If you are a Greene County resident who is facing a criminal offense you may not know where to turn. Law enforcement never gives you enough information, and it's frustrating to be kept in the dark about what can happen. You may be innocent and concerned about clearing your name, or worried about a prison sentence or fine if you have acted illegally.
Everyone deserves justice, so if you are facing allegations of misconduct in Greene County, the best thing you can do is to speak with a skilled attorney from the LLF Law Firm. The firm's attorneys know how to navigate Greene County's court system, and they have the experience you need. The firm and its Criminal Defense Team are ready to hear your side of the story, explain the legal process, and work with you to obtain the best possible outcome. Do not try to take care of things on your own, because there is too much at risk. The LLF Law Firm can help, regardless of your location in Greene County. From Waynesburg to Rogersville to Mount Morris, the LLF Law Firm is here to assist you. Reach out to us by calling 888-535-3686 or use this online form to tell us about your case.
Offense Categories in Greene County
Greene County follows Pennsylvania's criminal laws, which have three categories of offenses: summary offenses, misdemeanors, and felonies.
Summary Offenses
A summary offense is the least serious charge and can result in a fine and a possible jail sentence of up to 90 days. Examples include:
- Criminal mischief in some situations;
- Disorderly conduct in some situations;
- Driving an all-terrain vehicle on a highway;
- Leaving a child under six unattended in a motor vehicle;
- Public intoxication;
- Retail theft of an item valued at $150 or less on the first offense; and
- Underage drinking.
Even though a summary offense is less important than a misdemeanor or a felony, you cannot brush it off. A person guilty of a summary offense may end up with a criminal record, and a future employer, landlord, lender, or school admissions department may find out about it during a background check. However, it is possible to request the expungement of a summary offense record.
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors are more serious than summary offenses but less so than felonies. Misdemeanors are categorized by degree, with those of the first-degree being the most serious. In Greene County, first-degree misdemeanors include:
- Concealing the death of a child;
- Involuntary manslaughter;
- Simple assault against a child under 12 by a person 18 or older;
- Shoplifting on the first or second offense when the item value is $150 or more;
- Some terroristic threats; and
- Stalking on the first offense.
Second-degree misdemeanors include:
- Bigamy;
- Impersonating a public servant;
- Prostitution on the third offense;
- Shoplifting on the second offense when the item value is less than $150; and
- Strangulation in some instances.
Third-degree misdemeanors include:
- Giving false identification to law enforcement;
- Loitering and prowling at night;
- Open lewdness;
- Prostitution on the first or second offense;
- Disorderly conduct in certain situations; and
- Tampering with a fire hydrant.
A judge may sentence an individual to no more than five years in prison for a first-degree misdemeanor and up to two years for a second-degree misdemeanor. A judge may order an individual to serve no more than one year for a third-degree misdemeanor.
A judge can also order a $10,000 fine for a first-degree misdemeanor and a $5,000 fine for a second-degree misdemeanor. A third-degree misdemeanor carries a $2,500 fine.
Felonies
Felonies are major offenses and are categorized by degree. A first-degree felony is the most serious. First-degree felonies include:
- Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon;
- Kidnapping;
- Rape;
- Theft of an item worth $500,000 or more;
- Third-degree murder; and
- Voluntary manslaughter.
Second-degree felonies include:
- Bank robbery;
- Burglary;
- Involuntary manslaughter when the victim is under 12 and in the care of the individual causing their death; and
- Possession of a firearm with an altered number.
Third-degree felonies include:
- Bribery in some situations;
- Discharge of a firearm into an occupied structure; and
- Possession of child pornography in some instances.
Note that in Pennsylvania, murder is the most serious offense and is either of the first, second, or third-degree, with the third-degree offense characterized as a first-degree felony. First and second-degree murder are not labeled specifically as felonies and instead stand alone.
For a first-degree felony, a judge may impose a prison term of up to 20 years, and a term of up to 10 years for a second-degree felony. A third-degree felony carries a sentence of up to seven years. Sentences for murder range include the death penalty, life imprisonment, and incarceration for up to 40 years.
First and second-degree felonies carry fines of $25,000, and a third-degree felony can result in a $15,000 fine. Murder can carry a $50,000 fine.
The Greene County Court System
Magisterial district courts in Greene County hear criminal matters involving summary offenses, third-degree misdemeanors, DUI and vehicle code cases, local ordinance violations, and dog, fish, and game violations. They hold preliminary arraignment hearings and set bail for cases other than murder and voluntary manslaughter. These courts also hold preliminary hearings to determine if there is sufficient evidence to send a criminal case to the trial court.
The Courts of Common Pleas hold formal arraignments and trials for more serious offenses. The Superior Court hears appeals of Common Pleas rulings in criminal cases.
You Need the LLF Law Firm if You are Accused of an Offense in Greene County
Strong legal representation is a necessity if you are accused of any type of offense in Greene County. The LLF Law Firm and its Criminal Defense Team have the knowledge you need when your future is on the line. The team will be committed to you, hit the ground running, and strive to protect your rights every step of the way. The LLF Law Firm can help anywhere in Green County, including Clarksville, Jefferson, and Rices Landing. Don't wait; call us today at 888-535-3686 or reach out using this online form.