CHAPTER 10. RULES OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE FOR THE PHILADELPHIA MUNICIPAL COURT AND THE
PHILADELPHIA TRAFFIC COURT

Rule 1000. Scope of Rules.

 (A)  The rules in this chapter govern all proceedings in the Philadelphia Municipal Court, including summary cases; Municipal Court cases, as defined in Rule 1001(A); the filing of appeals from Municipal Court cases; the filing of petitions for writs of certiorari; and the preliminary proceedings in criminal cases charging felonies, Part A, and govern proceedings in summary traffic cases in Traffic Court, Part B.

 (B)  Any procedure that is governed by a statewide Rule of Criminal Procedure that is not specifically covered in Chapter 10 or by a Philadelphia local rule authorized by these rules and adopted pursuant to Rule 105 shall be governed by the relevant statewide rule.

   The 2004 amendments make it clear that, except as otherwise provided in the rules, Chapter 10 governs all proceedings in the Philadelphia Municipal Court, including the procedures for instituting criminal cases charging felonies, preliminary arraignments, and preliminary hearings. See 42 Pa.C.S. §  1123 (Jurisdiction and Venue).

   Official Note

   Rule 6000 adopted December 30, 1968, effective January 1, 1969; amended March 28, 1973, effective March 28, 1973; amended July 1, 1980, effective August 1, 1980; renumbered Rule 1000 and amended March 1, 2000, effective April 1, 2001; amended August 24, 2004, effective August 1, 2005; amended June 30, 2005, effective August 1, 2006; amended September 9, 2005, effective February 1, 2006.

   Committee Explanatory Reports:

   Final Report explaining the March 1, 2000 reorganization and renumbering of the rules published with the Court’s Order at 30 Pa.B. 1478 (March 18, 2000).

   Final Report explaining the August 24, 2004 amendments clarifying the scope of Chapter 10 published with the Court’s Order at 34 Pa.B. 5025 (September 11, 2004).

   Final Report explaining the June 30, 2005 amendments to paragraph (B) concerning local rules published with the Court’s Order at 35 Pa.B. 3911 (July 16, 2005).

   Final Report explaining the September 9, 2005 amendments adding new rules governing Philadelphia Traffic Court published with the Court’s Order at 35 Pa.B. 5242 (September 24, 2005).

 (A)  A Municipal Court case is any case in which the only offense or offenses charged are misdemeanors under the Crimes Code or other statutory criminal offenses for which no prison term may be imposed or which is punishable by a term of imprisonment of not more than 5 years, including any offense under the Vehicle Code other than a summary offense.

 (B)  When one or more such offenses are charged in a single complaint or series of complaints against one defendant, all shall be joined in the same Municipal Court case, regardless of the length of the cumulative sentence which could be imposed on all charges.

 (C)  A Municipal Court case may be transferred from the Municipal Court to the Court of Common Pleas by order of the President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, or the President Judge’s designee, upon the President Judge’s approval of:

   (1)  a certification by defense counsel that trial in the Municipal Court will unduly delay defendant’s access to a trial by jury; or

   (2)  a certification by both defense counsel and the attorney for the Commonwealth that the trial of the case will be so time consuming as to unduly disrupt the business of the Municipal Court.

 (D)  The attorney for the Commonwealth may file with the Municipal Court Clerk of Quarter Sessions a written certification to exercise the Commonwealth’s right to a jury trial in a Municipal Court case. The attroney for the Commonwealth shall serve a copy of the certification on counsel for the defendant, or the defendant if unrepresented, and on the President Judge of Municipal Court. Upon receipt of the certification, the President Judge shall promptly schedule a preliminary hearing, and the case shall be conducted as provided in Rules 541, 542, and 543. When a case is held for court, the case shall remain in the Common Pleas Court through final disposition.

   This rule, which defines ‘‘Municipal Court Case,’’ is intended to ensure that the Municipal Court will take dispositive action, including trial and verdict when appropriate, in any criminal case that does not involve a felony, excluding summary cases under the Vehicle Code. The latter are under the jurisdiction of the Philadelphia Traffic Court, see 42 Pa.C.S. § §  1301—1303, 1321.

   Paragraph (D) was added in 2007 in accord with the 1998 amendment to article I, §  6 of the Pennsylvania Constitution that provides that ‘‘the Commonwealth shall have the same right to trial by jury as does the accused.’’ See Commonwealth v. Hargraves, 883 A.2d 616 (Pa. Super. 2005), allocatur denied, 587 Pa. 711, 898 A.2d 1069 (Pa. 2006). The filing and service requirement in paragraph (D) must be accomplished as provided in Rule 576. Once a case is bound over to Common Pleas Court, the trial judge may not remand the case to the Municipal Court for any reason, even if the right to jury trial is waived.

   Official Note

   Present Rule 6001 adopted March 28, 1973, effective March 28, 1973, replacing prior Rule 6001; amended June 28, 1974, effective July 1, 1974; paragraph (C) added February 10, 1975, effective immediately; title amended July 1, 1980, effective August 1, 1980; Comment revised January 28, 1983, effective July 1, 1983; amended June 19, 1996, effective July 1, 1996; amended August 28, 1998, effective immediately; renumbered Rule 1001 and Comment revised March 1, 2000, effective April 1, 2001; amended August 24, 2004, effective August 1, 2005; amended January 5, 2007, effective March 6, 2007.

   Committee Explanatory Reports:

   Final Report explaining the June 19, 1996 amendments published with the Court’s Order at 26 Pa.B. 3128 (July 6, 1996).

   Final Report explaining the August 28, 1998 amendments published with the Court’s Order at 28 Pa.B. 4627 (September 12, 1998).

   Final Report explaining the March 1, 2000 reorganization and renumbering of the rules published with the Court’s Order at 30 Pa.B. 1478 (March 18, 2000).

   Final Report explaining the August 24, 2004 amendments clarifying the definition of ‘‘Municipal Court Case’’ published with the Court’s Order at 34 Pa.B. 5025 (September 11, 2004).

   Final Report explaining the January 5, 2007 amendments adding paragraph (D) concerning the Commonwealth’s right to a jury trial in a Municipal Court case published with the Court’s Order at 37 Pa.B. 313 (January 20, 2007).

   The provisions of this Rule 1001 amended August 24, 2004, effective August 1, 2005, 34 Pa.B. 5016; amended January 5, 2007, effective March 6, 2007. Immediately preceeding text appears at serial pages (314390) to (314391).

PART A. Philadelphia Municipal Court Procedures

Rule 1002. [Rescinded].

