Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 45, November 9, 2024
Rule 380 - Preservation of Testimony After Commencement of ProceedingsA.By Court Order. 1) At any time after the commencement of proceedings, upon motion of any party, and after notice and hearing, the court may order the taking and preserving of the testimony of any witness who may be unavailable for the adjudicatory hearing or for any other proceeding, or when due to exceptional circumstances, it is in the interests of justice that the witness' testimony be preserved.2) The court shall state on the record the grounds on which the order is based.3) The court's order shall specify the time and place for the taking of the testimony, the manner in which the testimony shall be recorded and preserved, and the procedures for custody of the recorded testimony.4) The testimony shall be taken in the presence of the court, the attorney for the Commonwealth, the juvenile, and the juvenile's attorney, unless otherwise ordered.5) The court shall rule on the admissibility of the preserved testimony if it is offered into evidence at the adjudicatory hearing or other judicial proceeding.B.By Agreement of the Parties. 1) At any time after the commencement of proceedings, the testimony of any witness may be taken and preserved upon the express written agreement of the attorney for the Commonwealth, the juvenile, and the juvenile's attorney.2) The agreement shall specify the time and place for taking the testimony, the manner in which the testimony shall be recorded and preserved, and the procedures for custody of the recorded testimony.3) The testimony shall be taken in the presence of the attorney for the Commonwealth, the juvenile, and the juvenile's attorney, unless they otherwise agree.4) The agreement shall be filed with the clerk of courts pursuant to Rule 345(A).5) The court shall rule on the admissibility of the preserved testimony if it is offered into evidence at the adjudicatory hearing or other judicial proceeding.The provisions of this Rule 380 amended November 16, 2016, effective 1/1/2017, 46 Pa.B. 7526.