AND NOW, this 31st day of August 2020, having previously declared a 

judicial  emergency  in  the  Fifth  Judicial  District  of  Pennsylvania,  this  Court 

amends its previous Emergency Operations Orders and now orders that the 

actions  set  forth  below  be  taken  pursuant  to  Pa.R.J.A.  No.  1952(B)(2).    All 

provisions of this Order apply through December 31, 2020.  

I. 

Public Access to Court Facilities 
 

•  A Court Facility includes, but is not limited to: 

  The Civil Division located on the 7th and 8th floors of the City-County 
Building and the Housing Court Help Desk, located on the first floor 
of the City-County Building, 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219; 

o  The  Criminal  Division  located  on  the  3rd  and  5th  floor  of  the 

Courthouse, 436 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219; 

o  The  Family  Law  Center  located  at  440  Ross  Street  and  559  Fifth 

Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219; 

o  The  Orphans’  Court  Division,  located  on  the  17th  floor  of  the  Frick 

Building, 437 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219; 

1 

   

   

 

 

  o

 

 

 

   ORDER OF COURT 

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF PENNSYLVANIA 
 
WESTERN DISTRICT 

No.  23 WM 2020 

) 
) 
) 
) 
) 
) 

   

 

 
IN RE: AMENDED  
FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT 
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS 
PLAN  
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o  Pittsburgh Municipal Court, 660 First Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219; 

o  All Magisterial District Courts located in Allegheny County; 

o  All Adult Probation Offices, located in Allegheny County; 

o  All Juvenile Probation Offices including the six Community Intensive 

Supervision Program sites located in Allegheny county;  

o  The Juvenile Dependency Hearing Officer Courtrooms located at: 

1.  (East Region) 10 Duff Road—Suite 208, 10 Corporate Center, 

2.  (Mon Valley Region) 355 Lincoln Highway, North Versailles, PA 

Penn Hills, PA 15235;  

15137; 

3.  (North Region) 421 East Ohio Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212; 
 

o  Any Administrative Offices of the Fifth Judicial District; and  

 

o  Any  other  facility,  building,  or  room  designated  by  the  President 
Judge  to  hear  and  dispose  of  matters  pending  before  the  Court  of 
Common  Pleas  or  Magisterial  District  Courts  in  the  Fifth  Judicial 
District. 

•  All court facilities, including the courtrooms in all Divisions of the Court 
of  Common  Pleas,  the  Magisterial  District  Courts  and  Pittsburgh 
Municipal Court, will be open to the public for matters as specified below 
in this Order. 

•  Persons must wear masks or face coverings to enter and remain in any 
court  facility.    Persons  who  are  not  compliant  with  this  order,  will  be 
required to leave the court facility. 
 

•  Persons who enter any court facility shall comply with CDC and Health 
Department  recommendations  for  social  distancing  as  well  as  any 
signage  posted  in  or  on  court  facilities  or  instructions  from  a  judge, 

2 

judicial  officer,  Sheriff’s  deputy,  police  officer,  constable,  building 
security, or court employee. 

•  News media shall be permitted into court facilities but only in a manner 
that is consistent with public safety.  Cameras will not be allowed in any 
court  facility,  unless  specifically  authorized  by  the  President  Judge, 
Administrative Judge of a Division, or the District Court Administrator. 
 

•  Sheriff’s deputies, police, constables, and building security assigned to 
any court facility are authorized to deny admission or remove a person 
who is visibly ill or who is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.  Any person 
excluded  or  removed  for  health  concerns  shall  be  provided  with 
information  (telephone  number  or  email  address)  to  enable  them  to 
initiate,  participate 
in,  or  complete  necessary  essential  court 
business/functions during the judicial emergency. 
 

 

•  Only  persons  with  essential  court  business  are  guaranteed  admission 
into any court facility, subject to restrictions above. Friends and family 
members may be required to wait outside the facility.   
 

•  Sheriff’s  deputies,  police,  constables,  and  building  security  shall  have 
the  authority  to  enforce  all  of  the  conditions  in  this  section.    Persons 
who are not compliant with this order, will be required to leave the court 
facility. 

I.  Methods for Conducting Proceedings 

 

•  Whenever  appropriate  and  feasible,  and  as  directed  by  the  President 
Judge, the Administrative Judges of the Divisions, and the District Court 
Administrator,  court  proceedings  shall  be  conducted  by  Advanced 
Communication Technology (ACT), primarily through Microsoft Teams, 
pursuant to the protocol for teleconference hearings issued by the Court.  
Other audio or teleconference methods may be employed, pursuant to 
the protocol for teleconference hearings issued by the Court, with the 
approval of the Administrative Judges.  See Protocol for Teleconference 
Hearings found on the Fifth Judicial District website. 
 

3 

 

  I

 

•  Remote  matters,  conducted  through  Advanced  Communication  on 
Technology  shall  be  conducted  with  the  same  decorum  as  in-person 
matters. 
 

•  When it is determined that conducting court proceedings through ACT 
is not appropriate or feasible, court hearings and proceedings shall be 
conducted utilizing protocols and policies relating to the use of masks or 
other  personal  protective  equipment,  social  distancing,  and  other 
guidance specified in Section II of this Order. 
 

•  Any administrative order, policy, or protocol issued by an Administrative 
Judge requiring certain proceedings to be conducted through ACT shall 
be followed.  Any exceptions to such an administrative order, policy, or 
protocol must be approved by the Administrative Judge of the Division. 

•  In order to prevent overcrowding, court appearances and hearing times 
shall  be  staggered,  and  the  Administrative  Judges  may  require  that 
scheduling of cases be centralized in each division. 
 

•  Attorneys are strongly encouraged to bring only essential witnesses and 
persons  to  in-person  court  proceedings.    Attorneys  should  encourage 
their clients to refrain from having non-participants accompany them to 
court proceedings. 
 

•  When  a  court  reporter  or  other  approved  form  of  recording  court 
proceedings  is  unavailable,  alternative  forms  of  recording  shall  be 
permitted. 
 

•  All persons participating in a court proceeding, including but not limited 
to,  judges  and  judicial  officers,  attorneys,  court  employees,  court 
reporters,  witnesses,  and  spectators,  are  required  to  wear  a  mask  or 
face  covering  for  the  entire  proceeding.    The  judge  or  judicial  officer 
may permit a person to temporarily remove the mask to take testimony 
or  where  the  presence  of  a  mask  would  affect  the  ability  to  judge 
credibility, provided that the requirements for social distancing, and in 
the  case  of  matter  in  the  Criminal  Division,  the  attached  Criminal 
Division Procedures (as may be subsequently amended and posted on 

4 

 

 

the  website  of  the  Fifth  Judicial  District)  are  followed.    In  such  cases, 
the person will be required to wear a face shield.  The Court shall make 
every  effort  to  minimize  the  number  of  people  present  for  in-person 
court proceedings, including allowing particular attorneys or witnesses 
to appear remotely. 

•  Orders prohibiting and limiting the use of cellular phones in courtrooms 
and court facilities remain in effect.  However, due to the requirements 
for  social  distancing,  an  attorney  may  use  a  cellular  telephone  to 
communicate with a client or a witness while outside of the courtroom. 
An attorney may use a cellular telephone to summon witnesses waiting 
in another location, to the courtroom; or for such other purpose deemed 
appropriate  by  the  judge  or  judicial  officer  presiding  over  the  court 
proceeding.   

  The taking of photographs or the recording of any proceeding is strictly 
prohibited.    Anyone  violating  this  provision  shall  forfeit  their  cellular 
phone or device and shall be subject to contempt proceedings or other 
sanctions. 

  •

 

 

•  Taking the testimony of witnesses through ACT is strongly encouraged.  
However,  when  a  witness  must  testify  in  person  in  a  courtroom,  the 
witness may be required to wait in another location until such time as 
the  court  is  prepared  to  take  the  testimony  of  the  witness.    Upon 
conclusion  of  the  testimony,  the  witness  shall  be  excused  from  the 
courtroom and shall leave the court facility unless the judge or judicial 
officer determines that there is a reason that the witness must remain 
in the court facility.   

•  News media may be permitted into a courtroom, if social distancing can 
be  maintained.    The  court  may  designate  certain  seats  for  the  news 
media,  however,  seats  for  attorneys,  parties  to  the  proceedings  and 
essential court staff take priority over seats for the news media. 

•  Sidebar conferences are prohibited until further order of court.  

5 

 

 

     

 

III.  Time Calculations and Deadlines  

 

 

•  Except  as  otherwise  set  forth  in  this  Order,  the  suspension  of  time 
calculations due to the judicial emergency that began on March 16, 2020 
ended at the end of the day on June 1, 2020. 
 

•  Time  calculations  and  deadlines  were  suspended  during  the  judicial 
emergency so that they did not continue to run during that time. The 
suspension  began  on  March  16,  2020  and  continued  through  June  1, 
2020–or for 78 days.  New deadlines shall be calculated by adding the 
time period of the suspension (days during which time calculations were 
suspended  due  to  the  judicial  emergency  as  applied  to  the  particular 
time  calculation)  to  the  original  deadline.  The  period  of  suspension 
caused  by  the  judicial  emergency  added  on  to  the  deadline  shall  only 
include that period of the suspension during which the particular time 
calculation would have otherwise been running.   
 

•  For example, if an original 30-day deadline fell on March 19, 2020, and 
the  period  of  suspension  under  the  judicial  emergency  was  78  days 
(March 16th through June 1st), the new deadline would be June 5, 2020 
(78  days  after  March  19th).    In  this  example,  the  particular  time 
calculation stopped running during the entire 78-day suspension when 
it would have otherwise been running. If, however, a deadline expired 
before the judicial emergency began, then that deadline would not be 
extended by the judicial emergency.    
 