   Official Note

   Rule 6002 adopted June 28, 1974, effective July 1, 1974; amended July 1, 1980, effective August 1, 1980; Comment revised January 28, 1983, effective July 1, 1983; amended July 12, 1985, effective January 1, 1986; January 1, 1986 effective date extended to July 1, 1986; amended February 1, 1989, effective July 1, 1989; amended August 9, 1994, effective January 1, 1995; renumbered Rule 1002 and amended March 1, 2000, effective April 1, 2001; rescinded August 15, 2005, effective February 1, 2006, and replaced by new Rule 1002.

   Committee Explanatory Reports:

   Report explaining the August 9, 1994 amendments published at 22 Pa.B. 6 (January 4, 1992); Final Report published with the Court’s Order at 24 Pa.B. 4342 (August 27, 1994).

   Final Report explaining the March 1, 2000 reorganization and renumbering of the rules published with the Court’s Order at 30 Pa.B. 1478 (March 18, 2000).

 (A)  Except as provided in this rule or by local rule authorized by this rule, or elsewhere in Chapter 10, all criminal proceedings in which a person is accused only of one or more non-traffic summary offenses or violations of municipal criminal ordinances shall proceed as provided in Chapter 4 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure.

 (B)  Non-traffic summary proceedings shall be instituted by a citation issued to the defendant:

   (1)  Except as provided in paragraph (B)(2), the law enforcement officer shall take the defendant into custody and transport him or her to the appropriate district police station, where without unnecessary delay the law enforcement officer or a superior officer shall prepare and issue to the defendant a citation and a notice to appear. The defendant shall not be slated, fingerprinted, or photographed, except as provided by law.

   (2)  When authorized by local rule promulgated pursuant to Rule 105 (Local Rules), in lieu of taking the defendant into custody as provided in paragraph (B)(1), the law enforcement officer may prepare, verify, and transmit a citation electronically. The law enforcement officer contemporaneously shall give the defendant a paper copy of the citation containing all the information required by Rule 403 (Contents of Citation) and a notice to appear.

   (3)  Except as provided in paragraph (B)(5), in all cases, the law enforcement officer shall release the defendant on the defendant’s own recognizance. The notice to appear shall direct the defendant to appear before a trial commissioner in a specified court room.

   (4)  Within 5 days after issuance of the citation and notice to appear, the citation shall be filed with the clerk of Municipal Court.

   (5)  When required by local rule promulgated pursuant to Rule 105 (Local Rules), rather than releasing the defendant pursuant to paragraph (B)(3), a law enforcement officer without unnecessary delay shall transport the defendant to the Municipal Court for proceedings before a Municipal Court judge.

 (C)  Procedures Following Institution of Summary Proceedings

   (1)  When the defendant is taken before a Municipal Court judge pursuant to paragraph (B)(5), the case shall proceed as provided by local rule promulgated pursuant to Rule 105 (Local Rules).

   (2)  When the defendant appears before a trial commissioner, the trial commissioner shall explain the process to the defendant.

     (a)   If the defendant enters a guilty plea, the trial commissioner shall impose the fines and costs.

     (b)   If the defendant requests a trial before a Municipal Court judge, the trial commissioner shall set a date for trial and issue a subpoena to the defendant.

     (c)   If applicable, after paying any fee imposed, the defendant may be accepted into the Municipal Court’s summary case diversionary program, or any other diversionary program offered pursuant to local rule promulgated pursuant to Rule 105 (Local Rules). When the defendant successfully completes the Municipal Court’s summary case diversionary program, the defendant’s arrest record automatically will be expunged.

 (D)  If the defendant fails to appear pursuant to the notice to appear or a subpoena, a bench warrant shall be issued.

 (E)  When the same conduct is proscribed under an Act of Assembly and a municipal criminal ordinance, the charge shall be brought under the Act of Assembly and not under the ordinance.

   This rule, which replaced former Rule 1002 in 2005, was developed to accommodate the procedures Philadelphia Municipal Court has implemented to address the issues in non-traffic summary cases unique to Philadelphia to more efficiently handle the vast number of non-traffic summary cases, to protect the defendants’ rights to a fair and prompt disposition of their cases, and, when appropriate, to provide the necessary rehabilitation or social services. Municipal Court is required to implement local rules pursuant to Rule 105 (Local Rules) enumerating the details of the summary proceedings following the issuance of a citation or a summons. For purposes of this rule, ‘‘local rule’’ includes all memoranda of understanding and administrative orders that affect non-traffic summary case procedures.

   Although defendants in summary cases ordinarily are not slated, photographed, or fingerprinted, the issuing authority should require the defendant to submit to administrative processing and identification procedures (such as fingerprinting) as authorized by law. See, e.g., 18 Pa.C.S. §  3929(g) concerning fingerprinting in retail theft cases.

   The contents of the citation must comply with the requirements of Rule 403.

   All summary offenses under the motor vehicle laws and parking violations are under the jurisdiction of the Philadelphia Traffic Court. See 42 Pa.C.S. § §  1301—1303, 1321.

   Official Note

   Rule 6002 adopted June 28, 1974, effective July 1, 1974; amended July 1, 1980, effective August 1, 1980; Comment revised January 28, 1983, effective July 1, 1983; amended July 12, 1985, effective January 1, 1986; January 1, 1986 effective date extended to July 1, 1986; amended February 1, 1989, effective July 1, 1989; amended August 9, 1994, effective January 1, 1995; renumbered Rule 1002 and amended March 1, 2000, effective April 1, 2001. Rule 1002 rescinded August 15, 2005, effective February 1, 2006, and replaced by new Rule 1002.

   Committee Explanatory Reports:

   Report explaining the August 9, 1994 amendments published at 22 Pa.B. 6 (January 4, 1992); Final Report published with the Court’s Order at 24 Pa.B. 4342 (August 27, 1994).

   Final Report explaining the March 1, 2000 reorganization and renumbering of the rules published with the Court’s Order at 30 Pa.B. 1478 (March 18, 2000).

   Final Report explaining the provisions of the new rule published with the Court’s Order at 35 Pa.B. 4918 (September 3, 2005).

 (A)  INITIATION OF CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS

   (1)  Criminal proceedings in court cases shall be instituted by filing a written complaint, except that proceedings may be also instituted by:

     (a)   an arrest without a warrant when a felony or misdemeanor is committed in the presence of the police officer making the arrest; or

     (b)   an arrest without a warrant upon probable cause when the offense is a misdemeanor not committed in the presence of the police officer making the arrest, when the arrest without a warrant is specifically authorized by law; or

     (c)   an arrest without a warrant upon probable cause when the offense is a felony.

   (2)  Private Complaints

     (a)   When the affiant is not a law enforcement officer, the complaint shall be submitted to an attorney for the Commonwealth, who shall approve or disapprove it without unreasonable delay.

