reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 43 - Offenses Against the Family › Section 4321 - § 4324 - (Repealed)

1985 Repeal.
Subchapter B (§§ 4321 - 4324) was added December 6, 1972 (P.L.1482, No.334), and repealed October 30, 1985 (P.L.264, No.66), effective in 90 days. The subject matter is now contained in Chapter 43 of Title 23 (Domestic Relations).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 47 - Bribery and Corrupt Influence › Extra - Chapter Notes

Enactment.
Chapter 47 was added December 6, 1972, P.L.1482, No.334, effective in six months.
Cross References.
Chapter 47 is referred to in section 911 of this title; section 3575 of Title 42 (Judiciary
            and Judicial Procedure); section 5508.3 of Title 53 (Municipalities Generally); section
            6017 of Title 64 (Public Authorities and Quasi-Public Corporations).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 47 - Bribery and Corrupt Influence › Section 4701 - Bribery in official and political matters

§ 4701. Bribery in official and political matters.
(a) Offenses defined.--
A person is guilty of bribery, a felony of the third degree, if he offers, confers or agrees to confer upon another, or solicits, accepts or agrees to accept from another:
(1) any pecuniary benefit as consideration for the decision, opinion, recommendation, vote or other exercise of discretion as a public servant, party official or voter by the recipient;
(2) any benefit as consideration for the decision, vote, recommendation or other exercise of official discretion by the recipient in a judicial, administrative or legislative proceeding; or
(3) any benefit as consideration for a violation of a known legal duty as public servant or party official.
(b) Defenses prohibited.--
It is no defense to prosecution under this section that a person whom the actor sought to influence was not qualified to act in the desired way whether because he had not yet assumed office, had left office, or lacked jurisdiction, or for any other reason.
Cross References.
Section 4701 is referred to in section 5708 of this title; section 5552 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 47 - Bribery and Corrupt Influence › Section 4702 - Threats and other improper influence in official and political matters

§ 4702. Threats and other improper influence in official and political matters.
(a) Offenses defined.--
A person commits an offense if he:
(1) threatens unlawful harm to any person with intent to influence his decision, opinion, recommendation, vote or other exercise of discretion as a public servant, party official or voter;
(2) threatens unlawful harm to any public servant with intent to influence his decision, opinion, recommendation, vote or other exercise of discretion in a judicial or administrative proceeding; or
(3) threatens unlawful harm to any public servant or party official with intent to influence him to violate his known legal duty.
(b) Defense prohibited.--
It is no defense to prosecution under this section that a person whom the actor sought to influence was not qualified to act in the desired way, whether because he had not yet assumed office, or lacked jurisdiction, or for any other reason.
(c) Grading.--
An offense under this section is a misdemeanor of the second degree unless the actor threatened to commit a crime or made a threat with intent to influence a judicial or administrative proceeding, in which cases the offense is a felony of the third degree.
Cross References.
Section 4702 is referred to in section 5708 of this title; section 5552 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 47 - Bribery and Corrupt Influence › Section 4703 - Retaliation for past official action

§ 4703. Retaliation for past official action.
A person commits a misdemeanor of the second degree if he harms another by any unlawful act in retaliation for anything lawfully done by the latter in the capacity of public servant.
Cross References.
Section 4703 is referred to in section 5552 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 49 - Falsification and Intimidation › Extra - Chapter Notes

Enactment.
Chapter 49 was added December 6, 1972, P.L.1482, No.334, effective in six months.
Cross References.
Chapter 49 is referred to in section 911 of this title; section 10104 of Title 3 (Agriculture);
            section 6122 of Title 23 (Domestic Relations); section 62A20 of Title 42 (Judiciary
            and Judicial Procedure); section 5508.3 of Title 53 (Municipalities Generally); section
            6017 of Title 64 (Public Authorities and Quasi-Public Corporations); sections 2702,
            3104 of Title 71 (State Government).
Cross References.
Subchapter A is referred to in section 3575 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).
Enactment.
Subchapter B was added December 4, 1980, P.L.1097, No.187, effective in 60 days.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 49 - Falsification and Intimidation › Section 4901 - Definition

§ 4901. Definition.
As used in this chapter, unless a different meaning plainly is required "statement" means any representation, but includes a representation of opinion, belief or other state of mind only if the representation clearly relates to state of mind apart from or in addition to any facts which are the subject of the representation.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 49 - Falsification and Intimidation › Section 4902 - Perjury

