How to Deal With a Summary Offense in Philadelphia

The warm summer months in and around Philadelphia typically see a significant increase in summary offenses being issued by the police for all manner of alleged infractions. The reasons for this vary, but keep in mind that every criminal charge or non-traffic citation should be taken seriously, regardless if it is a felony, misdemeanor, or what’s often considered to be lesser summary offenses.

The consequences of any conviction can affect your life for years, even if you aren’t sentenced to time in prison. For most people, the prospect of paying expensive fines or spending a few days in jail is more than enough to turn your life upside-down. So, if you’ve been charged with a summary offense in Philadelphia, it is always best to discuss your situation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

At Fienman Defense, we know how serious your situation is to you. That’s why we work to get our clients the best possible result in every case. Call us today at (215) 839-9529 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We will discuss the details of your summary offense and how we can help.

What Is a Summary Offense in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania recognizes three categories of criminal offenses: felonies, misdemeanors, and summary offenses. Summary offenses are the least severe, but these can still complicate your life and result in a criminal conviction on your record.

Common non-traffic summary offenses include the following:

• Retail Theft
• Public drunkenness
• Harassment
• Disorderly conduct
• False identification
• Underage drinking
• Underage possession of alcohol
• Criminal Mischief
• Defiant Trespass

If convicted, the maximum penalties you could face are up to 90 days in jail and a fine of $300, unless otherwise specified by statute. Some convictions, such as underage drinking, may also result in the suspension of your driver’s license.

What Happens If You Are Charged with a Summary Offense

Summary offenses in Philadelphia are quite different from other criminal charges. An officer may simply hand you a citation – a piece of paper that looks like a traffic ticket. Alternatively, you may receive your citation in the mail a few days after the incident.

The citation may appear insignificant, but you need to be very careful. Read the entire document carefully, weigh your options, and understand the consequences of how you choose to proceed. If you aren’t sure about what you should do, a Philadelphia summary offense lawyer can provide you with guidance.

Don’t Miss the Deadline to Respond

According to the PA criminal process, the citation should give you 10 days to respond, either by pleading guilty or not guilty. If you don’t respond, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest. Therefore, make sure you don’t forget about it or let it get lost in the shuffle.

Many people assume it’s easier to just plead guilty and pay the fine, expecting the issue to disappear. But this approach often leads to unintended consequences. In Philadelphia, we generally recommend against pleading guilty immediately. Here’s why:

• You could face up to 90 days in jail

• Fines may reach $300

• A guilty plea creates a criminal record

• Future employers, licensing boards, or background checks may view this mark unfavorably

Instead, plead not guilty at first and speak with an attorney. This will give you time to consider your options and plan for the best possible outcome.

What Happens After You Plead Not Guilty?

Once you plead not guilty, the court will schedule a hearing. You’ll receive notice of the date, time, and location. This gives you the opportunity to:

• Consult a summary offense attorney

• Prepare a defense strategy

• Decide whether to continue contesting the charge or resolve it another way

At the hearing, you’ll have the chance to plead guilty or proceed to trial. If you go to trial, the prosecution will present evidence, and you’ll have the opportunity to respond. However, navigating court procedures and rules of evidence can be challenging without legal help. Hiring a defense attorney can make a big difference—sometimes even helping you avoid a hearing entirely.

Already Pleaded Guilty? You May Still Have Options

Many people plead guilty without fully understanding the long-term impact. Fortunately, Pennsylvania law allows you to appeal a summary offense conviction, even after a guilty plea. But you need to act quickly—appeal deadlines are strict.

If the deadline has passed, speak with a lawyer about your eligibility for expungement, which can help clear your record and prevent a minor mistake from affecting your future.

Get Help From Fienman Defense

As you can see, summary offenses in Philadelphia are more serious than you may have thought. Aside from possible jail time and fines, the impact on your permanent record can cause embarrassment and other problems for years. At Fienman Defense, we help people get favorable results in every case, no matter how big or small. There are almost always options to improve your circumstances if you’re issued a citation for a summary offense.

Don’t just plead guilty thinking that it’s your only option. Instead, schedule a free consultation with experienced Philadelphia summary offense attorney Michael Fienman at (215) 839-9529 or complete our online form.