Call Anytime
833.722.6566
Summary Offenses in Scranton, PA
A summary offense is a real criminal charge in Pennsylvania, even though it is less serious than a misdemeanor or felony. Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 1105, a summary offense conviction can carry up to 90 days in jail and a fine, typically up to $300 unless a specific offense sets a higher amount. Common summary offenses in Scranton include disorderly conduct, underage drinking, public intoxication, and lower-level criminal mischief. A non-traffic summary conviction can still appear on a criminal background check, which is why it is worth taking seriously even when the fine looks small.
Common Summary Offenses in Scranton
| Offense | What It Generally Covers | Maximum Penalty |
| Disorderly conduct | Fighting, unreasonable noise, obscene language or gestures, or creating a hazardous public condition | Up to 90 days jail, fine up to $300 (can be a misdemeanor if intent to cause substantial harm) |
| Underage drinking | Possession or consumption of alcohol by a person under 21 | Fine, with a license suspension consequence in addition to any jail exposure |
| Public intoxication | Being intoxicated to a degree that endangers yourself, others, or property in public | Up to 90 days jail, fine up to $300 |
| Lower-level criminal mischief | Property damage below a set dollar threshold | Up to 90 days jail, fine up to $300 (higher damage amounts raise the grading above summary) |
Call 1.833.658.9833 or submit the contact form below.
In need of immediate
Legal representation?
Why a Summary Offense Still Matters
- It is still a criminal record — a non-traffic summary conviction can show up on a background check, unlike many traffic summary offenses
- Multiple citations add up — penalties from more than one summary offense at the same time are added together, not averaged
- Jail time is a real possibility — not the norm, but a court can impose up to 90 days even for a first summary offense
- It can affect school, housing, or employment screening — depending on how thorough the background check is and what it includes
When It Is Worth Fighting a Summary Citation
Paying a summary citation is a guilty plea, the same as with a traffic ticket. Fighting it makes the most sense when the facts are genuinely contested, when a conviction would affect school, a professional license, or immigration status, or when multiple charges are stacked together and a single successful challenge could reduce the total exposure. A summary offense hearing is informal compared to a misdemeanor or felony case, but the officer still has to prove the charge, and that burden is not always met.
Related Pages
For traffic-specific citations, see how to fight a traffic citation in PA and driving on a suspended license in PA. For DUI-related charges, which are not summary offenses, see our Scranton DUI Attorney page.
FAQ
Does a summary offense go on my record?
A non-traffic summary offense conviction can appear on a criminal background check. It is generally eligible for expungement five years after conviction, assuming no other arrests or charges in that time.
Can I go to jail for a summary offense?
Yes, up to 90 days under § 1105, though most summary offenses are resolved with a fine alone. Multiple summary offenses at once can add up to a longer combined jail exposure.
Is it worth hiring an attorney for a summary offense?
It depends on the stakes. If the conviction could affect school, a professional license, immigration status, or if multiple charges are involved, legal representation is usually worth it even for a summary-level charge.
Why Choose Shane Scanlon Law?
Attorney Shane Scanlon is the former District Attorney of Lackawanna County, with direct experience in how summary offenses are charged and resolved in Scranton courts. The firm handles everything from a single disorderly conduct citation to multiple stacked summary charges.
Cited for a Summary Offense in Scranton?
Schedule a free consultation or call (570) 676-2381 before you decide whether to pay or fight your citation.
How to Reach
Don’t settle for Second best
Schedule a free no obligation consultation with Shane today!
Call 1.833.722.6566 or submit the contact form below.
