how do i file a private complaint with pa district attorney

by Dr. Jo Rutherford 5 min read

To file a complaint, fill out the electronic form below. For FAQs related to the complaint process, click here. MAIL If you prefer, you can print the fillable English-language complaint form found here. After signing the completed form, mail it directly to the district office where the attorney practices.

Correspondence should be addressed to the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office, Private Complaint Unit, One Montgomery Plaza, Suite 502, P.O. Box 311, Norristown, Pa 19404. Individuals interested in meeting with a Detective shall arrange for an appointment via the Private Complaint Unit at 610-278-3368.

Full Answer

How do I file a private criminal complaint in Pennsylvania?

To file a complaint, fill out the electronic form below. For FAQs related to the complaint process, click here. MAIL. If you prefer, you can print the fillable English-language complaint form found here. After signing the completed form, mail it directly to …

How do I file a complaint against an attorney?

requesting the District Attorneys Office to approve your private complaint. http://courts.montcopa.org/courts/cwp/view,a,1434,q,649 12.asp . If you wishto bring criminal charges against another individual fill out the you must Private Criminal Complaint which is required to bring charges in Montgomery County. The private complaint form can be located …

How do I submit a complaint or referral?

Where do I go to file a Private Criminal Complaint? The District Attorney’s Private Criminal Complaint Unit, 1425 Arch St., 4th Floor, Phila. Pa., 19102, is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Can I file criminal charges against another person under Pennsylvania law?

45 North George St. York, PA 17401. Attention: Private Criminal Complaint Individuals interested in meeting with a County Detective shall arrange for an appointment via the District Attorney’s Office receptionist @ 717-771-9600. Private Criminal Complaints should …

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How do I file a Private Criminal Complaint in PA?

First, you must obtain a Private Criminal Complaint. The complaint form is available from a district justice, or you can download the form from the website of the Administrative Offices of the Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC).

What is Private Criminal Complaint?

Criminal Complaint is of 2 types. One is FIR (First Information Report) and the second is Private Complaint a Complaint which is to be given to a magistrate either orally or in writing, whereas the first information report is lodged at the police station nearby the place of commission of crime.

What happens when a criminal complaint is filed against you?

Usually in criminal cases, the police first arrest the suspect, defendant, and then file a report to the local prosecutor. Then, the prosecutor decides whether to formally process charges against the suspect, defendant. ... Sometimes, the complaint results in an arrest warrant.

How do I file a Private Criminal Complaint in Philadelphia?

The main office of the Philadelphia District Attorney is located in Center City Philadelphia at The Widener Building, Three South Penn Square. The Child Support Unit is at 1501 Arch Street in the Family Court Building, and the Private Criminal Complaint Unit is located at 1425 Arch Street, 4th floor.

How do you write a private complaint?

1) Register the present complaint. 2) Take cognizance of the offence, as the contents per-se amount to commission of offences, as indicated above, without anything more. 3) Summon try and punish the accused person for committing the offences under section 323 and 506 of the IPC.

What is verification clause in a private Criminal Complaint?

The purpose of such verification is to determine prima facie truth into the allegations made in the complaint. The verification of complaint is essential under ...section 142 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. As stated before, verification of the complainant is essential in order to ensure that in fut...

How important is an affidavit of complaint?

The complaint affidavit becomes the basis for the case, providing basic information about the facts of the matter and outlining the nature of the case. This document is part of the court record maintained on the case and can be inspected by anyone reviewing the record.Feb 15, 2022

Can a company file a criminal complaint?

Yes. A company can file a criminal complaint against any person. ... Keshvanand' – 1997 (12) TMI 629 - SUPREME COURT it was held that a criminal complaint can be filed by a company but it must be represented by a natural person. It is not necessary that the same person should act as a representative throughout.Nov 22, 2017

What are the essentials of criminal complaint?

The main essentials of a complaint are:The allegation must be made to a Magistrate and not to a judge. ... The allegation must be made with a view to the Magistrate's taking action under the Code. ... The allegation must be that an offence has been committed. ... The allegation must be made orally or in writing.

How do I file harassment charges in PA?

Report the HarassmentReport the stalking internally. ... File an Administrative Charge With The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). ... File a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC), but be aware of the time restrictions on filing harassment complaints.