•  The period of suspension caused by the judicial emergency added on to 
the  deadline  shall  only  include  that  period  of  the  suspension  during 
which  the  particular  time  calculation  would  have  otherwise  been 
running.  For example, if a 20-day time period begins running on May 
27, 2020, when a complaint is served, then the original 20-day deadline 
would  be  June  16,  2020.  The  period  during  which  this  particular  time 
calculation would be suspended by the judicial emergency would be 6 
days (from May 27th through June 1st) and the new deadline would be 
June 22, 2020 (6 days after June 16, 2020).  Stated differently, if a 20-
day time period begins running on May 27, 2020, when a complaint is 
served upon the defendant, the parties start counting the 20-day time 

 

6 

period  from  June  2,  2020,  (i.e.  June  3rd  is  day  one),  and  the  new 
deadline is again June 22, 2020. 
 

•  If, however, the particular time calculation did not start to run until after 
June 1, 2020, then the deadline would not be extended as it would be 
unaffected  by  the  suspension.    For  example,  if  a  20-day  time  period 
begins  running  on  June  3,  2020  when  a  complaint  is  served  then  the 
original 20-day deadline of June 23, 2020 would not be extended.  

•  Postponements  or  continuances  resulting  from  the  judicial  emergency 
shall be considered court postponements and shall constitute excludable 
time, subject to constitutional limitations for purposes of the application 
of Rule 600.  See Commonwealth v. Bradford, 46 A.3d 693 (Pa. 2012) 
and Commonwealth v. Mills, 162 A. 3d 323 (Pa. 2017).   

•  The  suspension  of  Rule  600,  subject  to  constitutional  limitations,  as 
indicated in this Court’s previous Emergency Operations Orders, began 
on  March  16,  2020  and  will  continue  through  December  31,  2020, 
subject to further order of court.   
 

•  Jury  trials  in  both  the  Civil  and  Criminal  Divisions  remain  suspended 

until further Order of Court.   

•  Attorneys  and  litigants  shall  not  use  the  judicial  emergency  to  secure 
strategic  advantage  in  litigation,  including  by  dilatory  conduct.  
Individual judges may determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether a 
failure to meet a deadline was not directly the result of or affected by 
the  judicial  emergency,  (such  as  in  routine  discovery  matters)  and 
whether  the  deadline  should  have  been  met  during  the  judicial 
emergency.  The judge may then take any action deemed appropriate 
to address the situation. 

V.  Transportation, Signatures, Fingerprinting, and Publication 

 

•  There will be no identification process at time of arrest, unless processed 
through  the  Allegheny  County  Jail.  Defendants  will  be  assigned  a 
fingerprint appointment for a later date. 

7 

 

 

 

  I

 

•  Until further Order of Court: 

 

o  No inmates will be transported from the Allegheny County Jail or 

a state correctional facility for preliminary hearings. 

o  Juveniles will not be transported from Shuman Detention Center 
or Hartman Shelter for court hearings, unless the judge orders the 
juvenile to appear in court. 

o  Where the participation of the inmate or juvenile is required at a 
court  hearing,  Advanced  Communication  Technology  shall  be 
considered before issuing the order to transport. 

o  All  juveniles  or  inmates  who  are  being  transported  shall  wear  a 

mask.  

o  The  Sheriff’s  deputies  may  refuse  to  transport  an  inmate  or 
juvenile who is visibly ill, who is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-
19, or who refuses to wear a mask, and shall immediately notify 
the assigned judge. 

•  Alternative methods of signing, delivery, and service of court documents 
and  orders  shall  be  permitted.    This  includes,  but  is  not  limited  to, 
facsimile  signatures,  electronic  signatures,  proxy  signatures,  and 
designated court employees authorized to sign on behalf of a judge after 
the judge has reviewed and approved the document for signature.  Pro 
se  litigants  completing  forms  at  Pittsburgh  Municipal  Court  may 
authorize court employees to sign documents, when necessary, for the 
safety of the litigants and court employees. Under such circumstances, 
the court employee will sign his/her name to the document indicating 
that  the  litigant  has  reviewed  the  document  and  that  all  of  the 
information  contained  therein  was  provided  by  the  litigant.    If  an 
employee must sign for a pro se litigant, he/she will do so in a manner 
allowing the litigant to see the employee sign the document.     
 

•  In  the  interest  of  public  health,  the  Pittsburgh  Legal  Journal  shall  be 
published  as  an  electronic  PDF  through  the  duration  of  the  judicial 
emergency in the Fifth Judicial District.  During the judicial emergency, 
proofs  of  publication  produced  by  the  Pittsburgh  Legal  Journal  can  be 
properly verified and signed by a notary public only, instead of a notary 
public and an affiant as is typically required.  Proofs of publication may 

8 

 

 

be mailed or emailed to relevant parties. Records of all electronic proofs 
of publication and email correspondence shall be preserved. 
 
Civil Division 
 

V. 

•  Where  appropriate  and  feasible,  Civil  Division  proceedings  shall  be 
conducted by Advanced Communication Technology, primarily through 
Microsoft Teams, pursuant to the protocol for teleconference hearings 
issued  by  the  Court.    Other  audio  or  teleconference  methods  may  be 
employed, pursuant to the protocol for teleconference hearings issued 
by  the  Court,  with  the  approval  of  the  Administrative  Judges.    See 
Protocol for Teleconference Hearings posted on the Fifth Judicial District 
website. 
 

•  All published trial lists are temporarily suspended pending further Order 

of Court.  
 

•  Non-jury trials commenced in June 2020.  Non-jury trials shall continue 
to be conducted pursuant to the protocols outlined in this Order.  Such 
non-jury  trials  shall  be  identified  by  the  Court  and  specially  listed  for 
non-jury  trial  by  separate  Order(s)  of  Court.    Where  appropriate  and 
possible,  such  non-jury  trials  shall  be  conducted  using  Advanced 
Communication  Technology  (ACT).    When  it  is  not  appropriate  and 
possible to use ACT for non-jury trials, all parties, lawyers, witnesses, 
and  persons  participating  in  the  trial  must  follow  the  Fifth  Judicial 
District’s  protocols  and  policies  relating  to  the  use  of  masks  or  other 
personal  protective  equipment,  social  distancing,  and  other  guidance 
specified in Section II of this Order. 
 

•  Jury trials shall commence on a limited basis and only where the Court 
enters an Order specifically scheduling a jury trial.  Parties with cases 
on previously published trial lists may jointly, with written consent by 
all parties involved in the litigation, submit consented-to motions to the 
Calendar  Control  Judge  requesting  that  their  case  be  scheduled  to  be 
tried before a jury. 

 

 

9 

•  Consistent  with  this  Order,  the  following  matters  shall  be  conducted 
remotely through the use of Advanced Communication Technology:  

 

Calendar Control Motions,  
Housing Court Motions, 
Discovery Motions, 
General Motions (contested and uncontested),  
Oral arguments on Preliminary Objections,  
Oral arguments on Motions for Summary Judgment, or Judgment 
on the Pleadings, 
Conciliations relating to cases on the May 2020 Trial List, and 
All other matters scheduled by any individual judge relating to a 
case specifically assigned to that judge, unless litigants lack the 
ability to participate using Advanced Communication Technology 
and  under  such  circumstances,  the  individual  Judge  will  utilize 
conduct 
appropriate  methods 
arguments/hearings utilizing protocols and policies relating to the 
use  of  masks  or  other  personal  protective  equipment,  social 
distancing, and other guidance specified in Section II of this Order. 
 

adjudicate 

and/or 

to 

•  See  the  Fifth  Judicial  District  website,  www.alleghenycourts.us,  for 
procedures and instructions relating to the following matters, including 
Operating  Procedures  for  all  judges  and  remote  submissions  of  the 
following: 

Calendar Control Motions; 
Discovery Motions; 
General Motions; 
Housing Court Motions; 
Preliminary Objections; and 
Motions for Summary Judgment/Judgment on the Pleadings. 

•  Notwithstanding the suspension of time calculations and deadlines set 
forth  in  Section  I  above,  individual  judges  are  hereby  invested  with 
substantial  discretion  with  the  enforcement  of  time  deadlines  which 
he/she  has  established  in  a  particular  case  when  handling  one  of  the 
matters  outlined  above  in  items  (1)  through  (8)  of  the  Civil  Division 
section of this Order.  

1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 
6. 

7. 
8. 

. 
2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 
6. 

  1

 

 

10 

•  The  Governor’s  Orders  of  May  7  and  May  22,  2020  prohibiting 
commencement of actions filed under the Landlord Tenant Act of 1951 
for failure to pay rent, or due to an expired lease are scheduled to expire 
on August 31, 2020. Landlord tenant actions in the Civil Division of the 
Allegheny  County  Court  of  Common  Pleas  shall  proceed  pursuant  to 
applicable  rules  and  laws.    Residential  landlord  tenant  actions  filed  at 
the  Magisterial  District  Courts  shall  proceed  pursuant  to  the  attached 
Order,  filed  this  same  date,  entitled  Fifth  Judicial  District  Temporary 
Procedures Regarding Certain Residential Landlord Tenant Actions. 
 

•  Arbitration hearings resumed in June of 2020 utilizing the protocols and 
policies  relating  to  the  use  of  masks  or  other  personal  protective 
equipment, social distancing, and other guidance specified in Section II 
of  this  Order.  However,  where  all  parties  agree  to  using  Advanced 
Communication  Technology  (ACT),  or  by  Order  of  Court  upon  cause 
shown by one or more parties, arbitration hearings may be conducted 
remotely through use of ACT.   
 

•  Conciliations  and  hearings  before  the  Board  of  Viewers  shall  be 
conducted remotely where appropriate and possible using ACT.  Where 
the litigants are unable to participate remotely utilizing ACT, the Board 
of Viewers may proceed with in-person hearings, as necessary, utilizing 
protocols  and  policies  relating  to  the  use  of  masks  or  other  personal 
protective equipment, social distancing, and other guidance specified in 
Section II of this Order. 
 

