Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

Severity of Punishment for Misdemeanor(s)

I am presently in the process of being charged with 3 misdemeanors:

M1: Theft by Unlawful Taking- Movable Prop

M1: Criminal Conspiracy Aiding- Theft by Unlawful Taking- Movable Prop

M3: False Reports- Offense Did Not Occur

I do have one previous conviction of a misdemeanor for paraphanalia, in which I am currently serving probation. (This happened 2 years ago)

With this said, I am wondering what my future will be. What's the minimum punishment in Pennsylvania? What's the AVERAGE outcome?

I was able to find that this could be up to 5 years in prison but I very much doubt that such offenses could really land me in jail for 5 years.

I would like to note that it's been one year since the reported offenses occured and I have only now received the trial date. My current probation officer offered to write a letter to the judge stating that within this year, I have remained clean, great, and responsible. (Which should get me some kudos)

Again, what's the average outcome in similar cases? I'm 20 years old, so I'm hoping the court will give me some leniancy for changing for the better within this year- which I will continue to do.


Asked on 3/04/08, 11:24 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Berman Law Offices of Michael A. Berman

Re: Severity of Punishment for Misdemeanor(s)

You are really looking at two problems.

You have a current charge which could result in punishment.

You have a violation of probation which cold result in the Judge re-sentencing you to that offense (you get no credit for the time you already served on probation ...)

What county are these offenses in? That plays a huge part in the ultimate outcome.

Call or write me back to discuss your options.

Michael A. Berman, Esq.

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Answered on 3/05/08, 7:16 am


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