Short answer: Yes. Even the least serious type of misdemeanor—called an ungraded misdemeanor—can carry a jail sentence of up to one year. But there’s a bigger issue most people don’t realize.
In Pennsylvania, you can land in jail without ever being convicted of a crime.
That’s because of the cash bail system. When someone is charged with a crime, the judge can require them to pay a set amount of money—bail—to stay out of jail while waiting for their court date. If they can’t afford that amount, they may be forced to wait behind bars for months or even years, even though they haven’t been found guilty of anything.
So while misdemeanors can lead to jail time after a conviction, many people in Pennsylvania jails are simply waiting for their day in court.
And here’s the most important takeaway: you are legally innocent until proven guilty—but that doesn’t always mean you’re treated that way.
Having a skilled defense attorney on your side from the beginning can make all the difference. From challenging unnecessary bail to fighting for your rights in court, legal representation can help protect you from wrongful incarceration.
If you have any questions about the topic discussed in this video, or any criminal law matter, please give us a call at Bononi & Company 724-832-2499.