§ 4902. Perjury.
(a) Offense defined.--
A person is guilty of perjury, a felony of the third degree, if in any official proceeding he makes a false statement under oath or equivalent affirmation, or swears or affirms the truth of a statement previously made, when the statement is material and he does not believe it to be true.
(b) Materiality.--
Falsification is material, regardless of the admissibility of the statement under rules of evidence, if it could have affected the course or outcome of the proceeding. It is no defense that the declarant mistakenly believed the falsification to be immaterial. Whether a falsification is material in a given factual situation is a question of law.
(c) Irregularities no defense.--
It is not a defense to prosecution under this section that the oath or affirmation was administered or taken in an irregular manner or that the declarant was not competent to make the statement. A document purporting to be made upon oath or affirmation at any time when the actor presents it as being so verified shall be deemed to have been duly sworn or affirmed.
(d) Retraction.--
No person shall be guilty of an offense under this section if he retracted the falsification in the course of the proceeding in which it was made before it became manifest that the falsification was or would be exposed and before the falsification substantially affected the proceeding.
(e) Inconsistent statements.--
Where the defendant made inconsistent statements under oath or equivalent affirmation, both having been made within the period of the statute of limitations, the prosecution may proceed by setting forth the inconsistent statements in a single count alleging in the alternative that one or the other was false and not believed by the defendant. In such case it shall not be necessary for the prosecution to prove which statement was false but only that one or the other was false and not believed by the defendant to be true.
(f) Corroboration.--
In any prosecution under this section, except under subsection (e) of this section, falsity of a statement may not be established by the uncorroborated testimony of a single witness.
Cross References.
Section 4902 is referred to in sections 3218, 4903, 4904, 5708 of this title; sections 1518, 3905 of Title 4 (Amusements); sections 916, 3505 of Title 5 (Athletics and Sports); section 1714 of Title 25 (Elections); sections 5552, 5947, 9543.1 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 49 - Falsification and Intimidation › Section 4903 - False swearing

§ 4903. False swearing.
(a) False swearing in official matters.--
A person who makes a false statement under oath or equivalent affirmation, or swears or affirms the truth of such a statement previously made, when he does not believe the statement to be true is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree if:
(1) the falsification occurs in an official proceeding; or
(2) the falsification is intended to mislead a public servant in performing his official function.
(b) Other false swearing.--
A person who makes a false statement under oath or equivalent affirmation, or swears or affirms the truth of such a statement previously made, when he does not believe the statement to be true, is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree, if the statement is one which is required by law to be sworn or affirmed before a notary or other person authorized to administer oaths.
(c) Perjury provisions applicable.--
Section 4902(c) through (f) of this title (relating to perjury) applies to this section.
Cross References.
Section 4903 is referred to in sections 1310, 1518, 1602, 3905 of Title 4 (Amusements); section 3505 of Title 5 (Athletics and Sports); section 1714 of Title 25 (Elections); section 4110 of Title 27 (Environmental Resources); sections 5552, 5947, 9543.1 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure); section 2304 of Title 68 (Real and Personal Property).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 49 - Falsification and Intimidation › Section 4904 - Unsworn falsification to authorities

§ 4904. Unsworn falsification to authorities.
(a) In general.--
A person commits a misdemeanor of the second degree if, with intent to mislead a public servant in performing his official function, he:
(1) makes any written false statement which he does not believe to be true;
(2) submits or invites reliance on any writing which he knows to be forged, altered or otherwise lacking in authenticity; or
(3) submits or invites reliance on any sample, specimen, map, boundary mark, or other object which he knows to be false.
(b) Statements "under penalty".--
A person commits a misdemeanor of the third degree if he makes a written false statement which he does not believe to be true, on or pursuant to a form bearing notice, authorized by law, to the effect that false statements made therein are punishable.
(c) Perjury provisions applicable.--
Section 4902(c) through (f) of this title (relating to perjury) applies to this section.
(d) Penalty.--
In addition to any other penalty that may be imposed, a person convicted under this section shall be sentenced to pay a fine of at least $1,000.
(Nov. 29, 2006, P.L.1481, No.168, eff. 60 days)
2006 Amendment.
Act 168 added subsec. (d).
Cross References.
Section 4904 is referred to in section 6116, 9158.2 of this title; section 2344 of Title 3 (Agriculture); sections 1518, 3905 of Title 4 (Amusements); section 3505 of Title 5 (Athletics and Sports); sections 102, 134, 142, 8998 of Title 15 (Corporations and Unincorporated Associations); sections 761, 911, 3101, 3175, 3908 of Title 20 (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries); sections 4308.1, 5103, 5337, 6344.2, 6711 of Title 23 (Domestic Relations); section 1714 of Title 25 (Elections); section 4110 of Title 27 (Environmental Resources); section 7923 of Title 35 (Health and Safety); sections 102, 1904, 5552, 5903 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure); sections 13A05, 13A08 of Title 65 (Public Officers); section 2301 of Title 71 (State Government); sections 1510, 1901, 1920.2 of Title 75 (Vehicles).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 49 - Falsification and Intimidation › Section 4905 - False alarms to agencies of public safety

