Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 21, May 25, 2024
Rule 597 - Procedures Following the Filing of a Motion Requesting Transfer from Criminal Proceedings to Juvenile Proceedings(A) If the judge at the status conference conducted pursuant to Rule 595 determines the motion for transfer is not ready to be heard, the judge shall schedule additional status conferences no later than every 60 days after the first status conference until the motion for transfer is ready to be heard. At the status conference, the parties shall advise the judge of the status of all matters pertinent to whether the motion for transfer is ready to be heard.(B) When the judge determines the motion for transfer is ready to be heard, the judge shall schedule the hearing on the motion for transfer to be held no later than 30 days after the determination. Notice of the hearing date shall be given to the defendant, the defendant's attorney, and the attorney for the Commonwealth.(C) At the conclusion of the hearing, but in no case longer than 20 days after the conclusion of the hearing, the judge shall announce the decision in open court. The judge shall enter an order granting or denying the motion for transfer, and set forth in writing or orally on the record the findings of fact and conclusions of law.(D) If the judge does not render a decision within 20 days of the conclusion of the hearing, the motion for transfer shall be denied by operation of law. The clerk of courts immediately shall enter an order on behalf of the judge.(E) If the judge grants the motion, (1) The judge immediately shall order the transfer of the case from criminal proceedings to juvenile proceedings and the case shall proceed pursuant to the Rules of Juvenile Court Procedure and the Juvenile Act, except as provided in paragraph (E)(3).(2) The judge shall order the defendant to be taken forthwith to the juvenile probation office, except as provided in paragraph (E)(3).(3) If, within 30 days of the judge's order transferring the case from criminal proceedings to juvenile proceedings, the attorney for the Commonwealth files a notice of appeal from the order, the judge shall: (a) stay the juvenile proceedings pending disposition of the appeal; and(b) review the defendant's bail status and may release the defendant conditioned upon the defendant being detained in a secure detention facility pursuant to Rule 598.(F) If the judge denies the motion for transfer or the clerk of courts enters an order denying the motion for transfer on behalf of the judge, the case shall continue to proceed as a court case under the Rules of Criminal Procedure.(G) The clerk of courts shall serve copies of the order granting or denying the motion for transfer to the defendant, the defendant's attorney, and the attorney for the Commonwealth.