•  In  any  case  specially  assigned  to  a  judge,  the  judge  assigned  shall 
attempt  to  use  Advanced  Communication  Technology  for  all  hearings, 
conferences, and/or oral arguments on such matters so assigned. Where 
one  or  more  parties  is  unable  to  participate  using  Advanced 
Communication  Technology,  then  under  such  circumstances,  the 
assigned  judge  may  conduct  in-person  hearings,  conferences,  and/or 
oral  arguments  utilizing  protocols  and  policies  relating  to  the  use  of 
masks  or  other  personal  protective  equipment,  social  distancing,  and 
other guidance specified in Section II of this Order.  
 

 

11 

•  The  Commerce  and  Complex  Litigation  Center  will  hear  all  petitions, 
motions,  conciliations,  and  hearings  remotely  using  Advanced 
Communications  Technology;  see 
the  standardized  operating 
procedures for  Administrative Judge Christine A. Ward, and Judge Philip 
Ignelzi, 
Judicial  District  website, 
www.alleghenycourts.us  for  information  concerning    matters  assigned 
to the Commerce and Complex Litigation Center. 
 

available 

Fifth 

the 

on 

VI.  Criminal Division 

A. Remote Proceedings 

 

 

•  During  the  judicial  emergency,  the  following  matters  in  the  Allegheny 
County Court of Common Pleas, Criminal Division, shall presumptively 
be conducted remotely through Advanced Communication Technology: 

1.  Bail Hearings and Motions Court; 
2.  Motions  for  Continuance  and  other  motions  which  do  not  require 

testimony; 
3.  Guilty Pleas; 
4.  Sentencing Hearings; 
5.  ARD Hearings; 
6.  Phoenix Docket and EDP Hearings; 
7.  Review Hearings for SOC, Domestic Violence Court, Drug Court, DUI 

Court, Mental Health Court, PRIDE Court, and Veteran’s Court; 

8.  Probation Violation Hearings; 
9.  SOC Formal Arraignments. 

 

 
•  If  a 

judge 

in  a  particular  case  determines  that  extenuating 
circumstances  exist  that  justify  an  in-person  proceeding,  then  one  of 
the  types  of  matters  listed  in  the  paragraph  above  may  be  heard  in-
person,  in  whole  or  in  part,  in  the  courtroom.    Extenuating 
circumstances may exist, for example, when an interpreter is required 
or where there is a likelihood that a sentence of imprisonment will be 
imposed after a guilty plea.  The Court shall make efforts to minimize 
the  number  of  people  present  for  these  in-person  matters  including 
allowing particular attorneys or witnesses to appear remotely.   

 

12 

 

 

 

•  Recognizing the difficulty that defendants representing themselves may 
have using Advanced Communication Technology, such defendants may 
appear  in  person  for  any  matter  at  the  discretion  of  the  judge. 
Defendants  representing  themselves  may  also  appear  in  person  at 
Formal Arraignment or Pretrial Conferences. 

•  Defense Counsel is encouraged to conduct Formal Arraignments without 
appearing  at  the  Formal  Arraignment  Office  pursuant  to  the  attached 
procedure.  

•  Absent extenuating circumstances, Pretrial Conferences for represented 
telephone,  or 

conducted  by  email, 

should  be 

defendants 
videoconferencing.   

B. In-Person Matters 

 

•  Matters not listed in the first paragraph of section VI(A) of this Order, 
which would otherwise be conducted in person, may also be conducted 
using Advanced Communication Technology after consultation with the 
parties and if the defendant consents and waives his or her confrontation 
clause  rights  and  his  or  her  right  to  be  physically  present.  This  may 
include matters such as non-jury trials or pretrial suppression motions 
in which witnesses will be called. 
 

•  The  Court  shall  continue  to  evaluate  the  circumstances  regarding  the 
pandemic  in  Allegheny  County  to  determine  an  appropriate  time  to 
resume  jury  trials.    A  separate  order  will  set  forth  additional 
requirements relating to resumption of jury trials. 
 

C.  Conduct of Court Business 

•  Attorneys are to participate in Case Status Conferences as set forth in the 
attached Case Status Conference Procedures.  Judges or their staff may 
also  conduct  status  conferences  via  telephone  or  videoconferencing. 
Attorneys are required to participate in any such status conferences.  

 

 

13 

•  Absent  extenuating  circumstances  unique  to  a  particular  case,  inmates 
will not be transported to the courthouse for proceedings except for trials, 
hearings  on  matters  which  require  witnesses,  and  cases  where  an 
interpreter is necessary for an incarcerated defendant. 

•  Attorneys are strongly encouraged to file motions (including motions to 
reduce bail), pleadings, and other documents through PACFile. Attorneys 
and  self-represented  parties  shall  add  their  email  address  on  the  cover 
page of all filings with the Court as part of their contact information.  The 
Bail  Review  Request  Form  may  continue  to  be  utilized  and  emailed  to 
Pretrial 
at 
the 
https://www.alleghenycourts.us/criminal/pretrial_services/bail_services/
brr.aspx. 

Services 

website 

Court’s 

via 

•  All bail and miscellaneous motions for cases at the Court of Common Pleas 
level  that  are  assigned  a  CR  number,  should  be  filed  through  PACFile.  
Miscellaneous motions, however, may also be filed in person and brought 
to the motions counter in room 534 of the courthouse. All bail motions for 
cases at the Magisterial District Court level shall be filed by emailing the 
motion  (with  the  OTN  number  of  the  case  on  the  coversheet)  to 
DCRCriminal@AlleghenyCounty.us.  A  copy  of  any  bail  motion,  at  either 
level,  and/or  a  Bail  Review  Request  form,  which  can  be  found  on  the 
Criminal Division page of Fifth Judicial District website, shall be submitted 
to PTS_Bail_Questions_Bin@alleghenycourts.us.  

•  All motions to lift detainers should be filed through PACFile and emailed 
to the assigned judge and his/her staff but may be filed in person at the 
Department of Court Records and brought to the appropriate courtroom.  
Email addresses for Criminal Division Judges and staff are located on the 
Fifth Judicial District website. 

•  Requests or Motions for Continuance should be liberally granted. 

14 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  Alternative methods of signing, delivery and service of court documents 
and orders shall be permitted.  Such methods may include, but are not 
limited to: 

1.  The signature of defense counsel on a defendant’s behalf; 

2.  The  signature  of  court  personnel  while  in  the  presence  of  the 
defendant  or  while  on  the  record,  with  the  defendant’s  verbal 
permission; 

3.  The faxed, scanned or electronic signature of a defendant; and 

4.  Other methods determined to be reliable by a judge. 

•  Defendants who wish to address warrants for failure to appear may do so 
by phoning (412) 350-1229, Monday through Friday between 9:00 A.M. 
and 3:00 P.M.     

•  Electronic  monitoring  supervision  by  the  Adult  Probation  Department 
continues to be available at the discretion of the Criminal Division judges. 

 

 

•  The  August  21,  2020  Order  entitled  Amended  Fifth  Judicial  District 
Emergency Operations Plan Criminal Division is consistent with this Order 
and remains in effect.  

D. Safety Provisions Enforcement 

•  In addition to social distancing, masking, and other safety requirements 
set forth in the Emergency Operations Plan Order dated May 28, 2020, 
and this Order, the attached Criminal Division Procedures (as may be 
subsequently amended and posted on the website of the Fifth Judicial 
District)  shall  be  followed  in  the  Criminal  Division  of  the  Allegheny 
County Court of Common Pleas. 

 

 

     

 

15 

VII.  Family Division 

 

Child  Support,  Divorce,  Alimony,  and  Equitable  Distribution  of 
Property 
 

•  For  information  or  questions  about  child/spousal  support,  custody, 
divorce or presentation of a pro se motion contact (412) 350-5600 or 
1stFOP@pacses.com.  The  regional  offices  in  the  Penn  Hills  and  Castle 
Shannon shall remain closed to the public.  
 

•  Consent  Agreements  and  Orders  may  be  sent  to  the  following  email 
processing: 
review 

and 

for 

address 
pacsessupportconsentagreement@pacses.com  
 

•  Until further Order of Court, child support payments will not be accepted 
in person.  Child supports payments may be made by credit card, check, 
and/or money order.  Payment coupons and instructions are available 
on the Fifth Judicial District website: www.alleghenycourts.us 
 

•  All  scheduled  conferences  and/or  hearings  shall  be  conducted 
telephonically.    Litigants  will  receive  telephonic  conference/hearing 
instructions via US Postal Mail and, when possible, by text message. 
 

•  All evidence being submitted for support proceedings may be submitted 
by  text  message,  email,  or  fax  prior  to  or  during  the  course  of  the 
proceeding. 
 

•  Exceptions to Hearing Officer Support Recommendations shall be filed 
electronically 
The 
complete  “Exceptions  Procedure”  shall  be  maintained  on  the  Fifth 
Judicial District website and is incorporated herein, by reference. 
 

alleghenysupportexceptions@pacses.com. 

at 

•  Masters’  Rules  and  Procedures  are  posted  to  the  Fifth  Judicial  District 

website and are made applicable by this Order. 
 

•  The Court shall continue to review and grant divorces, administratively, 
when  all  required  documents  are  filed  with  the  Department  of  Court 
Records. 

 

16 

•  Any matter may be presented to the Court by motion, without a hearing, 

pursuant to the judges’ procedures on the website, for entry of an Order.   
 

 

Custody 

•  Custody motions will be addressed on a case by case basis.  Any matter 
may be presented to the Court by Motion, without a hearing, for entry 
of an Order, pursuant to the assigned judge’s procedures posted on the 
Fifth Judicial District website. 
 

please 

•  For  new  custody  cases  originating  by  motion  without  a  judicial 
at 
assignment, 
emergencycustody@alleghenycourts.us with the following information:  
parents’ names and dates of birth and the child(ren)’s names and dates 
of  birth.    The  Court  will  respond  to  the  inquiry  with  the  appropriate 
judicial designation. 

contact 

Court 

email 

the 

by 

•  Pro se emergency custody motions will be addressed by completing the 
Court’s  online  submission  platform  for  the  same  on  the  Fifth  Judicial 
District website. 