     (b)   If the attorney for the Commonwealth:

       (i)   approves the complaint, the attorney shall indicate this decision on the complaint form and transmit it to the issuing authority;

       (ii)   disapproves the complaint, the attorney shall state the reasons on the complaint form and return it to the affiant. Thereafter, the affiant may petition the President Judge of Municipal Court, or the President Judge’s designee, for review of the decision. Appeal of the decision of the Municipal Court shall be to the Court of Common Pleas.

 (B)  CERTIFICATION OF COMPLAINT

 Before an issuing authority may issue process or order further proceedings in a Municipal Court case, the issuing authority shall ascertain and certify on the complaint that:

   (1)  the complaint has been properly completed and executed; and

   (2)  when prior submission to an attorney for the Commonwealth is required, an attorney has approved the complaint.

 The issuing authority shall then accept the complaint for filing, and the case shall proceed as provided in these rules.

 (C)  SUMMONS AND ARREST WARRANT PROCEDURES

 When an issuing authority finds grounds to issue process based on a complaint, the issuing authority shall:

   (1)  issue a summons and not a warrant of arrest when the offense charged is punishable by imprisonment for a term of not more than 1 year, except as set forth in paragraph (C)(2);

   (2)  issue a warrant of arrest when:

     (a)   the offense charged is punishable by imprisonment for a term of more than 5 years;

     (b)   the issuing authority has reasonable grounds for believing that the defendant will not obey a summons;

     (c)   the summons has been returned undelivered;

     (d)   a summons has been served and disobeyed by a defendant;

     (e)   the identity of the defendant is unknown;

     (f)   a defendant is charged with more than one offense, and one of the offenses is punishable by imprisonment for a term of more than 5 years; or

   (3)  when the offense charged does not fall within the categories specified in paragraph (C)(1) or (2), the issuing authority may, in his or her discretion, issue a summons or a warrant of arrest.

 (D)  PRELIMINARY ARRAIGNMENT

   (1)  When a defendant has been arrested within Philadelphia County in a Municipal Court case, with or without a warrant, the defendant shall be afforded a preliminary arraignment by an issuing authority without unnecessary delay. If the defendant was arrested without a warrant pursuant to paragraph (A)(1)(a) or (b), unless the issuing authority makes a determination of probable cause, the defendant shall not be detained.

   (2)  In the discretion of the issuing authority, the preliminary arraignment of the defendant may be conducted by using two-way simultaneous audio-visual communication. When counsel for the defendant is present, the defendant must be permitted to communicate fully and confidentially with defense counsel immediately prior to and during the preliminary arraignment.

   (3)  At the preliminary arraignment, the issuing authority:

     (a)   shall not question the defendant about the offense(s) charged;

     (b)   shall give the defendant’s attorney, or if unrepresented the defendant, a copy of the certified complaint;

     (c)   if the defendant was arrested with a warrant, the issuing authority shall provide the defendant’s attorney, or if unrepresented the defendant with copies of the warrant and supporting affidavit(s) at the preliminary arraignment, unless the warrant and affidavit(s) are not available at that time, in which event the defendant’s attorney, or if unrepresented the defendant, shall be given copies no later than the first business day after the preliminary arraignment; and

     (d)   shall also inform the defendant:

       (i)   of the right to secure counsel of choice and the right to assigned counsel in accordance with Rule 122;

       (ii)   of the day, date, hour, and place for the trial, which shall not be less than 20 days after the preliminary arraignment or for the preliminary hearing, which shall be given a first listing of not less than 3 days nor more than 10 days after the preliminary arraignment, unless the issuing authority fixes an earlier date for the trial or the preliminary hearing upon request of the defendant or defense counsel, with the consent of the attorney for the Commonwealth;

       (iii)   in a case charging a felony, of the date, time, and place of the preliminary hearing, which shall not be less than 3 nor more than 10 days after the preliminary arraignment unless extended for cause or the issuing authority fixes an earlier date upon the request of the defendant or defense counsel with the consent of the complainant and the attorney for the Commonwealth; and

       (iv)   of the type of release on bail, as provided in Chapter 5 Part C. of these rules, and the conditions of the bail bond.

   (4)  After the preliminary arraignment, if the defendant is detained, he or she shall be given an immediate and reasonable opportunity to post bail, secure counsel, and notify others of the arrest. Thereafter, if the defendant does not post bail, he or she shall be committed to jail, as provided by law.

 (E)  PRELIMINARY HEARING IN CASES CHARGING A FELONY

 In cases charging a felony, the preliminary hearing in Municipal Court shall be conducted as provided in Rule 542 (Preliminary Hearing; Continuances) and Rule 543 (Disposition of Case at Preliminary Hearing).

 (F)  ACCEPTANCE OF BAIL PRIOR TO TRIAL

 The Clerk of Quarter Sessions shall accept bail at any time prior to the Municipal Court trial.

   The 2004 amendments make it clear that Rule 1003 covers the preliminary procedures for all non-summary Municipal Court cases, see Rule 1001(A), and cases charging felonies, including the institution of proceedings, the preliminary arraignment, and the preliminary hearing.

   See Chapter 5 (Procedure in Court Cases), Parts I (Instituting Proceedings), II (Complaint Procedures), III(A) (Summons Procedures), III(B) (Arrest Procedures in Court Cases), and IV (Proceedings in Court Cases Before Issuing Authorities) for the statewide rules governing the preliminary procedures in court cases, including non-summary Municipal Court cases, not otherwise covered by this rule.

   The 2004 amendments to paragraph (A)(1) align the procedures for instituting cases in Municipal Court with the statewide procedures in Rule 502 (Means of Instituting Proceedings in Court Cases).

   The 1996 amendments to paragraph (A)(2) align the procedures for private complaints in non-summary cases in Municipal Court with the statewide procedures for private complaints in Rule 506 (Approval of Private Complaints). In all cases in which the affiant is not a law enforcement officer, the complaint must be submitted to the attorney for the Commonwealth for approval or disapproval.

   As used in this rule, ‘‘Municipal Court judge’’ includes a bail commissioner acting within the scope of the bail commissioner’s authority under 42 Pa.C.S. §  1123(A)(5).

   The procedure set forth in paragraph (C)(3) allows the issuing authority to exercise discretion in whether to issue a summons or an arrest warrant depending on the circumstances of the particular case. Appropriate factors for issuing a summons rather than an arrest warrant will, of course, vary. Among the factors that may be taken into consideration are the severity of the offense, the continued danger to the victim, the relationship between the defendant and the victim, the known prior criminal history of the defendant, etc.

   If the attorney for the Commonwealth exercises the options provided by Rule 507, Rule 202, or both, the attorney must file the certifications required by paragraphs (B) of Rules 507 and 202 with the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County and with the Philadelphia Municipal Court.

