The Affidavit of Probable Cause
The affidavit of probable cause is an essential part of filing a written allegation, but the process for filling out each document is distinct when filing electronically. The written allegation document is completed entirely within PACFile, as part of the Filing Wizard, through the Filing Documents tab. Electronic affidavit forms, conversely, must be obtained and completed outside of PACFile before they can be submitted. Police officers, consequently, are encouraged to complete the affidavit prior to initiating the electronic filing process.
Locating the Affidavit Forms
Use one of the following methods to locate the forms for the affidavit of probable cause:
Open a new web browser page and navigate to www.pacourts.us/forms/for-law-enforcement/.
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Within the UJS Web Portal, click on the UJS Forms link at the top right of the screen. A new tab opens in your browser and clicking on the For Law Enforcement link displays the affidavit options among the other written allegation forms.
Choosing a Document Format
Blank affidavit forms are offered in two formats: PDF and Microsoft Word. You are free to choose a format, but consider the following before making your determination:
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The PDF version of the affidavit consists of one required and one optional form. The required form, titled "PDF J232A - Affidavit of Probable Cause", must be used as the first page of the affidavit. The use of the optional form depends on whether the affidavit requires additional pages. When the typed language on the required form exceeds the available space (one page), use the second form, titled "J232A - Probable Cause Addendum", to record any additional information. Separate addendum documents must be used for each page that follows the first page. Each PDF must be uploaded to PACFile separately.
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Only PDF documents can be uploaded to PACFile. When using the Microsoft Word version of the affidavit, titled "Word Doc J232A - Affidavit of Probable Cause", it must be saved as a PDF document before you can commence uploading. See the Saving a completed Affidavit Form section for more information on converting a Word document to a PDF.
Tips for completing the Affidavit Forms
Depending on the document format that you choose, consider the following tips when completing the form(s):
PDF Version
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For any field shaded purple, enter any text or select any checkboxes that apply. Fields may be left blank if they do not apply.
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The affiant's electronic signature, also known as an S-signature, must be added to the Affiant Signature line. The format of the signature must include an '/s/' followed by the first and last name (ex. /s/ John Smith). S-signatures are an acceptable alternative to handwritten signatures.
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If multiple documents are used to complete the affidavit, be sure to number the pages appropriately in the bottom right corner of each PDF document and add the electronic signature to each page.
Word Version
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As text is added and new pages are needed, Word automatically creates the required pages. Unlike the PDF version, it is not necessary to create multiple Word documents for any single affidavit.
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The affiant's electronic signature, also known as an S-signature, must be added to the Affiant Signature box. The format of the signature must include an '/s/' followed by the first and last name (ex. /s/ John Smith). S-signatures are an acceptable alternative to handwritten signatures.
Saving a completed Affidavit Form
PDF form and Continuation Page - (Adobe Reader users)
Click on the File menu and click the Save As option. In the Save As window, select a location on your computer or a storage device connected to your computer (i.e. shared drive or a memory stick) to save the affidavit. Repeat this step for each PDF associated to the affidavit.
It is important to remember where you save your affidavit files so you can locate them when completing the Filing Documents tab in PACFile.
Word form
Save the affidavit as a Microsoft Word document, so you have an editable version, and then create a separate copy as a PDF. If you need help saving the document as a PDF, click one of the options below based on the version of Word that you are using:
It is important to remember where you save your affidavit files so you can locate them when completing the Filing Documents tab in PACFile.