•  Questions  concerning  custody  matters  may  be  submitted  by  email  to 
custodydepartment@alleghenycourts.us  or  by  leaving  a  message  at 
412-350-4311.  Emails and calls will be returned during regular business 
hours.  For questions concerning an emergency custody matter, please 
call 412-350-1500, Monday through Friday, between 9:00 AM and 3:00 
PM. 

•  Until  further  Order  of  Court,  the  Generations  education  seminar 
requirement  shall  be  completed  by  reading  and  reviewing  the 
Generations  booklet,  which  is  posted  on  the  Fifth  Judicial  District 
website.    The  password  to  access  the  booklet  is  contained  in  the 
scheduling order.  For litigants who do not have access to the internet, 
please call 412-350-4311 to receive the materials by regular mail. 

•  Until  further  order  of  Court,  the  Generations  mediation  session,  DRO 
custody conciliation, interim relief hearing, and partial custody hearing 

17 

 

 

 

 

 

 

before  the  hearing  officer,  shall  be  conducted  remotely,  either  by 
teleconference  or  videoconference,  at  the  Court’s  direction.    Five  (5) 
days  in  advance  of  the  scheduled  court  event,  litigants  shall  send 
contact information (telephone number and email address) where they 
may  be  reached  by  the  Court  on  the  date  and  time  of  the  scheduled 
court event to custodydepartment@alleghenycourts.us or by phone at 
412-350-4311.  Failure to timely provide this information to the Court 
may  result  in  the  proceeding  not  being  held  and/or  a  delay  in 
scheduling/rescheduling the custody case. 

•  All  other  custody  proceedings,  including  those  scheduled  to  be  heard 
before the assigned Judge, shall be heard remotely by teleconference or 
videoconference at the Court’s direction, until further Order of Court and 
unless  the  judge  requires  an  in-person  proceeding.    Litigants  should 
carefully  review  the  scheduling  order  issued  for  each  matter  for 
information  on  the  remote  requirements,  witness  testimony,  and 
submission of evidence and exhibits. 

•  Exceptions to Hearing Officer Custody Recommendations shall be filed 
at the Allegheny County Department of Court Records, with a copy sent 
to the Court via email at custodydepartment@alleghenycourts.us. 

rotection from Abuse 

  P

•  All Temporary Protection From Abuse matters will be addressed at the 
Family Law Center, 440 Ross Street, Room 3030, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.  
Temporary Protection from Abuse Hearings shall be conducted generally 
through  videoconference.  If  a  hearing  cannot  be  conducted  through 
videoconference, the hearing shall be held by audio or teleconference. 

•  Temporary  Protection  From  Abuse  Petitions  will  be  prepared  and 
processed  between  the  hours  of  8:00  A.M.  and  11:00  A.M.,  and 
videoconference  hearings  will  be  conducted  until  2:00  P.M,  Monday 
through Friday. This timeframe may be modified upon further order. 

•  Emergency  Protection  From  Abuse  Petitions  will  be  addressed  from 
11:00  A.M..  until  8:00  A.M.,  Monday  through  Friday,  and  24  hours 

18 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday and Sunday and on court holidays at the Pittsburgh Municipal 
Court Building, 660 First Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. 
 

•  Emergency Protection From Abuse Petitions may also be addressed from 

11:00 A.M. until 3:30 P.M. at the Magisterial District Courts. 
 

•  Final Protection From Abuse Hearings shall be heard through Advanced 

Communication Technology (ACT), until further Order of Court. 
 

•  Temporary Protection From Abuse Orders that were entered during the 
judicial emergency or that were extended due to the judicial emergency 
shall  expire  on  June  16,  2020,  unless  an  order  entered  after  May  28, 
2020 sets a different expiration date. 

•  Defendants (or their attorneys) intending to contest a Protection From 
Abuse  action  and  participate  in  a  hearing  must  submit  an  “Intent  to 
Defend” form prior to the scheduled hearing.  If the Defendant appears 
at  the  hearing  without  having  completed  and  submitted  the  Intent  to 
Defend  form  prior  to  the  scheduled  hearing,  the  hearing  may  be 
postponed  and  the  Temporary  PFA  Order  may  be  extended  until  the 
rescheduled hearing date. 

•  Until  further  Order  of  Court,  Indirect  Criminal  Contempt  (ICC) 

Complaints will not be accepted by private petition.  
 

•  ICC  Police  Complaints  will  be  accepted,  and  bail  hearings  will  be  held 
before  a  Magisterial  District  Judge  using  Advanced  Communication 
Technology.    If  a  defendant  is  detained,  a  bail  hearing  shall  be  held 
before the judge assigned to hear the Temporary PFA Petitions.    
 

•  For questions concerning Protection from Abuse, please call (412) 350-

4441, Monday through Friday between 9:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. 

uvenile Matters  

  J

•  Juvenile  proceedings  shall  be  conducted  by  Advanced  Communication 
Technology, primarily through Microsoft Teams, pursuant to the protocol 

19 

 

 

 

 

for  teleconference  hearings  issued  by  the  Court.    Other  audio  or 
teleconference methods may be employed, pursuant to the protocol for 
teleconference  hearings  issued  by  the  Court,  with  the  approval  of  the 
Administrative Judge.  See Protocol for Teleconference Hearings posted 
on the Fifth Judicial District website. 
 

•  Delinquency  adjudicatory  hearings,  where  the  juvenile  requests  a 
hearing  or  a  trial  may  be  conducted  as  an  in-person  hearing.  
Requirements for social distancing and masks and face coverings as set 
forth  in  this  order,  shall  be  strictly  followed.    With  the  consent  of  the 
juvenile, a delinquency adjudicatory hearing may be heard, in whole or 
in  part,  through  Advance  Communication  Technology,  provided  that 
after conducting a colloquy on the record, the Court determines that: 

1.  The  juvenile  understands  the  Constitutional  right  to  confront 

witnesses; 

 

2.  The juvenile understands the right to be present; and  
3.  The right and knowingly and voluntarily waives these rights. 

•  All Juvenile Court matters will be heard by the assigned judges according 
to  the  scheduling  protocol  in  effect  prior  to  the  judicial  emergency. 
Matters  may  continue  to  be  heard  through  Advanced  Communication 
Technology, as the interest of public safety dictates. 

•  The Court shall continue to issue Orders for protective custody, pursuant 

to Pa. R.J.C.P. Rule 1210.   
 

•  Detention  hearings  will  be  heard  by  a  hearing  officer  on  Mondays, 
Wednesdays,  and  Fridays.      Hearing  officer  recommendations  will  be 
sent to the daily assigned judge for approval and entry of an order. 
 

•  Shelter  Care  Hearings  will  be  heard  by  a  hearing  officer  three  days  a 
week.    Walk-in  Shelter  Care  Hearings  will  not  be  permitted.    Hearing 
officer recommendations will be sent to the assigned judge for approval 
and entry of an order.  
 

20 

 

 

 

•  Emergency motions will be heard in accordance with the weekly motions 
judge schedule. All Motions shall be filed through PACFile with a copy e-
mailed  to  juvenilemotions@alleghenycourts.us,  the  probation  officer, 
and the caseworker. 
 

•  For  emergency  matters  involving  delinquency,  please  contact  the 

Juvenile Probation Department at (412) 350-1501. 
 

•  In cases where the juvenile is detained prior to the adjudicatory hearing, 
the  Court  may  schedule  the  adjudicatory  hearing  more  than  10  days 
after the filing of the petition or the pre-hearing conference, as deemed 
appropriate  by  the  hearing  officer  or  the  judge,  but  the  Court  must 
review  the  detention  status  by  memo  every  10  days  until  the 
adjudicatory  hearing  is  held.    The  attorney  for  the  juvenile  and  the 
attorney  for  the  Commonwealth  shall  be  provided  the  opportunity  to 
provide  input  in  writing  and/or  through  Advanced  Communication 
Technology.    In  all  cases,  the  Court  shall  determine  whether  the 
continued detainment is necessary to ensure the safety of the public and 
is constitutionally permissible.  

•  Termination of Parental Rights Hearings shall be scheduled and heard 

by the assigned judge.  
 

assigned judge. 

•  Adoption Hearings shall be scheduled and heard as determined by the 

•  Post-dispositional  hearings,  where  the  recommendation  is  to  close 
supervision,  may  be  presented  by  memo  for  the  entry  of  an  Order  to 
terminate supervision.   
 

•  Initial  pre-hearing  conferences  shall  be  conducted  through  Microsoft 
Teams.    With  the  consent  of  the  parties,  all  other  matters  may  be 
presented  to  the  Court  by  memo,  without  a  hearing,  for  entry  of  an 
Order.   
 

•  The Court shall continue to be available to issue orders for Authorization 

for Medical Treatment of a Minor, pursuant to 18 Pa. C.P.S. 3201. 

21 

 

 

 

 

•  Private Dependency Petitions and Petitions to Modify/Enforce Permanent 
Legal  Custodianship  Orders  shall  be  processed  electronically  or  by  US 
Postal  Mail.  Complete  instructions  are  available  on  the  Fifth  Judicial 
District website. 
 

•  Questions  concerning  dependency  matters,  termination  of  parental 
rights, adoptions and juvenile scheduling matters may be submitted by 
email to childrenscourt@alleghenycourts.us or by calling 412-350-0377, 
Monday through Friday, between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Emails and calls 
will be returned during regular business hours.   

III. Orphans’ Court Division 

 

  V

•  Whenever appropriate and feasible, Orphans’ Court Proceedings should 
be conducted by Advanced Communication Technology (ACT), primarily 
through  Microsoft  Teams,  pursuant  to  the  protocol  for  teleconference 
hearings issued by the Court.  Other audio or teleconference methods 
may be employed, pursuant to the protocol for teleconference hearings 
issued by the Court, with the approval of the Administrative Judges.  See 
Protocol for Teleconference Hearings found on the Fifth Judicial District 
website.      Proceedings  in  Orphans’  Court  cases  that  are  specially 
assigned to a judge may, at the discretion and direction of the judge, 
be conducted in-person in open court.  