§ 4905. False alarms to agencies of public safety.
(a) Offense defined.--
A person commits an offense if he knowingly causes a false alarm of fire or other emergency to be transmitted to or within any organization, official or volunteer, for dealing with emergencies involving danger to life or property.
(b) Grading.--
An offense under this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree unless the transmission of the false alarm of fire or other emergency occurs during a declared state of emergency and the false alarm causes the resources of the organization to be diverted from dealing with the declared state of emergency, in which case the offense is a felony of the third degree.
(June 28, 2002, P.L.481, No.82, eff. 60 days)
Cross References.
Section 4905 is referred to in section 5552 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 49 - Falsification and Intimidation › Section 4906 - False reports to law enforcement authorities

§ 4906. False reports to law enforcement authorities.
(a) Falsely incriminating another.--
Except as provided in subsection (c), a person who knowingly gives false information to any law enforcement officer with intent to implicate another commits a misdemeanor of the second degree.
(b) Fictitious reports.--
Except as provided in subsection (c), a person commits a misdemeanor of the third degree if he:
(1) reports to law enforcement authorities an offense or other incident within their concern knowing that it did not occur; or
(2) pretends to furnish such authorities with information relating to an offense or incident when he knows he has no information relating to such offense or incident.
(c) Grading.--
(1) If the violation of subsection (a) or (b) occurs during a declared state of emergency and the false report causes the resources of the law enforcement authority to be diverted from dealing with the declared state of emergency, the offense shall be graded one step greater than that set forth in the applicable subsection.
(2) If the violation of subsection (a) or (b) relates to a false report of the theft or loss of a firearm, as defined in section 5515 (relating to prohibiting of paramilitary training), the offense shall be graded one step greater than that set forth in the applicable subsection.
(June 28, 2002, P.L.481, No.82, eff. 60 days; Oct. 17, 2008, P.L.1628, No.131, eff. 60 days)
2008 Amendment.
Act 131 amended subsec. (c).
Cross References.
Section 4906 is referred to in sections 2709, 2709.1, 6105 of this title; section 6106 of Title 23 (Domestic Relations); sections 5552, 62A05 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 49 - Falsification and Intimidation › Section 4906.1 - False reports of child abuse

§ 4906.1. False reports of child abuse.
A person commits a misdemeanor of the second degree if the person intentionally or knowingly makes a false report of child abuse under 23 Pa.C.S. Ch. 63 (relating to child protective services) or intentionally or knowingly induces a child to make a false claim of child abuse under 23 Pa.C.S. Ch. 63.
(Dec. 18, 2013, P.L.1198, No.118, eff. Jan. 1, 2014)
2013 Amendment.
Act 118 added section 4906.1.
Cross References.
Section 4906.1 is referred to in sections 6331, 6335, 6336, 6340 of Title 23 (Domestic Relations).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 49 - Falsification and Intimidation › Section 4907 - Tampering with witnesses and informants (Repealed)

§ 4907. Tampering with witnesses and informants (Repealed).
1980 Repeal.
Section 4907 was repealed December 4, 1980 (P.L.1097, No.187), effective in 60 days. The subject matter is now contained in Subchapter B of this chapter.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 49 - Falsification and Intimidation › Section 4908 - Retaliation against witness or informant (Repealed)

§ 4908. Retaliation against witness or informant (Repealed).
1980 Repeal.
Section 4908 was repealed December 4, 1980 (P.L.1097, No.187), effective in 60 days. The subject matter is now contained in Subchapter B of this chapter.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 49 - Falsification and Intimidation › Section 4909 - Witness or informant taking bribe

§ 4909. Witness or informant taking bribe.
A person commits a felony of the third degree if he solicits, accepts or agrees to accept any benefit in consideration of his doing any of the things specified in section 4952(a)(1) through (6) (relating to intimidation of witnesses or victims).
(Dec. 4, 1980, P.L.1097, No.187, eff. 60 days)
Cross References.
Section 4909 is referred to in section 5708 of the title; section 5552 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 49 - Falsification and Intimidation › Section 4910 - Tampering with or fabricating physical evidence

