Pennsylvania § 5808 - Forfeiture of pay and allowances during confinement.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5808 — Forfeiture of pay and allowances during confinement., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5808. Forfeiture of pay and allowances during confinement.
(a) General rule.--An enlisted member receiving a court-martial sentence of confinement for more than six months, or confinement of six months or less and a dishonorable or bad- conduct discharge or dismissal, shall forfeit the pay and allowances due him during any period of confinement or parole as provided in this subsection. The forfeiture shall take effect on the date the sentence was approved. The pay and allowances forfeited in the case of a general court-martial shall be all pay and allowances due the enlisted member during such period and in the case of a special court-martial shall be two-thirds of all pay due the enlisted member during such period.
(b) Exception.--The convening authority or other person acting under section 5903 (relating to action on general court-martial records) may waive any or all requirements under subsection (a) for a period not to exceed six months if the accused has dependents. Any amount of pay or allowances that would be forfeited under subsection (a) shall be paid to the dependents of the accused.
(c) Sentence no longer effective.--If an enlisted member is forced to forfeit pay and allowances under subsection (a) and the sentence which led to the forfeiture is later set aside, disapproved or, as finally approved, does not include confinement for more than six months or confinement for six months or less and a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge or dismissal, the member shall be paid the pay and allowances which he would have been paid for the period during which the forfeiture was in effect.
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 5808
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5808 cover?
Section 5808 ("Forfeiture of pay and allowances during confinement.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Pennsylvania § 5808?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5808" (Pennsylvania). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 5808 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.