Pennsylvania § 14309 - Prosecution by private counsel.

Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 14309 — Prosecution by private counsel., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 14309. Prosecution by private counsel.

If a district attorney neglects or refuses to prosecute in due form of law a criminal charge regularly returned to the district attorney or to the court or if at any stage of the proceedings the district attorney and the private counsel employed by the prosecutor differ as to the manner of conducting the trial, the prosecutor may present a petition to the court, specifying the character of the complaint, and verify the petition by affidavit. If the court is of the opinion that it is a proper case for a criminal proceeding or prosecution, the court may direct a private counsel employed by the prosecutor to conduct the entire proceeding and, if an indictment is necessary, to verify the indictment by the private counsel's own signature as fully as the indictment could be done by the district attorney.

Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 14309

What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 14309 cover?

Section 14309 ("Prosecution by private counsel.") 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 § 14309?

A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 14309" (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 § 14309 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.