   For the contents of the complaint, see Rule 504.

   Under paragraphs (A) and (D), if a defendant has been arrested without a warrant, the issuing authority must make a prompt determination of probable cause before the defendant may be detained. See Riverside v. McLaughlin, 500 U. S. 44, 111 S. Ct. 1661, 114 L. Ed. 2d 49 (1991). The determination may be based on written affidavits, an oral statement under oath, or both.

   Within the meaning of paragraph (D)(2), counsel is present when physically with the defendant or with the issuing authority.

   Under paragraph (D)(2), the issuing authority has discretion to order that a defendant appear in person for the preliminary arraignment.

   Under paragraph (D)(2), two-way simultaneous audio-visual communication is a form of advanced communication technology.

   See Rule 130 concerning venue when proceedings are conducted pursuant to this rule using advanced communication technology.

   Paragraph (D)(3)(c) requires that the defendant’s attorney, or if represented the defendant, receive copies of the arrest warrant and the supporting affidavits at the preliminary arraignment. This amendment parallels Rule 540(B). See also Rules 208(A) and 513(A).

   Paragraph (D)(3)(c) includes a narrow exception which permits the issuing authority to provide copies of the arrest warrant and supporting affidavit(s) on the first business day after the preliminary arraignment. This exception applies only when copies of the arrest warrant and affidavit(s) are not available at the time the issuing authority conducts the preliminary arraignment, and is intended to address purely practical situations such as the unavailability of a copier at the time of the preliminary arraignment.

   Nothing in this rule is intended to address public access to arrest warrant affidavits. See Commonwealth v. Fenstermaker, 515 Pa. 501, 530 A.2d 414 (1987).

   Under paragraph (D)(4), after the preliminary arraignment, if the defendant is detained, the defendant must be given an immediate and reasonable opportunity to post bail, secure counsel, and notify others of the arrest. Thereafter, if the defendant does not post bail, he or she must be committed to jail as provided by law.

   For purposes of modifying bail once bail has been set by a common pleas judge, see Rules 529 and 536.

   Official Note

   Original Rule 6003 adopted June 28, 1974, effective July 1, 1974; amended January 26, 1977, effective April 1, 1977; amended December 14, 1979, effective April 1, 1980; amended July 1, 1980, effective August 1, 1980; amended October 22, 1981, effective January 1, 1982; Comment revised December 11, 1981, effective July 1, 1982; amended January 28, 1983, effective July 1, 1983; amended February 1, 1989, effective July 1, 1989; rescinded August 9, 1994, effective January 1, 1995. New Rule 6003 adopted August 9, 1994, effective January 1, 1995; amended September 13, 1995, effective January 1, 1996. The January 1, 1996 effective date extended to April 1, 1996; amended March 22, 1996, effective July 1, 1996; the April 1, 1996 effective date extended to July 1, 1996; amended August 28, 1998, effective immediately; renumbered Rule 1003 and amended March 1, 2000, effective April 1, 2001; amended May 10, 2002, effective September 1, 2002; amended August 24, 2004, effective August 1, 2005; amended August 15, 2005, effective February 1, 2006.

   Committee Explanatory Reports:

   Report explaining the provisions of the new rule published at 22 Pa.B. 6 (January 4, 1992). Final Report published with the Court’s Order at 24 Pa.B. 4342 (August 27, 1994).

   Final Report explaining the September 13, 1995 amendments published with Court’s Order at 25 Pa.B. 4116 (September 30, 1995).

   Final Report explaining the March 22, 1996 amendments published with the Court’s Order at 26 Pa.B. 1690 (April 13, 1996).

   Final Report explaining the August 28, 1998 amendments published with the Court’s Order at 28 Pa.B. 4627 (September 12, 1998). Final Report explaining the March 1, 2000 reorganization and renumbering of the rules published with the Court’s Order at 30 Pa.B. 1478 (March 18, 2000).

   Final Report explaining the May 10, 2002 amendments concerning advanced communication technology published with the Court’s Order at 32 Pa.B. 2591 (May 25, 2002).

   Final Report explaining the August 24, 2004 changes clarifying preliminary arraignment and preliminary hearing procedures in Municipal Court cases published with the Court’s Order at 34 Pa.B. 5025 (September 11, 2004).

   Final Report explaining the August 15, 2005 amendments to paragraphs (A)(2)(b)(ii) and (D)(3)(d)(ii) published with the Court’s Order at 35 Pa.B. 4918 (September 3, 2005).

 Arraignment, if not waived by a defendant, shall take place immediately prior to trial.

   Official Note

   Rule 6004 adopted December 30, 1968, effective January 1, 1969; renumbered Rule 1004 March 1, 2000, effective April 1, 2001.

   Committee Explanatory Reports:

 (A)  All pretrial applications for relief including those for suppression of evidence may be made orally or in writing. If in writing, a copy of the application shall be submitted prior to trial to the attorney for the Commonwealth.

 (B)  Pretrial applications shall be heard on the day set for trial immediately prior to the trial. If the decision is adverse to the Commonwealth, the Court shall grant the Commonwealth a continuance upon motion of the attorney for the Commonwealth to give the attorney for the Commonwealth the opportunity to take an appeal.

 (C)  The Commonwealth’s appeal shall be taken not later than 30 days from the date of the decision on the pretrial application.

   Offficial Note

   Rule 6005 adopted December 30, 1968, effective January 1, 1969; amended July 1, 1980, effective August 1, 1980; renumbered Rule 1005 and amended March 1, 2000, effective April 1, 2001.

   Committee Explanatory Reports:

 Immediately after the imposition of sentence, the judge shall inform the defendant:

   (1)  in the case of a trial and verdict of guilty:

     (a)   of the right to file a petition for a writ of certiorari within 30 days without costs or to appeal for trial de novo within 30 days without costs;

     (b)   of the right to jury trial on appeal; and

     (c)   that the charge on which the defendant was found guilty in the Municipal Court will be considered by the district attorney as the basis for the preparation of an information after the filing of the notice of appeal;

   (2)  in the case of a plea of guilty:

     (a)   of the right to file a motion challenging the validity of the plea or the denial of a motion to withdraw the plea;

     (b)   of the 10-day time limit within which such motion must be filed;

   (3)  of the right to be represented by counsel in preparing and litigating the motion and to have counsel appointed in the event the defendant is unable to afford counsel;

     (d)   of the right to appeal from the final order disposing of the motion within 30 days after such order;

     (e)   that only the claims raised in the motion may be raised on appeal; and

   (3)  in any case, of the right to counsel to represent the defendant on appeal and of the right to have counsel appointed to represent the defendant on appeal in the event the defendant is unable to afford counsel.

   or the right to file a petition for a writ of certiorari to the court of common pleas, see Article V, Section 26 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, and the Judicial Code, 42 Pa.C.S. §  934. See also Commonwealth v. Speights, 509 A.2d 1263 (Pa. Super. 1986) (petition challenging sufficiency of the evidence), and Commonwealth v. Frazier, 471 A.2d 866 (Pa. Super. 1984) (petition alleging that judge erred in denying motion to suppress). Certiorari is available in non-summary cases only. Compare Rule 460.

