What is a Prior Record Score (PRS)?

In Pennsylvania, a prior record score places a numeric value to an individuals criminal history. This number is then used along with the offense gravity score (OGS, which is based on the seriousness of the crime) to determine the standard range sentence for a criminal defendant. In short, after the PRS and OGS are determined the standard range sentence can then be located on the Sentencing Matrix Chart.

There are eight Prior Record Score categories in Pennsylvania: Repeat Violent Offender [ REVOC ], Repeat Felony 1 and Felony 2 Offender [ RFEL ], and point-based categories of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Repeat Violent Offender is the highest possible score and zero (0) is the lowest possible score.

How is a Prior Record Score Calculated?

An offenders Prior Record Score category is based on the type and number of prior convictions and prior juvenile adjudications.

Calculating a PRS is a very technical and complex process that requires access to the defendant's full criminal history, an general understanding of the law, and specific knowledge of the Pennsylvania Criminal Code. The PA criminal code describe what prior convictions get calculated, the number of points an offense is given, and when points are added for an accumulation of offenses.

A full explanation of how to calculate a prior record score is too complex to discuss in this article. More importantly, attempting to provide an explanation would be counterproductive because it would likely lead to confusion and miscalculated scores. In short, this is something that must be left to the trained professionals.

If you have a question about your prior record score you should ask a lawyer who has access to your criminal history to calculate it and explain it to you.

When is a Prior Record Score Calculated?

A lawyer should calculate a defendant's record score when they receive their criminal history, which is generally included in discovery. The PRS is also calculated in the Pre-Sentencing Investigation (PSI) report. The lawyer should review the PSI and analyze how it calculated the PRS to determine if it is correct. If an error was made it must be discussed with the District Attorney and the sentencing judge.