What determines the severity level of a crime in Pennsylvania?

The severity level of a crime in Pennsylvania is determined by the potential punishment and the nature of the offense. In Pennsylvania's criminal justice system, offenses are categorized into different degrees, such as felonies, misdemeanors, and summary offenses, based on the seriousness of the crime and the prescribed penalties. For example, felonies carry harsher penalties, including longer prison sentences and larger fines, while misdemeanors and summary offenses are considered less serious and have lighter consequences.

Judicial discretion, while important in the legal process, does not set the severity level of the crime itself; instead, it comes into play during sentencing and case evaluation after the offense has been classified. Likewise, public opinion can influence perceptions of crime but does not affect the legal classification. The age of the perpetrator may influence how a case is handled, particularly in cases involving juveniles, but it does not change the inherent severity of the crime. Thus, understanding the offense’s categorization and the corresponding penalties is crucial for grasping how crime severity is defined in Pennsylvania law.