WHAT IS A RULE 586 SETTLEMENT?

A Rule 586 settlement is an agreement between the Commonwealth and a Defendant to pay a certain sum of money as restitution in return for a dismissal of the charges. In other words, you pay to make the case go away.

WHEN DOES A RULE 586 SETTLEMENT APPLY?

Rule 586 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure provides that when a person is charged with an offense that is NOT committed by force, threats or violence, the court may order the case to be dismissed upon motion and a showing that:

(1) The public interest will not be adversely affected; and

(2) The attorney for the Commonwealth (ADA) consents to the dismissal; and

(3) Satisfaction has been made to the aggrieved party (i.e. the victim has been paid); and

(4) There's an agreement as to who will pay court costs.

CAN ZLF HELP NEGOTIATE A RULE 586 SETTLEMENT IN MY THEFT CASE?

Your best shot at negotiating an agreement to pay restitution for a withdrawal or reduction of charges is at your preliminary hearing. However, if your case is at the trial court, a Rule 586 settlement may still be possible.

If you are facing a preliminary hearing on a theft case, call Zuckerman Law Firm today to ask about the possibility of negotiating a Rule 586 settlement of your case. As a former Allegheny County Assistant District Attorney, David Zuckerman has a firm understanding on which types of cases this may apply, and can work to negotiate a Rule 586 settlement directly with the prosecutor.

For a free consultation on your theft or financial crimes case, call the Zuckerman Law Firm LLC at 412-447-5580.