Commonwealth v. Ansell

COFFROTH, P. J.,

This is an appeal from the conviction of defendant for shoplifting under section 816.1 of The Penal Code of June 24, 1939, P. L. 872, 18 PS §4816.1, a summary offense.

The statute contains this sentence:

“A charge of shoplifting shall be brought before a *760magistrate, alderman or justice of the peace in the city, borough, town or township in which the offense was committed; however, if there is no duly elected or appointed magistrate, alderman or justice of the peace in the city, borough, town or township in which the offense was committed, then a charge of shoplifting shall be…