•  The following types of Petitions/Motions may be filed at the Department 
of  Court  Records  Wills/Orphans’  Court  Division  for  transmittal  to  the 
Orphans’  Court  Division  for  assignment  to  the  trial  judge  or  motions 
judge:  

Settlement  Petitions  involving  minors,  incapacitated  persons,  or 
Decedent’s Estates;  
Petitions  requesting  the  issuance  of  a  Citation  or  Rule  to  Show 
Cause; 
Petitions requesting the scheduling of a hearing, including but not 
limited to, termination of parental rights, adoptions, guardianships 
of  incapacitated  persons  and  minors,  and  review  of  involuntary 
civil commitment;  
Petitions to Settle a Small Estate; 

. 

  1

2. 

3. 

4. 

 

 

22 

5. 

6. 

Petitions for Allowance involving minors or incapacitated persons; 
and  
Petitions or motions that are consented to in writing by all counsel 
of record and/or by all unrepresented parties in interest. 
 

•  Petitions  or  motions  that  are  contested  must  comply  with  the 
requirements  of  Rule  3.1  of  the  Allegheny  County  Orphans’  Court 
Division  Rules  and  shall  be  presented  in-person  in  open  court  to  the 
motions judge at 9:30 a.m. or at such time and manner, including via 
Advanced  Communications  Technology,  as  directed  by  the  motions 
judge. 
 

•  In-person  in  court  proceedings  must  follow  the  protocols  and  policies 
relating  to  the  use  of  masks  or  other  personal  protective  equipment, 
social distancing and other guidance specified in Section II of this Order. 

  Involuntary Civil Commitment hearings will continue as scheduled and 

will be conducted by audio or teleconference. 
 

IX.  Magisterial District Courts 

 

  •

•  All Magisterial District Courts and Pittsburgh Municipal Court are open 

for designated court proceedings as set forth in this order. 

•  Police  agencies  are  to  follow  the  Revised  Magisterial  District  Courts 
COVID-19  Plan  and  the  Pittsburgh  Municipal  Court,  City  of  Pittsburgh 
COVID-19  Plan  for  the  filing  of  criminal  complaints,  ICC  complaints, 
arrest  warrants,  and  search  warrants.    See  attached  Revised  MDC 
COVID-19 plans.   
 

•  Magisterial District Judges will remotely handle criminal case initiation 

and processing.  The remote operations include: 
 

o  Criminal  Complaint  filing,  arrest  warrant  requests,  and  cases 

initiated by on-view arrests only,  

o  Search Warrant issuance, 
o  Bail Hearings and Bail Hearings on ICC Complaints filed by police. 

 

 

 

23 

•  Preliminary Arraignments conducted through Pittsburgh Municipal Court 

shall be handled remotely. 

•  Preliminary  Arraignments  conducted  at  the  Magisterial  District  Courts 
shall  presumptively  be  handled  remotely  but  may  at  the  discretion  of 
the Magisterial District Judge be handled in person. 
 

•  Preliminary  hearings  with  incarcerated  defendants  will  be  conducted 
using  Advanced  Communication  Technology.    Other  parties  may 
participate through Advanced Communication Technology. 
 

•  Preliminary hearings for non-incarcerated defendants may be conducted 
using  Advanced  Communication  Technology.    Other  parties  may 
participate  through  Advanced  Communication  Technology.    There  will 
be no identification process at time of arrest, unless processed through 
the  Allegheny  County  Jail.  Defendants  will  be  assigned  a  fingerprint 
appointment for a later date. 

•  Constables that serve arrest warrants for misdemeanor/felony cases are 
to instruct defendants to turn themselves in or contact the police agency 
that requested the warrant.  
 

•  Defendants  shall  pay  their  court-ordered  financial  obligations—costs, 
fines,  and  fees—electronically,  through  Court  Payment  Services  at 
alleghenytix.com  and  through  the  Pennsylvania  ePay  system  at 
ujsportal.pacourts.us.  Cash payments at the Magisterial District Courts 
may be accepted at the discretion of the Magisterial District Judge.  Cash 
payments will be accepted at Pittsburgh Municipal Court.  
 

•  Magisterial  District  Judges  may  sua  sponte  revise  individual  payment 

plans to reduce the minimum payment requirement.   

•  Facsimile  signatures  are  to  be  used  for  documents  generated  in  the 

Magisterial District Judge Computer System. 

  Police complaints, affidavits, and search warrant requests filed with an 

electronic signature shall be accepted by the Court. 

  •

24 

 

 

 

 

o  The Magisterial District Judge shall review the criminal complaint 

and electronically notify the staff of their approval. 

o  A  record  of  this  permission  shall  be  attached  to  the  criminal 

o  The  form  of  signature  shall  be  Magisterial  District  Judge 

complaint. 

Name/Staff initials. 

  After  review  and  with  their  approval,  a  Magisterial  District  Judge  may 
permit  staff  to  sign  a  criminal  complaint  on  his/her  behalf.    The 
Magisterial District Judge shall utilize the procedures set forth below.    

  •

•  Emergency  Protection  From  Abuse  Petitions  will  be  addressed  from 
11:00  A.M.  until  8:00  A.M.,  Monday  through  Friday,  and  24  hours 
Saturday  and  Sunday  and  court  holidays  at  the  Pittsburgh  Municipal 
Court  Building,  660  First  Avenue,  Pittsburgh,  PA  15219.  Emergency 
Protection  from  Abuse  Petitions  may  be  addressed  at  the  Magisterial 
District Courts from 11:00 A.M. until 3:30 P.M.  Petitioners should call 
the Magisterial District Court in advance of arrival.  Phone numbers may 
be 
District  Website: 
https://www.alleghenycourts.us/district_judges/offices.aspx 
 

Judicial 

found 

Fifth 

the 

on 

•  Until  further  Order  of  Court,  Indirect  Criminal  Contempt  (ICC) 

Complaints will not be accepted by private petition.  

•  ICC  Police  Complaints  will  be  accepted,  and  bail  hearings  will  be  held 
before  a  Magisterial  District  Judge  using  Advanced  Communication 
Technology.    If  a  defendant  is  detained,  a  bail  hearing  shall  be  held 
before the judge assigned to hear the Temporary Protection from Abuse 
Petitions.  
 

•  All other proceedings, including summary proceedings, civil actions, and 
landlord/tenant  actions  may  be 
conducted  using  Advanced 
Communication Technology, which includes audio or videoconference at 
the discretion of the Magisterial District Judge. 
 

25 

 

 

 

 

•  Private complaint interviews will not take place at the Magisterial District 
Courts.  Please refer to the Allegheny County District Attorney’s website 
for 
at 
http://alleghenycountyda.us/. 
 

complaint 

directions 

private 

filing 

for 

a 

•  Residential  landlord  tenant  actions  shall  proceed  pursuant  to  the 
attached  Order,  filed  this  same  date,  entitled  Fifth  Judicial  District 
Temporary  Procedures  Regarding  Certain  Residential  Landlord  Tenant 
Actions. 

BY THE COURT: 

Kim Berkeley Clark 
President Judge  

P. J. 

26 

 

 
 
 

   

 

 
 
 
 

 

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF PENNSYLVANIA 
WESTERN DISTRICT 
 

 

 No. 23 WM 2020 

IN RE: FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT   : 
TEMPORARY PROCEDURES 
 : 
REGARDING CERTAIN RESIDENTIAL: 
LANDLORD TENANT ACTIONS  
 : 
 

 

ORDER OF COURT 
 

AND  NOW,  this  31st  day  of  August  2020,  pursuant  to  Pa.R.J.A.  No. 

1952(B)(2),  this  Court  having  declared  a  judicial  emergency  in  the  Fifth 

Judicial District of Pennsylvania through December 31, 2020, and recognizing 

that  rent  assistance  through  the  CARES  Rent  Relief  Program  and  other 

programs is available for landlords and tenants in Allegheny County and that 

landlords  and  tenants  may  require  time  to  apply  for  such  assistance  and 

additional time for their applications to be processed, the following is hereby 

ORDERED, ADJUDGED and DECREED. 

1.  Effective September 1, 2020, all residential landlord tenant actions will 
be  accepted  for  filing  within  the  Fifth  Judicial  District  pursuant  to  the 
applicable statutes and rules governing those actions. 

2.  Initial hearing dates for residential landlord tenant actions filed at the 
Magisterial  District  Courts  where  the  action  is  based  solely  on  non-
payment  of  rent  shall  be  scheduled  at  the  latest  available  landlord 
tenant  court  date  consistent  with  Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J.  504  and  may  be 
scheduled up to seven (7) days beyond the time limit set forth in Rule 
504, if the Magisterial District Judge finds it necessary due to the volume 
of cases already scheduled. 

3.  On  such  cases,  if  on  or  before  the  initial  hearing  date,  the  tenant 
provides an affidavit or testifies under oath affirming that the tenant has 
submitted or will submit an application for rental assistance under the 
CARES  Rent  Relief  Program  or  any  of  the  other  available  rental 
assistance programs, the initial hearing date shall be used to conduct a 
status conference rather than a hearing. During this status conference, 
the CARES Rent Relief Program or other program shall be considered by 
the  parties  who  shall  determine  if  they  will  move  forward  with  an 
application. 

1 

 

 

 

 

 

4.  If both parties agree to move forward with an application through the 
CARES  Rent  Relief  Program  or  other  available  rental  assistance 
program, the hearing shall be continued to allow for sufficient time for 
the  application  to  be  processed  as  agreed  to  by  the  parties  and  the 
Magisterial  District  Judge.    Multiple  continuances  may  be  granted  so 
there is sufficient time for the application to be processed and the relief 
to be provided. A hearing shall not occur until the application has either 
been granted, denied or withdrawn. 
 