What does District Attorney do?

A district attorney is a public official who is appointed or elected to represent the state in criminal judicial proceedings in a particular judicial district or county; an appointed or elected officer who prosecutes cases in a particular judicial district.

What does the Philadelphia District Attorney do?

Prosecuting crimes and defending victims throughout the City of Philadelphia.

What does the District Attorney do?

The Office of the District Attorney urges persons who believe they have been the victims of a crime to report the crime to their local police department. The police have the training, experience, and knowledge to enable them to determine where jurisdiction lies, ...

Can you file a criminal complaint against someone in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania Law does, however, permit an individual to file criminal charges against another person on his or her own. Rule 506 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure permits an individual to file a private criminal complaint before a district justice.

What is the police training?

The police have the training, experience, and knowledge to enable them to determine where jurisdiction lies, conduct an investigation, determine if a crime has been committed, and then the legal knowledge and expertise necessary to file the appropriate criminal charges. The Law & Criminal Charges. Pennsylvania Law does, however, permit an ...

What is probable cause in criminal law?

Probable cause is the legal standard of proof that our courts require in order for charges to be filed. In other than summary offenses, the district attorney must approve every private criminal complaint before a district justice is permitted to issue process. First, you must obtain a Private Criminal Complaint.

What happens if a private criminal complaint is approved?

If the private criminal complaint is approved and process is issued, you must appear at any and all court proceedings that result and you will be responsible for providing the district justice with the names and addresses of all persons you wish called as witnesses on your behalf. Summary Offense.

What is issue process?

Issue process is the filing of charges which results in issuance of a summons to the defendant ordering him or her to answer the charges alleged on the Private Criminal Complaint Form. In some cases, a warrant of arrest is issued rather than a summons.

Complaint Report

Please be advised that a person who knowingly makes any written false or fictitious statement or files a false or fictitious report to law enforcement authorities is subject to criminal prosecution. Once received your complaint will be reviewed for criminality.

Verification

Please enter any two digits. By clicking "Submit" you agree to all of the above terms.

How to file a complaint against a state?

There are several ways in which to file your complaint 1 Download the Statement of Complaint Form (PDF). You will need Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader to view this form. If you do not have either please click on the link in the left hand navigation bar to get a free Adobe Acrobat Reader. Return the completed form by mail to the Professional Compliance Office at: Department of State, Professional Compliance Office, PO Box 69522, 2601 North Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17106-9522. Be sure to include any attachments and supporting documents (legible copies, no originals) that you wish to provide in support of your complaint. 2 You may request a Statement of Complaint Form by mail, by calling the Professional Compliance Office Hotline at 1-800-822-2113 (if you are calling from within Pennsylvania) or at 1-717-783-4854 (if you are calling from outside Pennsylvania). Return the completed form to the Professional Compliance Office at: Department of State, Professional Compliance Office, PO Box 69522, 2601 North Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17106-9522. Be sure to include any attachments and supporting documents (legible copies, no originals) that you wish to provide in support of your complaint.

What is disciplinary action?

Disciplinary actions are a matter of public record and are subject to release by the Department of State's Office of Communications and Press to various news agencies in the Commonwealth.

Clifford Blair Cohn

While I agree with the other attorneys that there is unlikely any civil action against the assistant district attorney, as they have immunity, and your interests in having your conviction overturned may be paramount, all prosecutors are attorneys and as such are governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct.

David Frederick Barrett

And you might also complain to the assistant's supervisor -- even the DA him or herself. No one ever believes me but many DA's have high ethical standards and will counsel or discipline assistants who are out of line.#N#But don't do anything along those lines until your attorney says to or you have exhausted your legal options.

William A. Jones Jr

I agree with Mr. Crawford, and it seems your focus is misdirected. Going after the ADA is not going to change your case's disposition. There may be post-sentencing remedies available that could effect a change in the ultimate disposition of your case. That seems to me to be a more constructive expenditure of time, energy, and money.#N#More

Stewart C Crawford Jr

Generally, prosecutors have immunity so a complaint for civil damages (outside of the context of your criminal trial) might not be feasible. Within the context of your criminal trial, you have a host of devices available to you (e.g., due process violations, suppression, motions in limine, discovery motions).

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