   Official Note

   Rule 6006 adopted December 30, 1968, effective January 1, 1969; amended July 1, 1980, effective August 1, 1980; amended February 21, 1996, effective July 1, 1996; renumbered Rule 1006 and amended March 1, 2000, effective April 1, 2001.

   Committee Explanatory Reports:

   Final Report explaining the February 21, 1996 amendments published with the Court’s Order at 26 Pa.B. 991 (March 9, 1996).

 (A)  A motion challenging the validity of a guilty plea or the denial of a motion to withdraw a guilty plea shall be in writing and shall be filed with the sentencing judge within 10 days after imposition of sentence. The motion shall be disposed of promptly.

 (B)  Execution of sentence shall be stayed and the amount of bail previously determined shall continue until disposition of the motion.

 (C)  The attorney for the Commonwealth shall be given notice of the motion and an opportunity to respond. The judge may schedule a hearing on the motion.

 (D)  Upon entry of a final order denying the motion, the judge shall inform the defendant of the right to appeal the order to the Court of Common Pleas within 30 days after the date of the order.

   The procedures applicable to the taking and the withdrawal of a plea of guilty are set forth in Rules 590 and 591.

   This rule is intended to provide the exclusive procedure for challenging the validity of a guilty plea or the denial of a motion to withdraw a plea. For a discussion of the general principles underlying the rule, see the Comment to Rule 720.

   Official Note

   Rule 6007 adopted July 1, 1980, effective August 1, 1980; amended March 22, 1993, effective January 1, 1994; renumbered Rule 1007 and amended March 1, 2000, effective April 1, 2001.

   Committee Explanatory Reports:

   Final Report explaining the March 22, 1993 amendments published with the Court’s Order at 23 Pa.B. 1699 (April 10, 1993).

 (A)  The notice shall state which method of review is being sought in the court of common pleas by indicating whether it is a notice of appeal or notice of a petition for a writ of certiorari.

 (B)  The notice shall contain the following information:

   (1)  The name and address of the defendant.

   (2)  The date of imposition of sentence.

   (3)  The charges upon which the defendant was convicted.

   (4)  The name of the sentencing judge.

   The notice form previously set forth in this rule was deleted in 1996 because it is no longer necessary to control the specific form by rule.

   Official Note

   Rule 6008 adopted December 30, 1968, effective January 1, 1969; amended February 21, 1996, effective July 1, 1996; renumbered Rule 1008 and amended March 1, 2000, effective April 1, 2001.

   Committee Explanatory Reports:

   Final Report explaining the February 21, 1996 amendments published with the Court’s Order at 26 Pa.B. 991 (March 9, 1996)).

 The Clerk of Municipal Court shall notify the sentencing judge and the attorney for the Commonwealth of the filing of the appeal or the petition for a writ of certiorari.

   Official Note

   Rule 6009 adopted December 30, 1968, effective January 1, 1969; amended February 21, 1996, effective July 1, 1996; amended August 28, 1998, effective immediately; renumbered Rule 1009 March 1, 2000, effective April 1, 2001.

   Committee Explanatory Reports:

   Final Report explaining the February 21, 1996 amendments published with the Court’s Order at 26 Pa.B. 989 (March 9, 1996).

   Final Report explaining the August 28, 1998 amendment published with the Court’s Order at 28 Pa.B. 4627 (September 12, 1998).

 The attorney for the Commonwealth, upon receiving the notice of appeal, shall prepare an information and the matter shall thereafter be treated in the same manner as any other court case.

 In any case in which there are summary offenses joined with the misdemeanor charges that are the subject of the appeal, the attorney for the Commonwealth must include the summary offenses in the information. See Commonwealth v. Speller, 311 Pa. Super. 569, 458 A.2d 198 (1983).

   Official Note

   Rule 6010 adopted December 30, 1968, effective January 1, 1969; amended July 1, 1980, effective August 1, 1980; amended August 28, 1998, effective immediately; renumbered Rule 1010 March 1, 2000, effective April 1, 2001; Comment revised March 9, 2006, effective September 1, 2006.

   Committee Explanatory Reports:

   Final Report explaining the August 28, 1998 amendment published with the Court’s Order at 28 Pa.B. 4627 (September 12, 1998).

   Final Report explaining the March 1, 2000 reorganization and renumbering of the rules published with the Court’s Order at 30 Pa.B. 1478 (March 18, 2000).

   Final Report explaining the March 3, 2006 Comment revision concerning joinder of summary offenses with misdemeanor charges published with the Court’s Order at 36 Pa.B. 1392 (March 25, 2006).

 (A)  Prior to verdict, an existing bail order may be modified by a Municipal Court judge in a Municipal Court case in the same manner as a judge of the court of common pleas may modify a bail order pursuant to Rule 529(C), (D), and (E).

 (B)  In all cases in which a sentence is imposed, the execution of sentence shall be stayed and the bail previously set shall continue, except as provided in this rule.

   (1)  If a notice of appeal or a petition for a writ of certiorari is not filed within 30 days, the judge shall direct the defendant to appear before the judge for the execution of sentence.

   (2)  If a notice of appeal is filed within 30 days, the bail previously set shall continue.

   (3)  If a petition for a writ of certiorari is filed within 30 days, bail shall be determined as provided in Rule 521(B)(1) and (2).

 (C)  The attorney for the Commonwealth may make application to the Court of Common Pleas to increase the amount of bail upon cause shown.

   Paragraph (A) was added in 1995 to conform the practice for Municipal Court judges modifying a bail order before verdict in Municipal Court cases with the practice set forth in Rule 529 for judges of the common pleas court.

   Official Note

   Rule 6011 adopted December 30, 1968, effective January 1, 1969; amended July 1, 1980, effective August 1, 1980; amended September 13, 1995, effective January 1, 1996. The January 1, 1996 effective date extended to April 1, 1996; amended February 21, 1996, effective July 1, 1996; the April 1, 1996 effective date extended to July 1, 1996; renumbered Rule 1011 and amended March 1, 2000, effective April 1, 2001; amended May 19, 2006, effective August 1, 2006.

   Committee Explanatory Reports:

   Final Report explaining the September 13, 1995 amendments published with Court’s Order at 25 Pa.B. 4116 (September 30, 1995).