5.  If, during the status conference, the parties do not both agree to move 
forward with an application, the case may be postponed to a new date 
for a hearing on the matter or the Magisterial District Judge may, in his 
or her discretion, continue the hearing to allow for an application to be 
made and processed.   
 

6.  The  procedures  in  paragraphs  2  through  5  above  apply  only  to 
residential  landlord  tenant  actions  at  the  Magisterial  District  Courts 
where the action is based solely on non-payment of rent. 

7.  Application  for  COVID-19  related  rent  assistance  through  the  CARES 
at 
can 

online 

made 

Relief 

Rent 
be 
https://covidrentrelief.alleghenycounty.us.  
 

Program 

8.  Additional information about other rental assistance programs may be 

found at the following links: 
•  https://www.ura.org/pages/covid-19-resources-for-residents 
•  https://www.alleghenycounty.us/human-services/index.aspx 
•  https://renthelppgh.org/ 

The Fifth Judicial District Judicial Temporary Prohibition on Commencement 

of  Certain  Residential  Landlord  Tenant  Actions  expires  on  August  31,  2020.  

This Order shall become effective on September 1, 2020 and shall remain in 

effect until further Order of Court. 

BY THE COURT: 

Kim Berkeley Clark 
President Judge 

,P. J. 

2 

 

 

   

 
 

 

 

 
 
 

 

CRIMINAL DIVISION PROCEDURES 

Additional Courtroom Procedures 

Participants Who Cannot Be Heard Clearly While Wearing Masks 

  Paper  masks  will  be  provided  in  each  courtroom  where  the  judge 
determines that a witness, defendant or other participant cannot be heard 
or understood while wearing a cloth or other mask. 
 

  The  judge  may  permit  a  witness  to  temporarily  remove  a  mask  to  take 
testimony where the presence of a mask would adversely affect the ability 
to evaluate credibility.  In such cases, the witness will be required to wear 
a face shield but will put their mask back on whenever approached by an 
attorney. 

  A participant shall not be asked to lower or remove their mask at any time 
while  they  are  within  15  feet  of  another  person  unless  protected  by  a 
plexiglass partition.  

rivate Attorney/Client Communication in Courtroom 

  During  any  hearing  requiring  a  witness,  the  defendant,  defense  counsel, 
prosecutor,  and  affiant  will  each  be  provided  with  paper  and  a  pen  (if 
consistent with safety concerns of the Court, Deputy Sheriff, and attorneys) 
and will be permitted to write confidential notes to each other. The court 
may permit other means of confidential communication including providing 
for brief recesses or allowing the defendant and attorney to briefly exit the 
courtroom to confer consistent with safety concerns. 

arly arrival for court proceedings 

  Attorneys and witnesses arriving more than 30 minutes prior to a scheduled 
court event may be asked by the Court to leave and return later in order 
to  maintain  social  distancing  and  reduce  the  amount  of  people  in  the 
courtroom at any given time.  

igning of Subpoenas 

  Alternative methods of signing should be used to avoid contact between 

court staff and defendants. 

  

  P

  E

  S

   

 

1 
 

Revision August 20, 2020 
 

CRIMINAL DIVISION PROCEDURES 

Document Transfer 

  All efforts shall be made to transfer as many documents as possible to 
court staff electronically.  When a physical document must be provided 
to  court  staff  in  a  courtroom,  it  shall  be  done,  whenever  possible,  by 
placing the document on a table provided for the exchange rather than 
by a direct hand- to-hand exchange.  
 

 

 

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CRIMINAL DIVISION PROCEDURES 

Formal Arraignment Waiver 

The following steps must be taken by defense counsel to waive appearance at 
Formal Arraignment during the judicial emergency: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Defense  counsel  must  enter  their  Appearance  on  behalf  of  the 

Defendant. 
 

  After the Praecipe for Appearance has been filed with the Department 
of Court Records, defense counsel may download and complete Waiver 
of  Appearance  at  Formal  Arraignment  form.    This  document  can  be 
found 
Website, 
https://www.alleghenycourts.us/Criminal/Default.aspx 

Judicial 

District 

Fifth 

the 

on 

  Once completed, the Waiver of Appearance at Formal Arraignment form 

must be forwarded to ccformalarraignment@alleghenycourts.us. 

  The  email  must  include  defense  counsel  and  the  defendant’s  phone 

number, email address, and mailing address.  

  The  Formal  Arraignment  Office  will  review  the  waiver  request  and 
determine  if  the  Criminal  Information  has  been  filed  by  the  District 
Attorney’s Office. 

  If  the  Criminal  Information  has  been  filed,  the  Formal  Arraignment 
Office will email the attorney of record the information and all paperwork 
along with the judge assignment and a subpoena for the Defendant to 
appear on the scheduled Pretrial Conference date or Phoenix Court date.  
When required, a Court Reporting Network (CRN) appointment will be 
included  in  the  paperwork;  the  defendant  shall  attend  the  scheduled 
CRN  appointment  and  complete  the  full  drug/alcohol  assessment,  if 
required, prior to the scheduled court date. 

  If the case is eligible for ARD, information will be provided to defense 
counsel  to  contact  the  District  Attorney’s  ARD  unit  and  complete  the 
ARD  interview.    Upon  receipt  of  the  ARD  paperwork  from  defense 
counsel  showing  that  the  defendant  has  been  accepted  into  the  ARD 
program, the Formal Arraignment Office will provide an ARD date and 
subpoena to defense counsel via email. 

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CRIMINAL DIVISION PROCEDURES 

  If the Criminal Information has not been filed, the Formal Arraignment 
Office will reschedule the Formal Arraignment date and notify defense 
counsel of the new date. 

  Defense Counsel will sign the subpoena on the defendant’s behalf with 
the defendant’s permission or will make arrangements for the defendant 
to sign the subpoena and return it to the Formal Arraignment Office by 
email. 

  Pretrial  Conferences  for  defendants  should  be  conducted  by  email, 
telephone, or videoconferencing, but may be conducted in person.   

  Defense  counsel  may  accept  a  subpoena  on  a  defendant’s  behalf  by 
completing  a  Waiver  of  Appearance  at  Pretrial  Conference.  This 
document  can  be  found  on  the  Fifth  Judicial  District  Website, 
https://www.alleghenycourts.us/Criminal/Default.aspx. 

  Defendants without an attorney must appear in person to schedule their 
cases,  unless  other  arrangements  have  been  made  by  court  staff,  in 
which case the Pretrial Conferences may be conducted by telephone or 
videoconferencing 
 

 

 

 

 

 

  

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CRIMINAL DIVISION PROCEDURES 

In-Person Proceedings 

Attorneys shall confer with their witnesses and clients prior to the hearing 
date to ensure that they are not exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 and are 
not awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test.  Those exhibiting COVID-19 
symptoms or awaiting a test result are not permitted in any court facility.   
Information  on  appropriate  actions  to  take  when  experiencing  COVID-19 
at 
symptoms 
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/index.html.   

website 

found 

CDC 

can 

the 

on 

be 

 

 

 

  

 

 

Attorneys  shall  notify  the  Court  of  any  witness  or  client  exhibiting 
symptoms or awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test.  Arrangements shall 
be  made  for  the  person  to  participate  remotely  or  the  matter  shall  be 
postponed. 

Taking  the  testimony  of  witnesses  through  Microsoft  Teams  is  strongly 
encouraged.    However,  when  a  witness  must  testify  in  person  in  a 
courtroom,  attorneys  will  be  responsible  for  management  of  their 
witnesses.  

Witnesses may be required to wait in designated areas of the Courthouse, 
outside  the  Courthouse  or  elsewhere  so  that  social  distancing  may  be 
maintained and  to reduce the amount of people in the courtroom at any 
time. 

Witnesses who wait in the hallways may not congregate and must socially 
distance.   

Attorneys  shall  inform  the  Court  of  the  status  and  location  of  their 
witnesses prior to the start of a proceeding so that the attorneys may be 
given  adequate  time  to  notify  and  call  each  witness  to  testify.    Upon 
conclusion  of  the  testimony,  the  witness  shall  be  excused  from  the 
courtroom  and  shall  leave  the  court  facility  unless  the  judge  or  judicial 
officer determines that there is a reason that the witness must remain in 
the court facility. 

The  taking  of  photographs  or  the  recording  of  any  proceeding  is  strictly 
prohibited.  Anyone violating this provision shall forfeit their cellular phone 
or device and shall be subject to contempt proceedings or other sanctions.  
Notwithstanding, with the permission of the presiding judge, an attorney 
may  use  a  cellular  telephone  to  summon  a  witness  waiting  in  another 
location or for such other purpose authorized by the judge. When a judge 
is on the bench, the attorney shall first request permission from the judge.  

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CRIMINAL DIVISION PROCEDURES 

ARD Procedures 

After  the  defendant  completes  the  ARD  interview  and  accepts  the  ARD 
offer, the defendant will receive a subpoena from the Court Arraignment 
Office with the hearing date and time noted.  

ARD  Court  staff  will  email  defense  counsel  (or  the  defendant,  if  not 
represented) the ARD Packet with instructions to complete it and return it 
at least 7 days prior to the ARD hearing date. 

ARD Court staff will email an invitation for the Microsoft Teams ARD Hearing 
to both the Defendant and Defense Counsel the week of the ARD hearing. 

The ARD Hearing and Admission into the ARD program will take place as 
scheduled through Microsoft Teams. 

Upon  the  conclusion  of  the  ARD  Hearing  on  Microsoft  Teams,  the  ARD 
Officer and defendants will remain on the Teams call so that the ARD Officer 
may review the ARD rules with the defendants. 

