Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 24, June 15, 2024
(A) A defendant may plead guilty by:(1) notifying the issuing authority in writing of the plea and forwarding to the issuing authority an amount equal to the fine and costs specified in the citation; or(2) appearing before the issuing authority for the entry of the plea and imposition of sentence when the fine and costs are not specified in the citation or after receipt of notice that a guilty plea by mail has not been accepted by the issuing authority pursuant to paragraph (B)(3).(B) When the defendant pleads guilty pursuant to paragraph (A)(1): (1) The defendant must sign the guilty plea acknowledging that the plea is entered voluntarily and understandingly.(2) The issuing authority may issue a warrant for the arrest of the defendant as provided in Rules 430 and 431 if the amount forwarded with the plea is less than the amount of the fine and costs specified in the citation.(3) Restrictions on the acceptance of guilty plea by mail:(a) The issuing authority shall not accept a guilty plea that is submitted by mail when the offense carries a mandatory sentence of imprisonment.(b) In those cases in which the charge carries a possible sentence of imprisonment, the issuing authority may accept a guilty plea submitted by mail.(c) In any case in which the issuing authority does not accept a guilty plea submitted by mail, the issuing authority shall notify the defendant (1) that the guilty plea has not been accepted, (2) to appear personally before the issuing authority on a date and time certain, and (3) of the right to counsel. Notice of the rejection of the guilty plea by mail also shall be provided to the affiant.(C) When the defendant is required to personally appear before the issuing authority to plead guilty pursuant to paragraph (A)(2), the issuing authority shall: (1) advise the defendant of the right to counsel when there is a likelihood of imprisonment and give the defendant, upon request, a reasonable opportunity to secure counsel;(2) determine by inquiring of the defendant that the plea is voluntarily and understandingly entered;(3) have the defendant sign the plea form with a representation that the plea is entered voluntarily and understandingly;(4) impose sentence, or, in cases in which the defendant may be sentenced to intermediate punishment, the issuing authority may delay the proceedings pending confirmation of the defendant's eligibility for intermediate punishment; and(5) provide for installment payments when a defendant who is sentenced to pay a fine and costs is without the financial means immediately to pay the fine and costs.The provisions of this Rule 409 amended August 7, 2003, effective 7/1/2004, 33 Pa.B. 4289; amended January 16, 2007, effective 2/1/2008, 37 Pa.B. 752; amended July 17, 2013, effective 8/17/2013, 43 Pa.B. 4323; amended March 9, 2016, effective 7/1/2016, 46 Pa.B. 1532.