Other Offenses

Disorderly Conduct occurs if an individual causes public inconvenience or alarm by fighting, making unreasonable noise, or otherwise creates a hazardous or offensive condition. It can be graded as a summary offense, which is technically non-criminal and punishable by a fine or it can be a misdemeanor of the third degree.

Public drunkenness occurs when an individual is in public and is manifestly under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. It is a summary offense and is punishable by up to a $300 fine.

Loitering and Prowling at Night Time occurs when an individual maliciously loiters around a house. It is a misdemeanor of the third degree. It typically is charged if someone is charged with being a “Peeping Tom.”

Obstruction of Justice occurs if individual intentionally impairs the administration of law or other governmental function by using force, violence or any other unlawful act. It is a misdemeanor of the second degree.

Resisting Arrest occurs when an individual creates a substantial risk of injury to a public servant with the intent of preventing the servant from making a lawful arrest. It is typically charged when a struggle ensues when a police officer is attempting to take an individual into custody. It is a misdemeanor of the second degree

Criminal Mischief is an offense that is commonly known as vandalism. If an individual damages property of another person, either intentionally, recklessly or by negligence, then he is guilty of the crime of criminal mischief. The grading of the offense depends upon the amount of damage caused. If under $500 it is a summary offense. If the damage is over $1,000 then it is graded as a misdemeanor of the second degree and it is a felony of the third degree if the damage exceeds $5,000.

If an individual is convicted of a crime in Pennsylvania he will receive either probation and/or parole in which he will have a probation officer assigned and he will have to stay out of trouble and complete other conditions as a condition of his sentence.

If someone gets arrested while on probation or parole, or does not complete a condition imposed by the judge or his probation officer, that he can be charged with a violation of probation or parole. Known as a VOP, a hearing will be scheduled to determine whether the person is in violation of his probation or parole and if so, a sentencing hearing will be scheduled in which the judge will re-sentence the person, which could include jail time or additional probation.

There are two types of VOP violations, Direct Violations and Technical Violations. A direct violation includes incurring new criminal charges while on probation or parole. Generally speaking, new charges can lead to the individual being detained in county prison as a result. Technical violations include not completing certain conditions such as payment of fines, completion of classes or community service, or not reporting as directed to the individual’s parole officer.

If you are charged with a Violation of probation or parole, it is extremely important that you obtain an attorney immediately to speak with your probation/parole officer. Many times, the probation officer detains or immediately arrest the client for violating. The experienced attorneys at Ellis B. Klein & Associates have successfully handled hundreds of Violation cases in county courts. Call (800) 536-0501 for a free consultation.

No matter what offense you are charged with, from a very minor traffic citation to a very serious Felony, it is best retain an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney to represent you in court and fight for your rights. Contact the experienced attorneys at Ellis B. Klein & Associates for a free consultation where we will gladly review your charges with you and answer all of your questions. We treat my clients the way we would want to be treated if we were experiencing legal problems. We treat our clients with honesty, kindness and respect and we feel that a good lawyer should be financially affordable. We charge a fair price for our services and flexible payment plans can be arranged. Contact Ellis B. Klein & Associates at (800) 536-0501 today for a free consultation or contact us online.