ARD Probation either will complete the intake interview at the conclusion 
of the ARD TEAMS hearing or will contact the defendant approximately one 
week  after  the  hearing.    If  a  defendant  has  not  had  an  intake  interview 
within 14 days of the ARD hearing, please contact the ARD office at 412-
350-4632.  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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CRIMINAL DIVISION PROCEDURES 

Phoenix Court Procedures 

 

 

 

 

  

On all Phoenix cases a full discovery packet, sentencing guidelines and offer 
are presented to the Defendant at the time of Formal Arraignment. 

 

The  Phoenix  Hearing  will  be  conducted  remotely  through  Advanced 
Communication  Technology  primarily  through  Microsoft  Teams  unless 
extenuating circumstances exist that justify an in-person proceeding.   

The  Remote  Plea  Packet  should  be  completed  and  sent  to  the  assigned 
courtroom staff two (2) business days before the assigned court date.  The 
protocol during the Plea Hearing via remote access will also be followed.   

If the Phoenix Offer is rejected, a Rejection of Phoenix Offer and Election 
to Proceed to Trial form must be completed and filed with the Court. 

A trial date will then be set by the Court and the Case Status Conference 
protocol must be then followed. 

 

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CRIMINAL DIVISION PROCEDURES 

Case Status Conferences (CSC) 

ll attorneys will be required to engage in an audio and/or video case status 
conference with opposing counsel in every case at least one week prior to the 
next  scheduled  court  date  during  which  the  following  matters  must  be 
addressed: 

  Whether  any  plea  offers  have  been  made;  all  plea  negotiations  must 

occur before the CSC deadline; 
 

  If a plea offer has been made and the defendant intends to reject the 
plea offer and proceed to trial, the rejection of the offer shall be placed 
on  the  record.    The  court,  in  its  discretion,  may  notify  the  defendant 
that, once the plea is rejected and the case is scheduled for trial, the 
Court will no longer accept a negotiated plea; 

  If  a  plea  offer  will  not  be  made,  a  determination  will  be  made  as  to 
whether  the  case  is  ready  to  proceed  to  jury  or  nonjury  trial.    If  the 
parties are not prepared to proceed, a postponement request must be 
via 
submitted 
https://www.alleghenycourts.us/criminal/MotionForContinuance.aspx 
at least four (4) business days before the next court date. Postponement 
requests submitted in this fashion will be granted or denied by the end 
of the next business day after submission. 
 

electronically 

After the CSC is complete, but in no event later than 4 business days before 
the next court listing, the Prosecutor shall submit an email to the minute clerk 
and  the  designated  court  staff  for  each  courtroom,  with  a  copy  to  defense 
counsel, which shall include the following: 
 

  Defendant’s name, 
  Date of proceeding, 
  Attorneys’ names and email addresses (prosecution and defense), 
  Defendant’s  contact  information,  including  their  email  address  if  the 

proceeding is to take place remotely, 

  Whether the case will resolve by plea, nonjury or jury trial or whether a 

postponement request will be submitted and by whom; 

  Whether any motions are pending and, if so, whether any such motion 

requires a hearing with or without witnesses; 

  Whether  the  defendant  and  witnesses  and  victims  necessary  for  the 

scheduled proceeding have been contacted. 

  A

 

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CRIMINAL DIVISION PROCEDURES 

ounsel shall not send multiple CSC emails on the same case as such emails 
burden the court staff, overwhelm their email accounts and create confusion.  
  
When a matter is scheduled as a remote plea or hearing, all paperwork shall 
be emailed to court staff 48 hours prior to the scheduled plea or hearing date, 
or, in the case of a defendant who is incarcerated, 24 hours prior to the plea 
or hearing date including: 

  Plea Packet 
  Sentencing Guidelines 
  Restitution Form 
  Other forms required for SORNA or Domestic Violence cases 

f a case will be proceeding to trial, the parties are encouraged to stipulate to 
any evidence or testimony, where possible, to avoid the need for witnesses to 
be  called  to  testify.  If  stipulations  may  be  furthered  by  a  party  making  a 
potential  witness  available  via  conference  call  with  all  counsel,  counsel  are 
encouraged  to  utilize  this  method  or  other  similar  opportunities  to  further 
discussions  regarding  possible  stipulations.  Where  stipulations  cannot  be 
reached  regarding  the  testimony  of  a  witness,  the  parties  should  discuss 
whether any witnesses might be permitted to testify via video. 

n a matter which is to proceed remotely, exhibits should be exchanged via 
email  between the  parties at least 24  hours prior to  the  proceeding, with  a 
copy to court staff. If a  party  believes that circumstances exist  that a  prior 
exchange of a particular exhibit should not occur, the issue should be brought 
to the Court’s attention though the Case Status Conference process.    

hen  a  defense  attorney  has  been  unable  to  contact  the  defendant,  the 
Prosecutor shall not bring in any witnesses but shall have them available by 
phone  in  the  event  that  a  previously  “unreachable”  defendant  appears  and 
determines to enter a guilty plea. 

f the defendant then fails to appear on their scheduled court date, a warrant 
shall be issued.  

f  the  defendant  does  appear  on  their  scheduled  date,  the  courtroom  staff 
should  direct  the  defendant  to  the  location  previously  supplied  by  defense 
counsel  so  that  the  defendant  can  make  contact  with  defense  counsel.  The 
case may proceed in a manner that does not require witnesses such as a plea, 
or  a  stipulated  non-jury  trial,  or  other  method  agreed  upon  by  the  parties.  

  C

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CRIMINAL DIVISION PROCEDURES 

Otherwise, a short defense postponement may be granted with a definite date 
for trial.   

rosecutors shall make every effort to contact their witnesses well in advance 
of  the  scheduled  court  date  and  shall  comply  with  the  requirements  of  the 
Case Status Conferences or status conferences held by judges and their staff.   

hen  a  Prosecutor  has  been  unable  to  contact  a  witness  or  victim,  the 
prosecutor  shall  include  on  any  postponement  request,  the  efforts  made  to 
contact the witness or victim.   

f a Commonwealth postponement is not granted, defense counsel shall not 
bring in any witnesses but shall have the defendant available by phone in the 
event the Commonwealth witness or victim does appear for the proceeding on 
the specified date. 

n the event the Commonwealth witnesses do not  appear  on  the scheduled 
court date, the case may be nolle prossed, dismissed or, at the discretion of 
the judge, a postponement maybe granted on that date.  

f the Commonwealth witness or victim does appear on the scheduled court 
date, the case may proceed in a manner that does not require witnesses such 
as  a  plea,  stipulated  non-jury  trial,  or  other  method  agreed  upon  by  the 
parties.  Otherwise,  a  short  Commonwealth  postponement  shall  be  granted 
with a definite date for trial.   

All defendants without counsel will be required to engage in a CSC with the 
assigned prosecutor consistent with the above procedures. Prior to the CSC, 
the assigned prosecutor will notify the Office of the Public Defender that the 
defendant  is  unrepresented  so  that  the  defendant  can  be  provided  counsel 
from  the  Office  of  the  Public  Defender  or  the  Office  of  Conflict  Counsel  to 
explain the following:  

  The right to counsel for future court proceedings; 
  The right to have counsel appointed if the defendant is unable to afford 

an attorney; and  

  If the defendant elects to proceed pro se, the fact that counsel will serve 

as a third-party witness to ensure the CSC is fairly conducted.  

  P

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CRIMINAL DIVISION PROCEDURES 

Designated Staff to Receive CSC Emails for Each Courtroom 

 

JUDGE 

ADDITIONAL 
STAFF 

EMAIL 

MINUTE CLERK 

EMAIL 

Bruce R. Beemer 

Diana Colosimo 

DColosimo@alleghenycourts.us 

Janine McVay 

McVayJ@alleghenycourts.us 

Alexander P. Bicket 

Carley Donnelly 

CDonnelly@alleghenycourts.us 

Kathy Burford 

KBurford@alleghenycourts.us 

Kelly E.  Bigley 

Teri Michaels 

TMichaels@alleghenycourts.us 

John D'Abruzzo 

JD'Abruzzo@alleghenycourts.us 

Edward J. Borkowski 

Pamela Farrell 

Pam.Farrell@alleghenycourts.us 

John Halloran  
John Matter - ARD 

John.Halloran@alleghenycourts.us  
JMatter@alleghenycourts.us 

David R. Cashman 

Wendy Hayes 

Wendy.Hayes@alleghenycourts.us  Derek Smith 

DJSmith@alleghenycourts.us 

John J. Driscoll 

Mary Angela Ogg 

MOgg@alleghenycourts.us 

Lindsay Williamson 

LWilliamson@alleghenycourts.us 

Susan F. Evashavik 
DiLucente 

Mary Lou Conroy  mlconroy@alleghenycourts.us 

Dan Cregan 

DCregan@alleghenycourts.us 

Thomas E.  Flaherty 

Sarah Deasy 

SDeasy@alleghenycourts.us 

Karen Cirrincione 

Karen.Cirrincione@alleghenycourts.us 

Judy Sarna  
(Law Clerk) 

Beth A.  Lazzara 

jsarna@alleghenycourts.us 

Tim Palmer 

TPalmer@alleghenycourts.us 

Jeffrey A. Manning 

Sandy Leasure 

Michele Kearney 

MKearney@alleghenycourts.us 

Sandy.Leasure@alleghenycourts.u
s 

Anthony M. Mariani 

Christen Hobaugh  CHobaugh@alleghenycourts.us 

Christa Buchewicz 

CBuchewicz@alleghenycourts.us 

Lester G. Nauhaus 

Lucille Trobaugh 

LTrohaugh@alleghenycourts.us 

Sandy Evans 

Sandy.Evans@alleghenycourts.us 

Jill E. Rangos 

Shana Kemerer 

SKemerer@alleghenycourts.us 

Laura Gettings 

LGettings@alleghenycourts.us 

Kevin G. Sasinoski 

Stephanie Ewing 

SEwing@alleghenycourts.us 

Candice Kelly 

CKelly@alleghenycourts.us 

Randall B. Todd 

Gwyn Behr 

GBehr@alleghenycourts.us 

Elizabeth Collins 

ECollins@alleghenycourts.us 

Mark V. Tranquilli  

Mary Angela Ogg 

MOgg@alleghenycourts.us 

Lindsay Williamson 

LWilliamson@alleghenycourts.us 

John A. Zottola 

Marie Zottola 

MZottola@alleghenycourts.us 

Toni Snelsire 

TSnelsire@alleghenycourts.us 

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Revision August 20, 2020 
 

CRIMINAL DIVISION PROCEDURES 

Remote Pleas 

hen a matter is scheduled as a remote plea or hearing, all paperwork shall 
be emailed to court staff 48 hours prior to the scheduled plea or hearing date, 
or, in the case of a defendant who is incarcerated, 24 hours prior to the plea 
or hearing date. 