§ 4910. Tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.
A person commits a misdemeanor of the second degree if, believing that an official proceeding or investigation is pending or about to be instituted, he:
(1) alters, destroys, conceals or removes any record, document or thing with intent to impair its verity or availability in such proceeding or investigation; or
(2) makes, presents or uses any record, document or thing knowing it to be false and with intent to mislead a public servant who is or may be engaged in such proceeding or investigation.
Cross References.
Section 4910 is referred to in section 5552 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 49 - Falsification and Intimidation › Section 4911 - Tampering with public records or information

§ 4911. Tampering with public records or information.
(a) Offense defined.--
A person commits an offense if he:
(1) knowingly makes a false entry in, or false alteration of, any record, document or thing belonging to, or received or kept by, the government for information or record, or required by law to be kept by others for information of the government;
(2) makes, presents or uses any record, document or thing knowing it to be false, and with intent that it be taken as a genuine part of information or records referred to in paragraph (1) of this subsection; or
(3) intentionally and unlawfully destroys, conceals, removes or otherwise impairs the verity or availability of any such record, document or thing.
(b) Grading.--
An offense under this section is a misdemeanor of the second degree unless the intent of the actor is to defraud or injure anyone, in which case the offense is a felony of the third degree.
Cross References.
Section 4911 is referred to in section 5708 of this title; section 9518 of Title 13 (Commercial Code); section 5552 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 49 - Falsification and Intimidation › Section 4912 - Impersonating a public servant

§ 4912. Impersonating a public servant.
A person commits a misdemeanor of the second degree if he falsely pretends to hold a position in the public service with intent to induce another to submit to such pretended official authority or otherwise to act in reliance upon that pretense to his prejudice.
Cross References.
Section 4912 is referred to in section 6105 of this title; section 5552 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 49 - Falsification and Intimidation › Section 4913 - Impersonating a notary public or a holder of a professional or occupational license

§ 4913. Impersonating a notary public or a holder of a professional or occupational license.
(a) Offense defined.--
A person commits an offense if the person does any of the following:
(1) falsely pretends to hold the office of notary public within this Commonwealth or to hold a professional or occupational license issued by a licensing board; and
(2) performs any action in furtherance of this false pretense.
(b) Grading.--
(1) Except as set forth in paragraph (2) or (3), an offense under this section is a misdemeanor of the second degree.
(2) If the intent of the actor is to harm, defraud or injure anyone, an offense under this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree.
(3) If the intent of the actor is to impersonate a doctor of medicine and, in so doing, the actor provides medical advice or treatment to another person as a patient, regardless of whether or not the other person suffers harm from the medical advice or treatment, an offense under this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree.
(Mar. 21, 1996, P.L.35, No.11, eff. 60 days; Mar. 22, 2010, P.L.144, No.12, eff. 60 days; June 26, 2015, P.L.32, No.10, eff. 60 days)
2015 Amendment.
Act 10 amended subsec. (b)(1) and added subsec. (b)(3).
Cross References. Section 4913 is referred to in section 323 of Title 57 (Notaries Public).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 49 - Falsification and Intimidation › Section 4914 - False identification to law enforcement authorities

§ 4914. False identification to law enforcement authorities.
(a) Offense defined.--
A person commits an offense if he furnishes law enforcement authorities with false information about his identity after being informed by a law enforcement officer who is in uniform or who has identified himself as a law enforcement officer that the person is the subject of an official investigation of a violation of law.
(b) Grading.--
An offense under this section is a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(Dec. 20, 2000, P.L.972, No.133, eff. 60 days)
2000 Amendment.
Act 133 added section 4914.
Cross References.
Section 4914 is referred to in section 6328 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 49 - Falsification and Intimidation › Section 4915 - Failure to comply with registration of sexual offenders requirements (Expired)

§ 4915. Failure to comply with registration of sexual offenders requirements (Expired).
2013 Unconstitutionality.
Act 152 of 2004 was declared unconstitutional. Commonwealth v. Neiman, 84 A.3d 603 (Pa. 2013). The unconstitutionality took effect March 17, 2014.
2012 Expiration.
Section 4915 expired December 20, 2012. See Act 91 of 2012.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 49 - Falsification and Intimidation › Section 4951 - Definitions

