Does the state have mandatory minimum sentences? Yes. Click here to learn more.
Does the state have a sentencing commission? Yes, the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing.
Does the state have sentencing guidelines? Yes, the “Pennsylvania Sentencing Guidelines.”
If yes, are the sentencing guidelines voluntary/advisory or mandatory? Voluntary/advisory.
Does the state have drug courts? Yes. Click here to learn more.
Does the state have one or more safety valve/exceptions? No. To learn more about safety valves, read our factsheet, Safety Valves in a Nutshell.
Factsheets and Reports
Read FAMM's Factsheet: The Facts About Mandatory Minimum Drug Laws in Pennsylvania
From the Pew Center on the States and the Council of State Governments:
Work in the States: Sentencing and Corrections in Pennsylvania (2008)
Increasing Public Safety and Managing the Growth of Pennsylvania's Prison Population (2007)
Increasing Public Safety and Generating Savings: Options for Pennsylvania Policymakers (2007)
Helpful links
Governor Tom Corbett
Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
Pennsylvania Board of Probation & Parole
Pennsylvania Board of Pardons (pardons and commutations)
Pennsylvania General Assembly (state legislature)
Pennsylvania Court System
Pennsylvania Drug Courts
Want help finding a lawyer in this state? Click here or contact the local association of criminal defense lawyers. You can learn more about how to work with an attorney by reading our answers to frequently asked questions.
Want to search this state’s laws? Click here
Want to find out how a bill becomes a law in this state? Click here
Want to find your state legislative representatives? Click here
Want to work on changing the laws in your state? Learn how through our Citizen Action Kit!
Sentencing/Criminal Justice Reform Groups in the State
ACLU of Pennsylvania
DISCLAIMER: FAMM does not endorse or support and is not affiliated with any of the attorneys, organizations, or sites listed on this page. FAMM cannot guarantee that the laws listed on its website or the content appearing on any of the links listed on this page are accurate or fully up-to-date. Laws change often, and before taking any action in reliance on the information presented on FAMM’s website or on the sites linked to on this page, you should always verify that the information is still accurate or talk with an attorney. If you feel you need legal advice, you should seek the help of an attorney in your state. FAMM cannot provide legal advice, representation, research, or referrals.