   Final Report explaining the February 21, 1996 amendments published with the Court’s Order at 26 Pa.B. 991 (March 9, 1996).

   Final Report explaining the March 1, 2000 reorganization and renumbering of the rules published with the Court’s Order at 30 Pa.B. 1478 (March 18, 2000).

   Final Report explaining the May 19, 2006 amendments correcting cross-references to Rule 529 published with the Court’s Order at 36 Pa.B. 2633 (June 3, 2006).

 (A)  Rule 115, relating to the recording and transcribing of court proceedings, shall apply to Municipal Court case proceedings after the preliminary arraignment or, when a defendant appears pursuant to a summons, after the defendant’s first appearance.

 (B)  No testimony produced at the Municipal Court trial or at any pretrial hearing in the Municipal Court shall be admissible at the trial de novo except in those cases in which the defendant was represented by counsel and had the opportunity to cross examine, and the witness afterwards dies, or is out of the jurisdiction so that the witness cannot be effectively served with a subpoena, or cannot be found, or becomes incompetent to testify for any legally sufficient reason properly proven.

   Official Note

   Rule 6012 adopted December 30, 1968, effective January 1, 1969; amended April 24, 1981, effective July 1, 1981; renumbered Rule 1012 and amended March 1, 2000, effective April 1, 2001.

   Committee Explanatory Reports:

 (A)(1)  Trial in a Municipal Court case in which a preliminary arraignment is held after June 30, 1974, but before July 1, 1975, shall commence no later than 210 days from the date on which the preliminary arraignment is held.

   (2)  Trial in a Municipal Court case shall commence no later than 120 days from the date on which the preliminary arraignment is held.

   (3)  Trial in a Municipal Court case in which the defendant appears pursuant to a summons shall commence no later than 120 days from the date on which the complaint is filed.

   (4)  Trial in a case that commenced as a Common Pleas Court case but was later ordered to be tried in Municipal Court shall commence no later than 180 days from the date on which the preliminary arraignment is held or 60 days from the date on which the order is made, whichever is greater.

   (5)  Trial in a case which is transferred from the juvenile court to the Municipal Court shall commence no later than 180 days from the date of filing the transfer order.

 (B)  For the purpose of this rule, trial shall be deemed to commence on the date the Municipal Court judge calls the case to trial, or the defendant tenders a plea of guilty or nolo contendere.

 (C)(1)(a)  At any time prior to the expiration of the period for commencement of trial, the attorney for the Commonwealth may apply to the Court orally or in writing for an order extending the time for commencement of trial. The defendant shall have the right to be heard on the Commonwealth’s motion.

     (b)   If the motion is in writing, a copy shall be served upon the defendant through the defendant’s attorney, if any.

     (c)   Such motion shall allege facts in support thereof, and shall be granted only upon findings based upon a record showing that trial cannot be commenced within the prescribed period despite due diligence by the Commonwealth and, if the delay is due to the Court’s inability to try the defendant within the prescribed period, upon findings based upon a record showing the causes of the delay and the reasons why the delay cannot be avoided.

     (d)   Any order granting a motion for extension shall specify the date or period within which trial shall be commenced. Trial shall be scheduled for the earliest date or period consistent with the extension request and the court’s business, and the record shall so indicate.

   (2)  It shall be the responsibility of the Court Administrator of Philadelphia, in addition to any prior listings, to list cases for trial not more than 40 days nor less than 20 days prior to the expiration of the period specified in paragraph (A). If the case cannot be tried at that listing, there shall be a judicial determination as to when trial shall commence.

 (D)  In determining the period for commencement of trial, there shall be excluded therefrom:

   (1)  any period of time for which the defendant expressly waives Rule 1013; and

   (2)  such period of delay at any stage of the proceedings as results from:

     (a)   the unavailability of the defendant or counsel; and

     (b)   any continuance granted at the request of the defendant or counsel.

 (E)  At any time before trial, the defendant or counsel may apply to the court orally or in writing for an order dismissing the charges with prejudice on the ground that this rule has been violated. If in writing, a copy of such motion shall be served upon the attorney for the Commonwealth. The attorney for the Commonwealth shall have the right to be heard on the motion for dismissal. Any order granting such motion shall dismiss the charges with prejudice and discharge the defendant.

 (F)  Nothing in this rule shall be construed to modify any time limit contained in any statute of limitations.

 (G)  A trial de novo in the Court of Common Pleas shall commence within a period of 120 days after the notice of appeal from the Municipal Court is filed. In all other respects the provisions of Rule 600 shall apply to such trials in the Court of Common Pleas.

 (H)  When a retrial is required in Municipal Court, the retrial shall commence within 90 days after the date of the order requiring the retrial.

 (I)  When a judge has ordered that a defendant’s participation in the ARD program be terminated pursuant to Rule 318, trial shall commence within 90 days of the termination order.

   For a discussion of the general principles underlying this rule and for other explanatory comments applicable to it, see the Comment to Rule 600. It should be noted, however, that in several technical respects the text of this rule differs from that of Rule 600.

   Paragraph (A)(3) is intended to apply only when a defendant appears in compliance with a summons. It is not intended to apply when a defendant is arrested after non-compliance with or return of a summons.

   Paragraph (A)(4) is intended to provide a minimum 60-day period for trial of those cases which become Municipal Court cases when, at the preliminary hearing, in court, or otherwise after preliminary arraignment, all offenses punishable by more than five years imprisonment are discharged.

   ‘‘Order requiring the retrial,’’ as used in paragraph (H) is intended to include, for example, the declaration of a mistrial, or the withdrawal, rejection of, or successful challenge to a guilty plea.

   Official Note

   Rule 6013 adopted June 28, 1974, effective prospectively as set forth in paragraphs (A)(1) and (A)(2) of this rule; amended July 1, 1980, effective August 1, 1980; amended October 22, 1981, effective January 1, 1982; the amendment to paragraph (D) as it regards exclusion of defense-requested continuances was specifically made effective as to continuances requested on or after January 1, 1982, and paragraph (H), which provides the time for retrials, was specifically made effective as to retrials required by orders entered on or after January 1, 1982; amended September 3, 1993, effective January 1, 1994; renumbered Rule 1013 and amended March 1, 2000, effective April 1, 2001; amended August 8, 2002, effective January 1, 2003; amended June 26, 2003, effective July 1, 2003.

   Committee Explanatory Reports:

   Report explaining the September 3, 1993 amendments published with the Court’s Order at 23 Pa.B. 4492 (September 25, 1993).

   Final Report explaining the March 1, 2000 reorganization and renumbering of the rules published with the Court’s Order at 30 Pa.B. 1477 (March 18, 2000).

