Being charged with a criminal offense can be understandably intimidating. Eliminate some of the stress and uncertainty you feel by letting our lawyers build your case, keep you informed, and offer emotional support.

Criminal charges are categorized by severity in Pennsylvania. Summary offenses are the least serious, followed by third-degree, second-degree, and first-degree misdemeanors. Felonies are also graded by severity, with the most serious being a first-degree felony. Murder is charged differently than any other offense in Coatesville, and can be charged as third-degree, second-degree, or first-degree murder. No matter your charges, they may be less daunting once you know what they mean and the potential consequences they could carry.

For your free case review from the Liberty Law Team’s criminal defense lawyers, call (215) 826-3314 now.

How Are Criminal Charges Categorized in Coatesville?

Pennsylvania has different categories of criminal offenses that reflect their severity.

Summary Offenses

The least serious offense you could face in Pennsylvania is a summary offense. Penalties include fines of up to $300 and up to 90 days in jail, though jail time is unlikely for a first-time offender. Disorderly conduct, public drunkenness, domestic violence, underage drinking, and harassment are examples of common summary offenses.

Misdemeanors

There are three levels of misdemeanors in Pennsylvania. Third-degree misdemeanors are the least serious of the group and carry a maximum of 1 year in jail and up to $2,500 in fines upon conviction. Third-degree misdemeanors include theft of property valued at less than $50, harassment involving physical contact, and violation of a protection order.

Perhaps the most common second-degree misdemeanor charge is for simple assault. If convicted, defendants face up to 2 years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.

First-degree misdemeanors are the most serious misdemeanor offenses and include endangering the welfare of a child, stalking, indecent assault, possession of a weapon on school property, and retail theft where the value of stolen merchandise is $150 or more. The maximum sentence for a first-degree misdemeanor conviction in Coatesville is 5 years, and the maximum fine is $10,000.

Felonies

Felonies are also broken down into three distinct levels in Pennsylvania. Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and carrying a concealed firearm without a license are common third-degree felony charges. If convicted, defendants could face up to 7 years in prison.

Second-degree felonies are very serious offenses. In Pennsylvania, they are punishable by 10 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000. Some second-degree felonies even carry mandatory minimums, such as certain weapons offenses.

The maximum penalty for a first-degree criminal conviction is 20 years in prison and a fine of $25,000. Offenses charged as first-degree felonies in Pennsylvania include aggravated assault, rape, kidnapping, and other serious and violent crimes.

Murder

There is an entirely separate system for charging homicides in Pennsylvania. Third-degree, second-degree, and first-degree murder are the possible charges.

For first-degree murder, which involves intentional killing with premeditation, the mandatory sentence is life in prison without parole. Death is also a possible sentence for first-degree murder in Pennsylvania, though there is currently a moratorium in place pausing all executions in the state.

Second-degree murder is a homicide committed during the commission of another crime, such as a burglary or robbery. Although life in prison without parole was also the mandatory sentence for second-degree murder convictions, that has changed with a landmark Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling in 2026. The new mandatory sentence for second-degree murder has yet to be set by the legislature.

Third-degree murder is the charge for all other homicides, for which the penalty is up to 40 years in prison with no mandatory minimum sentence, unless certain aggravating factors exist.

Criminal Defense FAQs

How Soon Should You Get a Lawyer into Your Criminal Case?

You should get a lawyer immediately after you are arrested and before you are even formally charged. You should not answer any questions from the police or the prosecutor without a lawyer present.

How Do You Choose the Right Defense Against Criminal Charges?

Our criminal defense lawyers can identify the strongest defense for your case by evaluating the charges, the police investigation, physical evidence, and witness statements. Tell us if you have an alibi for the time the offense was committed, were acting in defense of yourself or others, or can provide any other important context for the situation.

How Often Do Criminal Cases End in Plea Agreements?

Criminal cases often end in plea agreements, but these agreements do not always benefit the defendant as they might hope. You should not feel pressured by the prosecution to accept a plea, and should make sure it helps you instead of hurts you.

Do You Have to Testify During Your Criminal Trial?

Whether or not defendants testify in their defense is entirely case-dependent. If our lawyers believe that your testimony will help your case, we will spend ample time prepping you for the experience of being on the stand and answering questions from your attorney and the prosecution.

What Happens if There Are Aggravating Factors in Your Criminal Case?

If there are aggravating factors in your criminal case, you could face sentencing enhancements and harsher consequences than you originally anticipated. Common aggravating factors include using or threatening to use a firearm during an offense, having a prior criminal history, and committing an offense against a child.

What Happens During a Criminal Trial in Coatesville?

Before the trial begins, jury selection takes place. The trial begins with opening statements: first from the prosecution, then from the defense. The prosecution always presents its case first, and the defense always goes second. After the closing statements, the jury retires to deliberate and render a verdict.

Get Help from Our Coatesville Criminal Defense Attorneys

Have a free and confidential case discussion with our criminal defense lawyers by calling the Liberty Law Team at (215) 826-3314.