Rule 811 Post-Sentence Motion

This rule, Rule 810, Rule 704, and Rule 720 replace previous Rule 359.

When a sentence of death has been imposed, the sentence may be challenged initially at the trial level as part of the general post-sentence motion.

Under Rule 720, the post-sentence motion must be decided within 120 days of filing or is deemed denied by operation of law. It is intended that, as to those cases in which a life sentence has been imposed, this and all other Rule 720 time limits for disposition of the post-sentence motion apply. In cases in which a sentence of death has been imposed, however, the post-sentence motion may not be denied by operation of law if the judge fails to decide the motion within the 120-day limit. The judge must rule on the motion as promptly as the interests of justice allow.

Rule 360 adopted March 22, 1993, effective as to cases in which the determination of guilt occurs on or after January 1, 1994; renumbered Rule 810 and amended March 1, 2000, effective April 1, 2001; renumbered Rule 811 and Comment revised June 4, 2004, effective November 1, 2004.

Final Report explaining the provisions of the new rule published with the Court’s Order at 23 Pa.B. 1699 (April 10, 1993).

Final Report explaining the March 1, 2000 reorganization and renumbering of the rules published with the Court’s Order at 30 Pa.B. 1477 (March 18, 2000).