What is the penalty for a "summary offense" in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, a summary offense is considered the least severe type of criminal offense. The appropriate penalty for a summary offense includes a fine of up to $300 and/or a jail term of up to 90 days. This framework reflects the intention behind summary offenses, which are typically less serious violations, often involving minor infractions such as disorderly conduct or certain traffic violations.

The structure of punishment for summary offenses aims to provide a deterrent while also recognizing that the behaviors involved do not warrant harsher penalties that would apply to more serious offenses. This approach encourages compliance with the law without imposing excessively harsh consequences for relatively minor infractions.

In this context, the other options present penalties that are associated with more severe classifications of offenses, such as misdemeanors or felonies, which involve larger fines and longer potential jail time.