§ 4951. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter shall have, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the meanings given to them in this section:
"Victim."
Any person against whom any crime as defined under the laws of this State or of any other state or of the United States is being or has been perpetrated or attempted.
"Witness."
Any person having knowledge of the existence or nonexistence of facts or information relating to any crime, including but not limited to those who have reported facts or information to any law enforcement officer, prosecuting official, attorney representing a criminal defendant or judge, those who have been served with a subpoena issued under the authority of this State or any other state or of the United States, and those who have given written or oral testimony in any criminal matter; or who would be believed by any reasonable person to be an individual described in this definition.
Cross References.
Section 4951 is referred to in section 8127 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 49 - Falsification and Intimidation › Section 4953 - Retaliation against witness, victim or party

§ 4953. Retaliation against witness, victim or party.
(a) Offense defined.--
A person commits an offense if he harms another by any unlawful act or engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly commits acts which threaten another in retaliation for anything lawfully done in the capacity of witness, victim or a party in a civil matter.
(b) Grading.--
The offense is a felony of the third degree if the retaliation is accomplished by any of the means specified in section 4952(b)(1) through (5) (relating to intimidation of witnesses or victims). Otherwise the offense is a misdemeanor of the second degree.
(Dec. 20, 2000, P.L.837, No.117, eff. imd.)
Cross References.
Section 4953 is referred to in sections 4955, 4956, 5702, 5708, 6105 of this title; section 5552 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure); section 2303 of Title 44 (Law and Justice).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 49 - Falsification and Intimidation › Section 4953.1 - Retaliation against prosecutor or judicial official

§ 4953.1. Retaliation against prosecutor or judicial official.
(a) Offense defined.--
A person commits an offense if he harms or attempts to harm another or the tangible property of another by any unlawful act in retaliation for anything lawfully done in the official capacity of a prosecutor or judicial official.
(b) Grading.--
The offense is a felony of the second degree if:
(1) The actor employs force, violence or deception or attempts or threatens to employ force, violence or deception upon the prosecutor or judicial official or, with the requisite intent or knowledge, upon any other person.
(2) The actor's conduct is in furtherance of a conspiracy to retaliate against a prosecutor or judicial official.
(3) The actor solicits another to or accepts or agrees to accept any pecuniary or other benefit to retaliate against a prosecutor or judicial official.
(4) The actor has suffered any prior conviction for any violation of this title or any predecessor law hereto or has been convicted under any Federal statute or statute of any other state of an act which would be a violation of this title if committed in this Commonwealth.
(5) The actor causes property damage or loss in excess of $1,000.
Otherwise, the offense is a misdemeanor of the first degree.
(c) Definitions.--
As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:
"Judicial official." Any person who is a:
(1) judge of the court of common pleas;
(2) judge of the Commonwealth Court;
(3) judge of the Superior Court;
(4) justice of the Supreme Court;
(5) magisterial district judge;
(6) judge of the Pittsburgh Magistrate's Court;
(7) judge of the Philadelphia Municipal Court;
(8) judge of the Traffic Court of Philadelphia; or
(9) master appointed by a judge of a court of common pleas.
"Prosecutor." Any person who is:
(1) an Attorney General;
(2) a deputy attorney general;
(3) a district attorney; or
(4) an assistant district attorney.
(Dec. 21, 1998, P.L.1245, No.159, eff. 60 days; Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days)
2004 Amendment.
Act 207 amended subsec. (c). See section 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to construction of law.
1998 Amendment.
Act 159 added section 4953.1.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 49 - Falsification and Intimidation › Section 4954 - Protective orders

§ 4954. Protective orders.
Any court with jurisdiction over any criminal matter may, after a hearing and in its discretion, upon substantial evidence, which may include hearsay or the declaration of the prosecutor that a witness or victim has been intimidated or is reasonably likely to be intimidated, issue protective orders, including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) An order that a defendant not violate any provision of this subchapter or section 2709 (relating to harassment) or 2709.1 (relating to stalking).
(2) An order that a person other than the defendant, including, but not limited to, a subpoenaed witness, not violate any provision of this subchapter.
(3) An order that any person described in paragraph (1) or (2) maintain a prescribed geographic distance from any specified witness or victim.
(4) An order that any person described in paragraph (1) or (2) have no communication whatsoever with any specified witness or victim, except through an attorney under such reasonable restrictions as the court may impose.
(June 23, 1993, P.L.124, No.28, eff. imd.; Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1759, No.218, eff. 60 days)
Cross References.
Section 4954 is referred to in sections 2709.1, 4954.1, 4955, 4956 of this title; section 6711 of Title 23 (Domestic Relations); section 8127 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 49 - Falsification and Intimidation › Section 4954.1 - Notice on protective order

