harrisburg law office, we serve communities throughout all of Central Pennsylvania.