Adm. Cnty. Pa. 576.1

As amended through December 4, 2023
Rule 576.1 - Electronic Filing and Service of Legal Papers
A. Pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P. 576.1, the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts and the 51st Judicial District have agreed upon an implementation plan for electronic filing of criminal legal papers through the statewide system known as PACFile, effective March 9, 2020.
B. All parties identified as electronic filing participants by Pa.R.Crim.P. 576.1(D) are authorized to electronically file legal papers through PACFile with the clerk of courts in cases in the Adams County Court of Common Pleas, 51st Judicial District.
C. Any party identified as electronic filing participants by Pa.R.Crim.P. 576.1(D) may utilize PACFile for any document except the following:
1. applications for search warrants,
2. applications for arrest warrants,
3. any grand jury materials, except the indicting grand jury indictment or the investigating grand jury presentment,
4. submissions filed ex parte as authorized by law, and
5. submissions filed or authorized to be filed under seal.
6. exhibits offered into evidence, whether or not admitted, in a court proceeding.
D. Any party who is ineligible, declines, or not otherwise required to participate in PACFile may file legal papers in a physical paper format with the clerk of courts, and shall be served legal papers in a physical paper format by the clerk of courts and other parties to 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.
E. 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.
F. 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).
G. 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.

Adm. Cnty. Pa. 576.1

Amended effective 10/17/2022; amended effective 5/29/2023; amended effective 7/31/2023; amended effective 12/18/2023.