SUMMARY OFFENSES

 

Summary offenses are often considered to be the “least serious” criminal charges. However, a conviction can carry serious penalties, such as incarceration, fines or suspension of driving privileges.

Summary offenses are usually resolved at the preliminary hearing. It is imperative that you seek the advice from an attorney immediately because summary offenses can often be challenged successfully by an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Mullaney & Mullaney aggressively defends people who are facing summary offenses. If you have been arrested or charged, please contact us for a free consultation.

Common summary offenses include:

  • Underage Drinking (18 Pa. C.S.A. Section 6308)
  • Public Drunkenness (18 Pa.C.S.A. Section 5505)
  • Disorderly Conduct (18 Pa. C.S.A. Section 5503)
  • Criminal Mischief (18 Pa. C.S.A. Section 3304)
  • Harassment (18 Pa.C.S.A. Section 2709)
  • Defiant Trespass (18 Pa.C.S.A. Section 3503)
  • Obstructing Highways (18 Pa.C.S.A. Section 5507)
  • Retail Theft for a first offense and the value of the merchandise is less than $150 (18 Pa.C.S.A. Section 3929
  • Retention of Library Property after Notice to Return (18 Pa.C.S.A. Section 6708)
  • Illegal Use of a Shopping or Laundry Cart (18 Pa.C.S.A. Section 6712)
  • Theft of Services (when the value is less than $50) (18 Pa.C.S.A. Section 3926)
  • Opening Fire Hydrants (18 Pa.C.S.A. Section 3306)

Can convictions for summary offenses be expunged?

Any summary offense can be expunged, but in order to do so, two main criteria must have been met. Generally speaking, to be eligible for the expungement, an offender must:

  • Wait five (5) years from the date of the summary offense conviction.
  • Remain free from further arrest/conviction during that time.

Additionally, an offender who has suffered a conviction for the Summary Offense of Underage Drinking may be eligible for expungement if the offender has:

  • Reached the age of 21.
  • Satisfied all terms and conditions of the sentence originally imposed for the violation.

If you, or someone close to you has been charged with a Summary Offense, call Mullaney & Mullaney immediately at (610) 584-4416 for a free consultation. We will evaluate your situation and provide you with the options we believe will yield the most favorable outcome.