A. Criminal Action Categories. All criminal cases in this district shall be
divided into the following categories:
1a. Narcotics and Other Controlled Substances, 1 to 2 Defendants
1b. Narcotics and Other Controlled Substances, 3 to 9 Defendants
1c. Narcotics and Other Controlled Substances, 10 or more
Defendants
2a. Fraud and Property Offenses, 1 to 2 Defendants
2b. Fraud and Property Offenses, 3 to 9 Defendants
2c. Fraud and Property Offenses, 10 or more Defendants
November 1, 2016 Local Rules of Court
Western District of Pennsylvania
3. Crimes of Violence
4. Sex Offenses
5. Firearms and Explosives
6. Immigration
7. All Others.
For purposes of determining the appropriate category, the number of defendants
in related indictments which are returned during the same grand jury session
shall be combined.
See also LCvR 40.B.
B. Assignment of Criminal Cases to District Judges. All criminal cases shall
be assigned by the Clerk of Court at the earlier of (1) the time of filing of the
indictment or information; (2) when any appeal is taken from a Magistrate
Judge's decision on bail; (3) upon the filing of a motion for return of seized
property; (4) upon the filing of a motion to quash a subpoena; (5) upon the filing
of a motion to dismiss the complaint; (6) upon the filing of any motions of a
similar nature that a Magistrate Judge concludes must be handled by a District
Judge; or, (7) at the time of filing any motion in a case at the magisterial stage for
a competency determination.
C. Related Actions. At the time of filing any criminal action or entry of
appearance or any initial pleading or motion by defense counsel, as the case
may be, counsel shall indicate on an appropriate form whether the action is
related to any other pending or previously terminated actions in this Court. For
the purpose of completing the form, all criminal actions arising out of the same
criminal transaction or series of transactions are deemed related.
