(a) Indictment or information pending. – A defendant arrested, held, or present in a county other than that in which an indictment or information is pending against that defendant may state in writing a wish to plead guilty or nolo contendere, to waive trial in the county in which the indictment or information is pending, and to consent to disposition of the case in the county in which that defendant was arrested, held, or present, subject to the approval of the attorney general. Upon receipt of the defendant’s statement and of the written approval of the attorney general, the prothonotary of the county in which the indictment or information is pending shall transmit the papers in the proceeding or certified copies thereof to the prothonotary of the county in which the defendant is arrested, held, or present, and the prosecution shall continue in that county.(b) Indictment or information not pending. – A defendant arrested, held, or present, in a county other than the county in which a complaint is pending against that defendant may state in writing a wish to plead guilty or nolo contendere, to waive venue and trial in the county in which the warrant was issued, and to consent to disposition of the case in the county in which that defendant was arrested, held, or present, subject to the approval of the attorney general. Upon filing the written waiver of venue in the county in which the defendant is present, the prosecution may proceed as if venue were in such county.(c) Effect of not guilty plea. – If after the proceeding has been transferred pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b) of this rule the defendant pleads not guilty, the prothonotary shall return the papers to the county in which the prosecution was commenced, and the proceeding shall be restored to the docket of the court in that county. The defendant’s statement that the defendant wishes to plead guilty or nolo contendere shall not be used against that defendant.(d) Juveniles. – A juvenile who is arrested, held, or present in a county other than that in which the juvenile is alleged to have committed an act in violation of a statute not punishable by death or life imprisonment may, after having been advised by counsel and with the approval of the court and the attorney general, consent to be proceeded against as a juvenile delinquent in the county in which the juvenile is arrested, held, or present. The consent shall be given in writing before the court but only after the court has apprised the juvenile of the juvenile’s rights, including the right to be returned to the county in which the juvenile is alleged to have committed the act, and of the consequences of such consent.
