Crimes in Pennsylvania are grades as one of the following:

Summary Offenses
A summary offense is punishable by a maximum of no more than ninety (90) days imprisonment.

Misdemeanor Charges
A misdemeanor is a “petty” crime, such as minor theft of up to $2000.00 or some driving violations. Some misdemeanor cases can be resolved at the Preliminary Hearing.

Felony Charges
While a felony is more serious than a misdemeanor, some felony charges can also be resolved at the Preliminary Hearing.

Record Expungement
An expungement is a complete erasure of criminal charges. If a criminal charge is withdrawn, reduced, or results in a verdict of not guilty or an acquitted, the initial charge can expunged. This is NOT done automatically by the court; this is an action that must be initiated by a defendant or an attorney.