What is the differences in a 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree misdemeanor offense?
Basically the determination of the degree of the crime is the severity and the sentence a person could receive for the offense. The guidelines for this are found in PA Consolidates Statutes Sentencing Code Title 42, sections 9701 through 9781. These guidelines define a Misdemeanor 1 (M-1) as a crime punishable by a maximum prison sentence of 5 years and a $10,000.00 fine. An M-2 as maximum of 2 years and a $5,000.00 fine, and an M-3 as maximum 1 year and a $2,500.00 fine.