Subpoena of witnesses.
42 Pa.C.S. § 5904
in effect(a) Method of service.--In addition to any other method of service provided by law, a subpoena may be served upon a witness in a criminal proceeding by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by first class mail.
(b) Proof of service.--A completed return receipt shall be prima facie evidence of service of the subpoena.
(c) Duration.--A subpoena shall remain in force until the termination of the criminal proceeding.
(d) Bench warrants.--Upon proof of service of a subpoena, the court may issue a bench warrant for any witness who fails to appear in response to a subpoena. However, such warrant cannot be issued if service has been by first class mail. (Nov. 26, 1978, P.L.1264, No.301, eff. imd.) 1978 Amendment. Act 301 added section 5904.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?txtType=HTM&ttl=42Fetched: 10/16/2026
