In Pennsylvania, a summary offense is an offense dealt with in District Court. Some of the most common types of summary offenses include disorderly conduct, harassment, criminal mischief, first offense shoplifting and underage drinking. Many violations of the Motor Vehicle Code are also characterized as summary offenses. Some include speeding, running a red light and illegal parking.
Enforcement of Summary Offenses
Summary offenses are generally enforced by a citation issued by a police officer. It can either be given to the defendant at the time of the offense, or it can be mailed to the defendant if no officer was present. For certain cases, such as disorderly conduct, the police officer may arrest the individual.
The Citation
A citation, also called a summons, is the formal document that provides a brief description of the offense charged as well as the specific section of the law allegedly violated. It provides instructions on how to properly respond. In most all cases, you have ten (10) days to either plead guilty and pay a fine or plead not guilty. If you plead not guilty, a hearing will be scheduled in District Court. If you fail to respond to the citation, you risk being arrested. If it involves a traffic citation, your license could be suspended.
Minor mistakes on the citation, such as a misspelled name, will not likely deem it invalid. However, major mistakes, such as the wrong section of the law cited to, can invalidate the citation.
Failure to Respond
Failing to answer the citation within the 10 day time period presents the risk of being arrested by a local constable. There are two main ways to avoid being arrested. One is to pay the fine plus an additional cost as collateral for your appearance at your hearing. The second is to plead guilty and pay the fine and costs.
The Hearing
You always have the right to a private attorney at the District Court hearing. However, if the offense(s) involved will only result in a fine, you may not qualify for the Public Defender if you are unable to afford private counsel.
At the hearing, the police officer will be present and available to testify against you as well as offer pertinent evidence. You have the right to call your own witnesses on your behalf, and may take the stand yourself. Your attorney will determine if this is in your best interest.
After having the opportunity to make closing arguments, the District Judge will make a decision. If found guilty, the security paid, if any, will go towards the fines imposed. If found not guilty, the security paid will be returned to you.
Can I appeal?
If you want to appeal your summary conviction, you must do so within 30 days. The case will be tried in the Court of Common Pleas in the county of your arrest.