Criminal Procedural Rules Committee
The Criminal Procedural Rules Committee is an advisory arm to the Supreme Court.
It assists the court in achieving its constitutional mandate to prescribe general rules governing criminal practice and procedure throughout Pennsylvania. The committee also monitors all local criminal rules as required by Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 105 and periodically publishes reports explaining the committee's proposals for new rules and rule amendments.
Committee appointments are typically for six-year terms. In special circumstances the Supreme Court may extend or reduce the term of an appointment. Committee members are appointed by the Supreme Court and are knowledgeable about the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure and are experienced in state criminal practice in Pennsylvania. There is also one ex-officio member who is identified by, and is a member of, the Pennsylvania Association of Court Management.
Committee Members
David R. Crowley, Esq., Chair
Hon. Michele K. Santicola, Vice Chair
Jordan C. Ludwick, Esq., ex officio
Hon. Francis T. Chardo, III
Hon. Robert P. Dappenbrook
Brian L. Deiderick. Esq.
Ronald Eisenberg, Esq.
Daniel E. Fitzsimmons, Esq.
Heather F. Gallagher, Esq.
Andrew R. Howard, Esq.
Daniel P. Margolskee, Esq.
Tina O. Miller, Esq.
Hon. Garrett D. Page
Michael P. Pradines, Esq.
Philip D. Press, Esq.
Ryan P. Shovlin, Esq.
Shonda H. Williams, Esq.
Staff Members
Daniel A. Durst, Chief Counsel
Mark A. Merdinger, Counsel
Serena C. Nedrow, Assistant
Proposed Rules for Public Comment
| Proposal | Deadline |
|---|---|
|
Proposed Amendment of Pa.R.Crim.P. 403, 407, 408, 409, 411, 412, 413, 414, 422, 423, 424, 454, 462, 702, 704, 705.1, 706, 1002, and 1030, adoption of Pa.R.Crim.P. 454.1, 456.1, 456.2, 702.1, 705.2, and 706.1, and rescission and replacement of Pa.R.Crim.P. 456 and 470
|
March 26, 2025 |
Approved Rules
| Description | Effective Date |
|---|---|
| Amendments of Pa.R.Crim.P. 135, 460, and 547 | April 01, 2025 |
| Amendments of Rules 454, 1002, 1005, and 1030 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure | April 01, 2025 |
| Amendments of Pa.R.Crim.P. 201, 205, 206, 208, 209, 211, 540, and 1003 | October 01, 2024 |
| Rules 490.2 & 790.2 are adopted. Rules 320, 490, 790, and 791 are amended | April 01, 2024 |