Pennsylvania Felony Sentencing Guidelines
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania operates courts in 67 counties. To ensure fair sentencing, the state has established sentencing guidelines for felony convictions. The Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing creates guidelines for sentencing of people convicted of crimes in the state.
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Standard Guidelines
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In Pennsylvania, judges must score the gravity of the offense and a variety of factors can affect the score. The factors influencing the offense gravity score include prior record, whether the defendant used a weapon, if a drug offense occurred near a school and any mitigating circumstances. The gravity score determines the level of punishment and length of sentence. Most felons will have a level three to five score, requiring confinement in a county or state prison.
Maximum Sentences
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Pennsylvania has maximum penalties for the three degrees of felonies. Defendants charged with a third degree felony face up to seven years in state prison and fines ranging from $2,500 to $15,000. Second degree felonies carry a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and fines of $5,000 to $25,000. First degree felonies carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and a maximum fine of $25,000.
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Murder Convictions
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In Pennsylvania, anyone convicted of first degree murder gets life in prison with no chance of parole. The state also recognizes 18 aggravating factors that allow prosecutors to seek the death penalty.
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References
- Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing: Sentencing Guidelines
- Criminal Defense Lawyer: Possible Penalties of a Pennsylvania Felony Conviction
- Capitol Punishment in Context: Pennsylvania Code on Murder and Aggravating and Mitigating Circumstances
- The Daily Local News: No Death Penalty for 2008 Murder
- Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing: About the Commission
- Photo Credit Justice image by MVit from Fotolia.com