   Final Report explaining the August 8, 2002, amendments to paragraphs (A)(2) and (A)(3) expanding the time for trial from 120 days to 180 days published with the Court’s Order at 32 Pa.B. 4124 (August 24, 2002).

   Final Report explaining the June 26, 2003 amendments to paragraphs (A)(4) and (A)(5) expanding the time for trial from 120 to 180 days, and to paragraph (G) expanding the time for trial from 90 days to 120 days published with the Court’s Order at 33 Pa.B. 3364 (July 12, 2003).

 Except as provided in these rules or by local rule authorized by these rules, or elsewhere in Chapter 10, all criminal proceedings in which a person is accused of one or more summary traffic offenses only or violations of municipal traffic ordinances shall proceed as provided in Chapter 4 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure.

   These rules were developed in 2005 to accommodate the procedures Philadelphia Traffic Court has implemented to address the issues in summary traffic cases unique to Philadelphia, to more efficiently handle the vast number of summary traffic cases, and to protect the defendants’ rights to a fair and prompt disposition of their cases.

   See Rule 105 for the procedures for promulgating local rules.

   Official Note

   Adopted September 9, 2005, effective February 1, 2006.

   Committee Explanatory Reports:

   Final Report explaining the provisions of the new rule published with the Court’s Order at 35 Pa.B. 5242 (September 24, 2005).

 (A)  Summary traffic cases in Philadelphia shall be instituted by:

   (1)  issuing a citation to the defendant as provided in Rules 405-409;

   (2)  filing a citation with the Traffic Court as provided in Rules 410-414; or

   (3)  arresting without a warrant when arrest is specifically authorized by law as provided in Rules 440 and 441.

 (B)  The Administrative Judge of Traffic Court, or in the event the position of Administrative Judge is vacant, the Traffic Court President Judge, may provide by local rule, as an exception to the trial notice procedures in Rule 408(B), when a citation is issued to the defendant as provided in Rule 405, that the law enforcement officer also shall give the defendant written notice of the date and time and location set for the summary trial.

   (1)  The trial notice shall include an explanation that if the defendant enters a guilty plea and pays the fine and costs indicated on the citation within the specified time, the summary trial will be cancelled.

   (2)  The trial notice also shall include notice to the defendant that:

     (a)   failure to appear for the trial shall constitute consent for the trial to be conducted in the defendant’s absence;

     (b)   if the defendant is found guilty, the collateral deposited will be forfeited and applied toward the fine and costs; and

     (c)   the defendant will have the right to appeal within 30 days for a trial de novo in the court of common pleas.

   See Rule 403 for the contents of the citation.

   The trial notice permitted in paragraph (B) may be added to the citation form.

   See Rule 105 for the procedures for promulgating local rules.

   Official Note

   Adopted September 9, 2005, effective February 1, 2006.

   Committee Explanatory Reports:

   Final Report explaining the provisions of the new rule published with the Court’s Order at 35 Pa.B. 5242 (September 24, 2005).

 In addition to the procedures in Rules 407 and 412 for entering a plea in a summary traffic case, the defendant, by means of electronic transmission as provided by local rule, may notify the Traffic Court of his or her plea, and either pay the fines and costs or post the requisite collateral.

   See Rule 105 for the procedures for promulgating local rules.

   Official Note

   Adopted September 9, 2005, effective February 1, 2006.

   Committee Explanatory Reports:

   Final Report explaining the provisions of the new rule published with the Court’s Order at 35 Pa.B. 5242 (September 24, 2005).

 (A)  When a defendant is arrested pursuant to a warrant issued as provided in Rule 430, the police officer without unnecessary delay shall take the defendant before the proper issuing authority and shall proceed as provided in this rule and by local rule.

 (B)  When the defendant appears in person or appears by means of two-way simultaneous audio-video equipment, the judge or bail commissioner shall:

   (1)  inform the defendant concerning the specific citations to which the defendant has not entered a plea as required by Rules 407 and 412;

   (2)  inform the defendant concerning the specific citations that have been adjudicated that have outstanding fines or costs for which the defendant is in default of a payment order or a payment plan; and

   (3)  advise the defendant of the right to retain counsel, and if, in the event of a conviction, there is a reasonable likelihood of a sentence of imprisonment and the defendant does not have the financial ability to retain counsel, advise the defendant that counsel will be appointed by Traffic Court as provided in Rule 1035.

 (C)  When the defendant appears before a bail commissioner, the bail commissioner shall schedule the next court proceeding before the Traffic Court and give the defendant a hearing notice or subpoena, set collateral as provided in Rule 1034 and local rule, and release the defendant, or if the defendant is unable to post the collateral, commit the defendant.

 (D)  When the defendant appears before a Traffic Court judge,

   (1)  if the matter is not ready to proceed, the Traffic Court judge shall schedule the next court proceeding and give the defendant a scheduling order, set collateral as provided in Rule 1034 and local rule, and release the defendant, or if the defendant is unable to post the collateral, commit the defendant.

   (2)  If the matter is ready to proceed,

     (a)   when the defendant is arrested pursuant to a warrant issued as provided in Rule 430(A) or (B)(1)(a) or (B)(2), the defendant shall enter a plea. If the defendant pleads guilty, the Traffic Court judge shall impose sentence. If the defendant pleads not guilty, the summary trial shall be conducted.

     (b)   When the defendant is arrested following a trial in absentia pursuant to a warrant issued as provided in Rule 430(B)(3)(c) and (B)(4),

       (i)   the Traffic Court judge shall conduct an immediate hearing to determine defendant’s financial ability to pay the full amount due.

       (ii)   If the Traffic Court judge determines the defendant is financially unable to pay the full amount due, the judge may order an installment payment plan as provided in Rule 456(C)(2).

       (iii)   If the judge determines the defendant is financially able to pay the full amount due, and that there is a likelihood that imprisonment will be imposed at the conclusion of the hearing, the judge shall advise the defendant of the right to retain counsel, and, if the defendant does not have the financial ability to retain counsel, advise the defendant that counsel will be appointed by Traffic Court as provided in Rule 1035. A hearing may be held if retained or appointed counsel is available; otherwise, the hearing shall be rescheduled for a date certain, and the defendant shall be released on collateral as provided in Rule 1034.

       (iv)   At the conclusion of the hearing, the Traffic Court judge shall proceed as provided in Rule 456(C)(3).

     (c)   When the defendant is arrested after defaulting on the payment of fine or costs or restitution pursuant to a warrant issued as provided in Rule 430(B)(3)(b) and (B)(4),

       (i)   the Traffic Court judge shall conduct an immediate hearing to determine whether the defendant is financially able to pay the outstanding fines and costs as previously ordered.

