Pennsylvania § 9573 - Time for petition; contents of petition.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 9573 — Time for petition; contents of petition., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 9573. Time for petition; contents of petition.
(a) Filing date.--Any petition under this subchapter shall be filed within 120 days of the date the trial transcript is filed with the court. The court may, for good cause shown, grant extensions of time totaling no more than 90 days.
(b) Subsequent or untimely claims.--Any claim raised after the time specified in subsection (a) shall be dismissed unless it satisfies section 9578 (relating to subsequent petitions).
(c) Evidentiary hearing.--Where the petitioner requests an evidentiary hearing, the petition shall include a signed certification as to each intended witness stating the witness's name, address, date of birth and substance of testimony and shall include any documents material to that witness's testimony. Failure to substantially comply with the requirements of this subsection shall render the proposed witness's testimony inadmissible.
(d) Discovery.--Discovery shall be permitted, and no reasonable discovery request of the petitioner shall be denied except upon demonstration of exceptional circumstances justifying denial of the discovery requests.
(e) Claim for relief.--When a claim for relief is based on an allegation of ineffective assistance of counsel as a ground for relief, any privilege concerning counsel's representation as to that issue shall be automatically terminated.
Suspension by Court Order. Section 9573 was suspended August 11, 1997, S.Ct. Order.
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 9573
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 9573 cover?
Section 9573 ("Time for petition; contents of petition.") 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 § 9573?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 9573" (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 § 9573 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.