§ 4954.1. Notice on protective order.
All protective orders issued under section 4954 (relating to protective orders) shall contain in large print at the top of the order a notice that the witness or victim should immediately call the police if the defendant violates the protective order. The notice shall contain the telephone number of the police department where the victim or witness resides and where the victim or witness is employed.
(June 23, 1993, P.L.124, No.28, eff. imd.)
1993 Amendment.
Act 28 added section 4954.1.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 49 - Falsification and Intimidation › Section 4955 - Violation of orders

§ 4955. Violation of orders.
(a) Punishment.--
Any person violating any order made pursuant to section 4954 (relating to protective orders) may be punished in any of the following ways:
(1) For any substantive offense described in this subchapter, where such violation of an order is a violation of any provision of this subchapter.
(2) As a contempt of the court making such order. No finding of contempt shall be a bar to prosecution for a substantive offense under section 2709 (relating to harassment), 2709.1 (relating to stalking), 4952 (relating to intimidation of witnesses or victims) or 4953 (relating to retaliation against witness or victim), but:
(i) any person so held in contempt shall be entitled to credit for any punishment imposed therein against any sentence imposed on conviction of said substantive offense; and
(ii) any conviction or acquittal for any substantive offense under this title shall be a bar to subsequent punishment for contempt arising out of the same act.
(3) By revocation of any form of pretrial release, or the forfeiture of bail and the issuance of a bench warrant for the defendant's arrest or remanding him to custody. Revocation may, after hearing and on substantial evidence, in the sound discretion of the court, be made whether the violation of order complained of has been committed by the defendant personally or was caused or encouraged to have been committed by the defendant.
(b) Arrest.--
An arrest for a violation of an order issued under section 4954 may be without warrant upon probable cause whether or not the violation is committed in the presence of a law enforcement officer. The law enforcement officer may verify, if necessary, the existence of a protective order by telephone or radio communication with the appropriate police department.
(c) Arraignment.--
Subsequent to an arrest, the defendant shall be taken without unnecessary delay before the court that issued the order. When that court is unavailable, the defendant shall be arraigned before a magisterial district judge or, in cities of the first class, a Philadelphia Municipal Court Judge, in accordance with the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure.
(June 23, 1993, P.L.124, No.28, eff. imd.; Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1759, No.218, eff. 60 days; Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days)
2004 Amendment.
Act 207 amended subsec. (c). See section 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to construction of law.
2002 Amendment.
Act 218 amended subsec. (a)(2).
Cross References.
Section 4955 is referred to in section 4956 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 49 - Falsification and Intimidation › Section 4956 - Pretrial release

§ 4956. Pretrial release.
(a) Conditions for pretrial release.--
Any pretrial release of any defendant whether on bail or under any other form of recognizance shall be deemed, as a matter of law, to include a condition that the defendant neither do, nor cause to be done, nor permit to be done on his behalf, any act proscribed by section 4952 (relating to intimidation of witnesses or victims) or 4953 (relating to retaliation against witness or victim) and any willful violation of said condition is subject to punishment as prescribed in section 4955(3) (relating to violation of orders) whether or not the defendant was the subject of an order under section 4954 (relating to protective orders).
(b) Notice of condition.--
From and after the effective date of this subchapter, any receipt for any bail or bond given by the clerk of any court, by any court, by any surety or bondsman and any written promise to appear on one's own recognizance shall contain, in a conspicuous location, notice of this condition.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 49 - Falsification and Intimidation › Section 4957 - Protection of employment of crime victims, family members of victims and witnesses

