the case. However, pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P. 576.1(D)(2), establishment of a PACFile account shall constitute consent to participate in electronic filing, including acceptance of service electronically of any document filed in PACFile.

  • Parties utilizing PACFile shall serve physical paper format copies on all parties to the case who do not utilize PACFile, pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P. 576. When utilizing PACFile, parties shall not be required to serve the court administrator.
  • In the event an attorney enters an appearance for a defendant who was previously unrepresented and said defendant established a PACFile account while unrepresented, said defendant shall no longer be permitted to utilize PACFile while represented by counsel, as defined under Pa.R.Crim.P. 576.1(D).
  • On March 9, 2022, all attorneys shall be required to file criminal legal papers electronically through PACFile in the 51st Judicial District, subject to the provisions in this Rule.

Rule 590. Pleas and Plea Agreements.

  • The Court will be available for the purpose of taking guilty or nolo contendere pleas from time to time as designated by the Court Administrator on a day(s) which shall be designated as "Plea Day" or "DUI Court" on the Court Calendar. The day(s) selected shall be at least ten (10) days before the respective trial term.
  • If a party desires to continue a regularly scheduled Plea Day or DUI Court Day, the request shall be made by written motion setting forth good cause for the request and shall be filed at least one week prior to the scheduled Court appearance.
  • Requests for continuances should normally not be made on Plea Day or DUI Court Day except under unforeseen or extraordinary circumstances. If, after the conclusion of Plea Day or DUI Court Day, either party becomes aware of circumstances justifying a continuance, a request should be filed with the Court and all parties in writing prior to close of business on the Wednesday preceding criminal trial week. The motion shall set forth whether the other parties concur with or oppose the relief requested.
  • D(1). All defendants and all attorneys representing defendants on a respective Plea Day or DUI Court Day must attend unless:
  • the case has previously been resolved through plea or other disposition; or
  • a motion for a continuance has been previously presented and granted; or
  • the defendant and/or counsel and the District Attorney's Office have agreed that the defendant and/or counsel may be excused from the call of the list.

D(2). Failure of the defendant to appear may result in the imposition of sanctions by the