(a) Application.--Whenever, upon informal application by the Attorney General or a designated deputy attorney general authorized in writing by the Attorney General or a district attorney or an assistant district attorney authorized in writing by the district attorney of a county wherein the suspected criminal activity has been, is or is about to occur, a judge determines there are grounds upon which an order could be issued pursuant to this chapter, and that an emergency situation exists with respect to the investigation of an offense designated in section 5708 (relating to order authorizing interception of wire, electronic or oral communications), and involving conspiratorial activities characteristic of organized crime or a substantial danger to life or limb, dictating authorization for immediate interception of wire, electronic or oral communications before an application for an order could with due diligence be submitted to him and acted upon, the judge may grant oral approval for such interception without an order, conditioned upon the filing with him, within 48 hours thereafter, of an application for an order which, if granted, shall recite the oral approval and be retroactive to the time of such oral approval. Such interception shall immediately terminate when the communication sought is obtained or when the application for an order is denied, whichever is earlier. In the event no application for an order is made, the content of any wire, electronic or oral communication intercepted shall be treated as having been obtained in violation of this subchapter.

(b) Further proceedings.--In the event no application is made or an application made pursuant to this section is denied, the court shall cause an inventory to be served as provided in section 5716 (relating to service of inventory and inspection of intercepted communications) and shall require the tape or other recording of the intercepted communication to be delivered to, and sealed by, the court. Such evidence shall be retained by the court in accordance with section 5714 (relating to recording of intercepted communications) and the same shall not be used or disclosed in any legal proceeding except in a civil action brought by an aggrieved person pursuant to section 5725 (relating to civil action for unlawful interception, disclosure or use of wire, electronic or oral communication) or as otherwise authorized by court order. In addition to other remedies and penalties provided by this chapter, failure to effect delivery of any such tape or other recording shall be punishable as contempt by the court directing such delivery. Evidence of oral authorization to intercept wire, electronic or oral communications shall be a defense to any charge against the investigating or law enforcement officer for engaging in unlawful interception.

(Oct. 21, 1988, P.L.1000, No.115, eff. imd.; Feb. 18, 1998, P.L.102, No.19, eff. imd.; Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1350, No.162, eff. 60 days)

2002 Amendment. Act 162 amended subsec. (a).

Cross References. Section 5713 is referred to in sections 5706, 5713.1, 5716, 5721.1, 5747 of this title.