§ 4957. Protection of employment of crime victims, family members of victims and witnesses.
(a) General rule.--
An employer shall not deprive an employee of his employment, seniority position or benefits, or threaten or otherwise coerce him with respect thereto, because the employee attends court by reason of being a victim of, or a witness to, a crime or a member of such victim's family. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the employer to compensate the employee for employment time lost because of such court attendance.
(b) Penalty.--
An employer who violates subsection (a) commits a summary offense.
(c) Civil remedy available.--
If an employer penalizes an employee in violation of subsection (a), the employee may bring a civil action for recovery of wages and benefits lost as a result of the violation and for an order requiring the reinstatement of the employee. Damages recoverable shall not exceed wages and benefits actually lost. If he prevails, the employee shall be allowed a reasonable attorney fee fixed by the court.
(d) Definitions.--
As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:
"Family." This term shall have the same meaning as in section 103 of the act of November 24, 1998 (P.L.882, No.111), known as the Crime Victims Act.
"Victim." This term shall have the same meaning as "direct victim" in section 103 of the act of November 24, 1998 (P.L.882, No.111), known as the Crime Victims Act.
(Oct. 22, 1986, P.L.1451, No.142, eff. 60 days; June 28, 2002, P.L.494, No.84, eff. 60 days)
2002 Amendment.
Act 84 amended the section heading and subsec. (a) and added subsec. (d).
1986 Amendment.
Act 142 added section 4957.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 51 - Obstructing Governmental Operations › Extra - Chapter Notes

Enactment.
Chapter 51 was added December 6, 1972, P.L.1482, No.334, effective in six months.
Cross References.
Chapter 51 is referred to in section 3016 of this title; section 5508.3 of Title 53
            (Municipalities Generally); section 6017 of Title 64 (Public Authorities and Quasi-Public
            Corporations).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 51 - Obstructing Governmental Operations › Section 5101 - Obstructing administration of law or other governmental function

§ 5101. Obstructing administration of law or other governmental function.
A person commits a misdemeanor of the second degree if he intentionally obstructs, impairs or perverts the administration of law or other governmental function by force, violence, physical interference or obstacle, breach of official duty, or any other unlawful act, except that this section does not apply to flight by a person charged with crime, refusal to submit to arrest, failure to perform a legal duty other than an official duty, or any other means of avoiding compliance with law without affirmative interference with governmental functions.
Cross References.
Section 5101 is referred to in section 5708 of this title; section 3132 of Title 27 (Environmental Resources; section 5552 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 51 - Obstructing Governmental Operations › Section 5102 - Obstructing or impeding the administration of justice by picketing, etc

§ 5102. Obstructing or impeding the administration of justice by picketing, etc.
(a) Offense defined.--
A person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree if he intentionally interferes with, obstructs or impedes the administration of justice, or with the intent of influencing any judge, juror, witness or court officer in the discharge of his duty, pickets or parades in or near any building housing a court of this Commonwealth, or in or near a building or residence occupied by or used by such judge, juror, witness or court officer, or with such intent uses any sound-truck or similar device, or resorts to any other demonstration in or near any such building or residence.
(b) Exception.--
Nothing in subsection (a) of this section shall interfere with or prevent the exercise by any court of this Commonwealth of its power to punish for contempt.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 51 - Obstructing Governmental Operations › Section 5103 - Unlawfully listening into deliberations of jury

§ 5103. Unlawfully listening into deliberations of jury.
A person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree if he, by any scheme or device, or in any manner, for any purpose, intentionally listens into the deliberations of any grand, petit, traverse, or special jury.
Cross References.
Section 5103 is referred to in section 1515 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 51 - Obstructing Governmental Operations › Section 5103.1 - Unlawful use of an audio or video device in court

§ 5103.1. Unlawful use of an audio or video device in court.
(a) Offense defined.--
A person commits an offense if the person in any manner and for any purpose uses or operates a device to capture, record, transmit or broadcast a photograph, video, motion picture or audio of a proceeding or person within a judicial facility or in an area adjacent to or immediately surrounding a judicial facility without the approval of the court or presiding judicial officer or except as provided by rules of court.
(b) Grading.--
(1) An offense under this section shall constitute a misdemeanor of the second degree.
(2) A second or subsequent offense shall constitute a misdemeanor of the first degree.
(c) Definition.--
As used in this section, the term "judicial facility" means a courtroom, hearing room or judicial chambers used by the court to conduct trials or hearings or any other court-related business or any other room made available to interview witnesses. The term does not include the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building except for that portion of the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building designated by the Court Administrator of Pennsylvania, under the authority of the Supreme Court, as a judicial facility.
(Oct. 24, 2018, P.L.658, No.94, eff. 60 days)
2018 Amendment.
Act 94 added section 5103.1.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 51 - Obstructing Governmental Operations › Section 5104 - Resisting arrest or other law enforcement

§ 5104. Resisting arrest or other law enforcement.
A person commits a misdemeanor of the second degree if, with the intent of preventing a public servant from effecting a lawful arrest or discharging any other duty, the person creates a substantial risk of bodily injury to the public servant or anyone else, or employs means justifying or requiring substantial force to overcome the resistance.
Cross References.
Section 5104 is referred to in section 5104.3 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 51 - Obstructing Governmental Operations › Section 5104.1 - Disarming law enforcement officer