       (ii)   If the judge determines the defendant is financially unable to pay as previously ordered, the judge may issue a revised payment order or payment plan.

       (iii)   If the judge determines the defendant is financially able to pay as previously ordered, and that there is a likelihood that imprisonment will be imposed at the conclusion of the hearing, the judge shall advise the defendant of the right to retain counsel, and if, the defendant does not have the financial ability to retain counsel, advise the defendant that counsel will be appointed by Traffic Court as provided in Rule 1035. A hearing may be held if retained or appointed counsel is available; otherwise the hearing shall be rescheduled for a date certain, and the defendant shall be released on collateral as provided in Rule 1034.

       (iv)   At the conclusion of the hearing, the Traffic Court judge shall proceed as provided in Rule 456(C)(3).

     (d)   When the defendant is arrested on multiple warrants in cases involving both unadjudicated citations and adjudicated citations with outstanding balances, the matter shall proceed as provided in paragraph (D)(2)(a) (summary trial), or paragraphs (D)(2)(b) or (D)(2)(c) (default hearings). These cases may be joined and the proceeding scheduled before the same Traffic Court judge.

   Pursuant to Municipal Court Local Rule 540 and Traffic Court Local Rule 1033, when a defendant is arrested outside the normal business hours of Traffic Court, the defendant is to be taken without unnecessary delay before a Philadelphia Municipal Court bail commissioner who shall proceed as provided in paragraph (C) and in Traffic Court Local Rule 1033.

   ‘‘Proper issuing authority’’ as used in this rule is the traffic court judge or bail commissioner assigned to conduct these proceedings as provided in this rule, Municipal Court Local Rule 540, and Traffic Court Local Rule 1033.

   For the procedures for contempt proceedings in Traffic Court cases, see Rules 140, 141, and 142.

   For the summary appeal procedures, see Rules 460, 461, and 462.

   See Rule 105 for the procedures for promulgating local rules.

   Official Note

   Adopted September 9, 2005, effective February 1, 2006.

   Committee Explanatory Reports:

   Final Report explaining the provisions of the new rule published with the Court’s Order at 35 Pa.B. 5242 (September 24, 2005).

 (A)  Except as provided in this rule, the procedures for collateral shall be as provided in Rule 452.

 (B)  When determining the amount of collateral, if any,

   (1)  if the defendant does not have a prior history of failure to appear for scheduled hearings, or there are other reasonable grounds to believe that the defendant will appear, or the defendant is without adequate resources to deposit collateral, the Traffic Court judge or bail commissioner shall consider releasing the defendant on his or her own recognizance, or sign own bail (‘‘SOB’’), or on a nominal amount of collateral.

   (2)  If the defendant has a prior history of failing to appear for Traffic Court scheduled hearings, and notice of the hearings was served personally on defendant, the Traffic Court judge or bail commissioner may set collateral in an amount not to exceed the collateral that may be required for the payment of defendant’s unadjudicated citations and the balance of outstanding fines and costs owed on adjudicated citations.

   When the collateral is set in a monetary amount, the Traffic Court judge or bail commissioner may permit the defendant to be released from custody when 10% of the amount has been posted.

   When determining the amount of collateral to set in paragraph (B)(2), the judge or bail commissioner must take into consideration the defendant’s financial resources and ability to post the amount set. The amount of collateral must be reasonable.

   See Rule 105 for the procedures for promulgating local rules.

   Official Note

   Adopted September 9, 2005, effective February 1, 2006.

   Committee Explanatory Reports:

   Final Report explaining the provisions of the new rule published with the Court’s Order at 35 Pa.B. 5242 (September 24, 2005).

 A)  When the Traffic Court judge has preliminarily determined that there is a likelihood that imprisonment will be imposed at the conclusion of a summary traffic proceeding,

   (1)  a hearing may be held if retained or appointed counsel is available; or

   (2)  if the defendant is without financial resources or is otherwise unable to employ counsel, the judge shall continue the proceeding, issue a scheduling order, and either appoint counsel or direct the defendant to report for a financial interview to determine eligibility to court-appointed counsel.

 (B)  When the defendant reports for the financial interview to determine eligibility to court-appointed counsel, the defendant shall provide supporting documentation, such as a driver’s license, a DPW card, pay stubs, and any other relevant information. Upon review of the information provided by the defendant during the financial interview, the Traffic Court judge shall enter an appropriate order.

 (C)  Counsel’s appointment shall terminate at the conclusion of the Traffic Court proceeding, unless the Traffic Court judge sentences the defendant to a period of incarceration, in which case, counsel’s appointment shall continue through any appeal for a trial de novo in the court of common pleas.

 (D)  At the time a sentence is imposed that includes a period of incarceration, if the defendant is represented by private counsel, the Traffic Court judge shall advise the defendant that, in the event private counsel ceases to represent the defendant after the imposition of the sentence and before the sentence is carried out, if the defendant is unable to afford counsel, he or she has the right to have counsel appointed to represent the defendant to file an appeal for a trial de novo, and if appointed, counsel’s appointment shall continue through the trial de novo in the court of common pleas.

   No defendant may be sentenced to imprisonment or probation if the right to counsel was not afforded at trial. See Alabama v. Shelton, 535 U. S. 654, 122 S.Ct. 1764, 152 L.Ed.2d 888 (2002), Scott v. Illinois, 440 U. S. 367, 99 S.Ct. 1158, 59 L.Ed.2d 383 (1979), and Argersinger v. Hamlin, 407 U. S. 25, 92 S.Ct. 2006, 32 L.Ed.2d 530 (1972).

   See Rules 460, 461, and 462 for the procedures for summary case appeals.

   Official Note

   Adopted September 9, 2005, effective February 1, 2006.

   Committee Explanatory Reports:

   Final Report explaining the provisions of the new rule published with the Court’s Order at 35 Pa.B. 5242 (September 24, 2005).

 (A)  The Administrative Judge of Traffic Court, or in the event the position of Administrative Judge is vacant, the President Judge of Traffic Court, may appoint Traffic Court hearing officers to conduct post-hearing proceedings, including but not limited to, establishing or re-establishing payment plans, monitoring compliance with payment plans, holding warrant hearings, and performing additional duties as may be identified by local rule.

 (B)  The Administrative Judge by local rule shall establish the qualifications and educational requirements for the position of Traffic Court hearing officer.

   See Pa.R.Crim.P. 105 for the procedures for promulgating local rules.

   Official Note

   Adopted September 9, 2005, effective February 1, 2006.

   Committee Explanatory Reports:

   Final Report explaining the provisions of the new rule published with the Court’s Order at 35 Pa.B. 5242 (September 24, 2005).

   The provisions of this Rule 1036 adopted September 9, 2005, effective February 1, 2006, 35 Pa.B. 5239.