(a) In general.--A preliminary investigation conducted under this chapter shall be of matters as the special investigative counsel considers appropriate in order to make a determination under section 9514 (relating to determination that further investigation not warranted) or 9515 (relating to determination that further investigation is warranted) of whether further investigation is warranted with respect to each potential violation or allegation of a violation of criminal law. The special investigative counsel shall make the determination no later than 90 days after the preliminary investigation is commenced. The special investigative counsel shall promptly notify the panel of the date of the commencement of the preliminary investigation.
(b) Limited authority of special investigative counsel.--
(1) In conducting preliminary investigations under this chapter, the special investigative counsel shall have no authority to convene grand juries, plea bargain, grant immunity or issue subpoenas.
(2) The special investigative counsel shall not base a determination under this chapter that information with respect to a violation of criminal law by a person is not specific and from a credible source upon a determination that the person lacked the state of mind required for the violation of criminal law. The special investigative counsel shall not base a determination under this chapter that there are no reasonable grounds to believe that further investigation is warranted upon a determination that the person lacked the state of mind required for the violation of criminal law involved unless there is clear and convincing evidence that the person lacked the required state of mind.
(c) Extension of time for preliminary investigation.--The special investigative counsel may apply to the panel for a single extension, for a period of no more than 60 days, of the 90-day period referred to in subsection (a). The panel may, upon a showing of good cause, grant the extension.
Cross References. Section 9513 is referred to in section 9515 of this title.
Structure Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES
Chapter 95 - Independent Counsel
Section 9501 - Scope of chapter
Section 9503 - Administrative expenses
Section 9511 - Organization of panel
Section 9512 - Preliminary investigation
Section 9513 - Conduct of preliminary investigation
Section 9514 - Determination that further investigation not warranted
Section 9515 - Determination that further investigation is warranted
Section 9516 - Contents of application
Section 9517 - Duties of panel
Section 9518 - Disclosure of information
Section 9532 - Compensation and travel expenses
Section 9533 - Additional personnel
Section 9534 - Assistance of Pennsylvania State Police
Section 9535 - Referral of other matters to independent counsel
Section 9536 - Dismissal of matters
Section 9537 - Reports by independent counsel
Section 9538 - Independence from Office of Attorney General
Section 9539 - Standards of conduct
Section 9540 - Custody of records of independent counsel
Section 9541 - Cost controls and administrative support
Section 9542 - Legislative oversight
Section 9543 - Removal of independent counsel and termination of office