§ 5104.1. Disarming law enforcement officer.
(a) Offense defined.--
A person commits the offense of disarming a law enforcement officer if he:
(1) without lawful authorization, removes or attempts to remove a firearm, rifle, shotgun or weapon from the person of a law enforcement officer or corrections officer, or deprives a law enforcement officer or corrections officer of the use of a firearm, rifle, shotgun or weapon, when the officer is acting within the scope of the officer's duties; and
(2) has reasonable cause to know or knows that the individual is a law enforcement officer or corrections officer.
(b) Grading.--
A violation of this section constitutes a felony of the third degree.
(July 5, 2005, P.L.76, No.30, eff. 60 days)
2005 Amendment.
Act 30 added section 5104.1.
Cross References.
Section 5104.1 is referred to in section 5104.3 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 51 - Obstructing Governmental Operations › Section 5104.2 - Evading arrest or detention on foot

§ 5104.2. Evading arrest or detention on foot.
(a) Offense defined.--
A person commits an offense if the person knowingly and intentionally flees on foot from a public servant attempting to lawfully arrest or detain that person.
(b) Grading.--
An offense under this section is:
(1) A felony of the third degree if a person flees or attempts to evade arrest or detention for an underlying offense that constitutes a felony or misdemeanor and another person suffers serious bodily injury as a direct result of a violation of this section.
(2) A felony of the second degree if a person flees or attempts to evade arrest or detention for an underlying offense that constitutes a felony or misdemeanor and another person suffers death as a direct result of a violation of this section.
(3) Except as provided under paragraph (1) or (2), a misdemeanor of the second degree if a person flees or attempts to evade arrest or detention for an underlying offense that constitutes a felony or misdemeanor.
(4) Except as provided under paragraph (1), (2) or (3), a summary offense.
(July 18, 2022, P.L.1620, No.95, eff. 60 days)
2022 Amendment.
Act 95 added section 5104.2.
Cross References.
Section 5104.2 is referred to in section 5104.3 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 51 - Obstructing Governmental Operations › Section 5104.3 - Harming a police animal while evading arrest or detention

§ 5104.3. Harming a police animal while evading arrest or detention.
(a) Offense defined.--
A person commits an offense if, while engaging in an act prohibited under section 5104 (relating to resisting arrest or other law enforcement), 5104.1 (relating to disarming law enforcement officer) or 5104.2 (relating to evading arrest or detention on foot) or 75 Pa.C.S. § 3733 (relating to fleeing or attempting to elude police officer), the person harms a police animal as defined in section 5531 (relating to definitions).
(b) Grading.--
An offense under this section is:
(1) A felony of the third degree if the police animal suffers death or serious bodily injury.
(2) A misdemeanor of the second degree if the police animal suffers bodily injury.
(c) Restitution.--
In a case in which a defendant is convicted of a violation under subsection (a), the defendant shall be ordered to make restitution to the agency or individual owning the animal for veterinary bills, for replacement costs of the animal if it is disabled or killed and for the salary of the animal's handler for the period of time the handler's services are lost to the agency.
(July 18, 2022, P.L.1620, No.95, eff. 60 days)
2022 Amendment.
Act 95 added section 5104.3.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 51 - Obstructing Governmental Operations › Section 5105 - Hindering apprehension or prosecution

§ 5105. Hindering apprehension or prosecution.
(a) Offense defined.--
A person commits an offense if, with intent to hinder the apprehension, prosecution, conviction or punishment of another for crime or violation of the terms of probation, parole, intermediate punishment or Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, he:
(1) harbors or conceals the other;
(2) provides or aids in providing a weapon, transportation, disguise or other means of avoiding apprehension or effecting escape;
(3) conceals or destroys evidence of the crime, or tampers with a witness, informant, document or other source of information, regardless of its admissibility in evidence;
(4) warns the other of impending discovery or apprehension, except that this paragraph does not apply to a warning given in connection with an effort to bring another into compliance with law; or
(5) provides false information to a law enforcement officer.
(b) Grading.--
The offense is a felony of the third degree if the conduct which the actor knows has been charged or is liable to be charged against the person aided would constitute a felony of the first or second degree. Otherwise it is a misdemeanor of the second degree.
(Dec. 18, 1996, P.L.1074, No.160, eff. 60 days)