Pennsylvania § 62A13 - Private criminal complaints for violation of order or agreement.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 62A13 — Private criminal complaints for violation of order or agreement., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 62A13. Private criminal complaints for violation of order or agreement.
(a) General rule.--A plaintiff may file a private criminal complaint against a defendant, alleging indirect criminal contempt for a violation of any provision of an order or court-approved consent agreement issued under this chapter, with the court, the office of the district attorney or the magisterial district judge in the jurisdiction or county where the violation occurred, except that in a county of the first class, a complaint may only be filed with the family division of the court of common pleas or the office of district attorney.
(b) Procedure service.--
(1) Procedure for filing and service of a private criminal complaint shall be provided as set forth by local rule.
(2) Nothing in this subsection is intended to expand or diminish the court's authority to enter an order pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No.1023.1 (relating to Scope. Signing of Documents. Representations to the Court. Violation.).
(c) Fees and costs.--
(1) No fees or costs associated with the prosecution of the private criminal complaint shall be assigned to the plaintiff, including, but not limited to, filing, service, failure to prosecute, withdrawal or dismissal.
(2) (i) After a finding of indirect criminal contempt, fees and costs may be assigned against the defendant.
(ii) The court shall waive fees and costs imposed under this chapter upon a showing of good cause or if the court makes a finding that the defendant is not able to pay the costs associated with the indirect criminal contempt action.
(3) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to expand or diminish the court's authority to enter an order under Pa.R.C.P. No.1023.1.
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 62A13
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 62A13 cover?
Section 62A13 ("Private criminal complaints for violation of order or agreement.") 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 § 62A13?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 62A13" (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 § 62A13 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.