§ 62A13 — Private criminal complaints for violation of order or agreement

(a) General rule.--A plaintiff may file a private criminal complaint against a defendant, alleging indirect criminal contempt for a violation of any provision of an order or court-approved consent agreement issued under this chapter, with the court, the office of the district attorney or the magisterial district judge in the jurisdiction or county where the violation occurred, except that in a county of the first class, a complaint may only be filed with the family division of the court of common pleas or the office of district attorney.

(b) Procedure service.--

(1) Procedure for filing and service of a private criminal complaint shall be provided as set forth by local rule.

(2) Nothing in this subsection is intended to expand or diminish the court's authority to enter an order pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No.1023.1 (relating to Scope. Signing of Documents. Representations to the Court. Violation.).

(c) Fees and costs.--

(1) No fees or costs associated with the prosecution of the private criminal complaint shall be assigned to the plaintiff, including, but not limited to, filing, service, failure to prosecute, withdrawal or dismissal.

(2) (i) After a finding of indirect criminal contempt, fees and costs may be assigned against the defendant.

(ii) The court shall waive fees and costs imposed under this chapter upon a showing of good cause or if the court makes a finding that the defendant is not able to pay the costs associated with the indirect criminal contempt action.

(3) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to expand or diminish the court's authority to enter an order under Pa.R.C.P. No.1023.1.