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What to Do When Found Guilty of a Summary Offense and Your Rights to a Summary Appeal in Allegheny County

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What to Do When Found Guilty of a Summary Offense and Your Rights to a Summary Appeal in Allegheny County

Being found guilty of a summary offense in Allegheny County can feel frustrating and overwhelming. While summary offenses are considered minor compared to misdemeanors or felonies, they still carry penalties such as fines, a criminal record, and even potential jail time in some cases. The good news is that Pennsylvania law allows you to appeal a summary conviction, giving you a second chance to challenge the outcome.

At Frank Walker Law, we understand how important it is to protect your record and minimize the consequences of a summary offense conviction. Here’s what you need to know about your rights and options after being found guilty.

What Is a Summary Offense?

A summary offense is the least serious type of criminal charge in Pennsylvania. Common examples include:

While less severe than higher-level offenses, summary offenses can still have lasting effects, including:

  • Fines
  • Points on your driving record (for traffic-related offenses)
  • Jail time (up to 90 days for certain offenses)
  • A permanent criminal record

What to Do After Being Found Guilty

If you are found guilty of a summary offense, it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights. Here are the steps you should take:

  1. Understand the Judgment: Carefully review the court’s decision, including the penalties imposed. If you were convicted in a Magisterial District Court, the decision will include details on fines, court costs, and other consequences.

  2. Act Within the Appeal Period: In Pennsylvania, you have 30 days from the date of your conviction to file a summary appeal. Missing this deadline could result in losing your right to challenge the decision.

  3. Consult an Attorney: Appealing a summary offense conviction can be complex. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case, explain your options, and guide you through the appeal process.

  4. File a Notice of Appeal: To initiate the appeal, you must file a Notice of Appeal with the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. This document formally requests a new hearing and must be filed within the 30-day window.

  5. Prepare for a De Novo Hearing: A summary appeal results in a “de novo” hearing, meaning the case is heard anew. This provides an opportunity to present evidence, call witnesses, and argue your case before a judge who was not involved in the original decision.

Why Appeal a Summary Offense Conviction?

There are several reasons why appealing a summary offense conviction may be beneficial:

  • Avoid a Criminal Record: Many summary offenses result in a criminal record, which can impact employment opportunities, housing, and more. Successfully appealing your conviction can help you avoid these consequences.
  • Reduce Penalties: An appeal may result in reduced fines, a shorter suspension of driving privileges, or other mitigated penalties.
  • Challenge Errors: If errors were made during the original hearing—such as insufficient evidence or improper procedures—an appeal allows you to address them.

How Frank Walker Law Can Help

At Frank Walker Law, we have extensive experience representing clients in summary offense cases and appeals. We can:

  • Review your case to identify potential defenses or procedural errors.
  • File the necessary paperwork to initiate your appeal.
  • Advocate for you during the de novo hearing, presenting a strong case to the judge.

Don’t Wait to Take Action

If you’ve been found guilty of a summary offense in Allegheny County, time is of the essence. Filing an appeal within the 30-day window is critical to preserving your rights and fighting for a better outcome.

Contact Frank Walker Law today for a confidential consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and provide the skilled representation you need to move forward with confidence. Let us help you protect your future.

About Frank Walker Law

Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer, and Personal Injury Attorney who has been recognized as a Super Lawyer, a member of the National College for DUI Defense, Best Attorneys in America, Best Law firms of America, America’s Greatest Attorneys, and a Top AVVO Rated attorney, with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia.

Additionally, you can find Attorney Walker on YouTube, TikTok, the Pittsburgh Attorney Podcast and the West Virginia Attorney Podcast, where he gives legal tips (not advice!) and discusses the pressing legal issues of the day.

If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or are seriously injured in an accident, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-532-6805 (Pittsburgh), 304-413-0179 (Morgantown), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation in a Civil Case.