If the case will be a plea, the following paperwork should be included: 

  Request for Remote Hearing * 
  Instructions for Scheduling a Remote Plea * 
  Guilty Plea Colloquy * 
  Waiver of Rights and Consent to Plea/Sentencing by Video Conference*  
  Adult Probation Intake Form * 
  General Rules and Condition of Probation Acknowledgement Form * 
  Sentencing Guidelines 
  Restitution Form 

*Denotes items the are included in the Plea Packet. 

f the case is a Domestic Violence case, include also:  

  Order of Relinquishment 

f the case is a SORNA case, include also:  

  Specific Special Conditions of Probation 
  General Rules and Condition of Probation Acknowledgement Form 
  Sexual Offender Registration/Notification Act (SORNA) Colloquy 

 

The SORNA Packet includes these 3 forms as well as all of the forms in the 
Plea Packet denoted by * above.  

 

  W

   

    I

 

    I

 

   

12 
 

Revision August 20, 2020 
 

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Revision August 20, 2020 
 

CRIMINAL DIVISION PROCEDURES 

Miscellaneous Motions 

pdated instructions and forms for filing Miscellaneous Motions in Motions 

Court can be found at: 

https://www.alleghenycourts.us/criminal/MiscellaneousMotions.aspx. 

 

  U

 

  Request for Remote Hearing 
  Instructions for Scheduling a Remote Plea 
  Guilty Plea Colloquy 
  Waiver of Rights and Consent to Plea/Sentencing by Video Conference 
  Adult Probation Intake Form 
  General Rules and Condition of Probation Acknowledgement Form 

ARD Packet – includes: 

  Instructions for Scheduling a Remote ARD Hearing 
  Explanation of ARD Proceeding 
  Waiver of Rights and Consent to Entry into ARD by Video Conference 
  PAePay Instructions 
  General Rules for ARD Probationers 

SORNA Plea Packet – includes: 

  Request for Remote Hearing 
  Instructions for Scheduling a Remote Plea 
  Guilty Plea Colloquy 
  Waiver of Rights and Consent to Plea/Sentencing by Video Conference 
  Charge Specific Special Conditions of Probation 
  Adult Probation Intake Form 
  General Rules and Condition of Probation Acknowledgement Form 
  Sexual Offender Registration/Notification Act (SORNA) Colloquy 

 

Order of Relinquishment (for Domestic Violence Cases) 

Nolo Contendere Colloquy 

Guilty Plea Colloquy 

Waiver of Rights and Consent to Plea/Sentencing by Video Conference 

Waiver of Rights and Consent to Non-Jury by Video Conference 

14 
 

Revision August 20, 2020 
 

CRIMINAL DIVISION PROCEDURES 

Criminal Division Forms 

Criminal Division forms may be found at 
https://www.alleghenycourts.us/Criminal/Default.aspx 

aiver of Appearance at Formal Arraignment  

Waiver of Appearance at Pretrial Conference 

Plea Packet – includes: 

  W

COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY 

ue to the Covid-19 Pandemic Magisterial District Courts in the Fifth Judicial District 

have modified/altered their operations. 

afety Measures: 

upon entry. 

  Court users may be checked/wanded by a security guard/state constable 

  No one will be permitted into the District Court without a face mask or similar 

face covering. 
If a court user does not have a mask, a disposable mask will be provided. 
 
  The number of people in the court facility shall be limited to ensure safe social 

distancing. 

  Court Users will not be permitted to linger in court facility.   
  Some District Courts will have a check in procedure wherein parties will be 

instructed to check in/provide phone number and wait outside (could wait in 
an automobile). 

o  Parties will be called when it is time for their hearing. 

  News media may be permitted into court facilities but only in a manner that is 

 

consistent with public safety. 
If court users are sick or have underlying medical/health issues that put them 
at a higher risk, please do not come to District Court.  Please contact the 
District Court in advance of the hearing. Contact information can be found on 
the Fifth Judicial District Website:  
https://www.alleghenycourts.us/district_judges/offices.aspx 

  The Magisterial District Courts will stagger court times to ensure proper social 

  Parties are required to be on time for their court proceeding. 
  Parties are encouraged to conference with one another prior to the court 

  Parties should be prepared to proceed upon arrival. 
 

If a party is to complete community service check with District Court about 
sending completion paperwork prior to scheduled hearing review date.  Some 
District Courts may accept without court appearance. 

distancing. 

proceeding.   

   

Scheduling: 

FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA 

 

evised Magisterial District Courts COVID – 19 Plan 

  R

  D

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 

 

Incarcerated individuals will not be transported to the Magisterial District 
Courts.  These individuals will appear for the preliminary hearings via 
Advanced Communication Technology. 
Interpreters will work remotely by either phone or video. 

earings: 

  H

August 25, 2020 
 

  Other parties may participate via Advanced Communication Technology 

  Civil/LT cases will be accepted by mail. 
 

If a party wishes to file in person, please contact the District Court to 
schedule an appointment time. 

ase Filings: 

  C

 

Payments: 

  Payments will be accepted by mail – check or money order. 
  Parties are encouraged to make online payments through alleghenytix.com 

and ujsportal.pacourts.us. 

  Lock boxes may be provided for cash payments. 
  District Courts may accept cash payments if processed safely. 

riminal Case Processing:   

  The Magisterial District Courts will not be conducting any criminal case 

initiation in person at the District Court.  

  All criminal case initiation, requests for arrest warrants, on-view arrest 
complaints and search warrants, will be conducted remotely per the 
Magisterial District Court COVID-19 Criminal Processing Plan. 

  All criminal arraignments will be presumptively conducted remotely per the 
Magisterial District Court COVID-19 Criminal Processing Plan.  In person 
criminal arraignments may take place at the discretion of the Magisterial 
District Judge.   

Emergency Protection from Abuse: 

  Petitions will be handled at the Pittsburgh Municipal Court facility, 660 First 

Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15219, Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. through 
8:00 a.m., and 24 hours on weekends and holidays. 

  Petitions will also be handled at the Magisterial District Courts from 11:00 

a.m. through 3:30 p.m., please call in advance of arrival, 
https://www.alleghenycourts.us/district_judges/offices.aspx 
   

  C

 

August 25, 2020 
 

COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY 

•  Court users will enter through the main entrance. 
•  Employees will enter through the employee entrance. 
•  Court users will exit the building in the back - new designated exit door on the 

first floor - towards the river. 

•  Security guards will be at the entrance and exit. 
•  Court users will go through security. 
•  Court users will not be readmitted at the exit (if a person goes outside for a 

cigarette break – they will have to enter in the front of the building). 
•  Face masks are required – no person will be permitted into PMC without a 

face mask or similar face covering. 
If a court user does not have a mask, a disposable mask will be provided. 
• 
•  The number of people in the court facility shall be limited to ensure safe social 

distancing. 

•  Court Users will not be permitted to linger in court facility   
•  News media will be permitted into court facilities but only in a manner that is 

• 

consistent with public safety. 
If court users are sick or have underlying medical/health issues that put them 
at a higher risk, please do not come to Pittsburgh Municipal Court.  Please 
contact Pittsburgh Municipal Court in advance of the hearing. 

•  Germ guards have been installed at the bench.   

FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA 

 

OVID – 19 Pittsburgh Municipal Court Protocol 

ue to the Covid-19 Pandemic Pittsburgh Municipal Court has modified/altered their 

operations. 

afety Measures: 

  C

  D

  S

         

 
Scheduling: 
 

to proceed. 

 

•  Criminal Cases: 

August 25, 2020 
 

•  Pittsburgh Municipal Court will have staggered appearance times: 

o  Every 15 minutes from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 
o  Every 15 minutes from 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 
o  The number of cases scheduled will ensure proper social distancing. 
o  Parties are expected to appear at the scheduled time and be prepared 

o  If necessary criminal cases may be heard in 2 – 3 courtrooms, city, 

traffic and non-traffic courtrooms. 

o  Please check hearing notice for courtroom assignment and time. 
o  Parties will check in at a window designated for the courtroom 

assignment.   

o  Parties are encouraged to conference with one another prior to the 

court proceeding.  Parties should be prepared to proceed at scheduled 
time. 

•  Parties are to remain at counsel tables and not approach the bench. 
•  Parties must speak loudly so FTR can record. 
•  Speaker systems have been installed. 

earings: 

ayments: 

•  Payments will be accepted by mail – check or money order. 
•  Parties are encouraged to make online payments through alleghenytix.com 

and ujsportal.pacourts.us. 

•  Payments may be made by cash if safety procedures are followed. 
•  Bail documents may be presented electronically via fax or email.  Any fees will 
be mailed directly to the Department of Court Records if it is a Common Pleas 
bail. 

riminal Case Filings – Police Agencies: 

•  All criminal cases filed at Pittsburgh Municipal Court shall be handled remotely 
•  Police agencies please refer to the Pittsburgh Municipal Court Covid-19 

Criminal Processing Plan. 

mergency Protection from Abuse: 

•  Petitions will be handled at the Pittsburgh Municipal Court facility, 660 First 

Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15219, Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. through 
8:00 a.m., and 24 hours on weekends and holidays.   

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August 25, 2020