Com. v. Wile, T. ( 2021 )

J-S05009-21
NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
: PENNSYLVANIA
:
v. :
:
:
THERESA WILE :
:
Appellant : No. 637 EDA 2020
Appeal from the Judgment of Sentence Entered January 21, 2020
In the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County Criminal Division
at No(s): CP-46-CR-0008045-2018
BEFORE: BOWES, J., LAZARUS, J., and McLAUGHLIN, J.
MEMORANDUM BY BOWES, J.: Filed: April 22, 2021
Theresa Wile appeals from the judgment of sentence of three months of
probation and the costs of prosecution imposed after the trial court convicted
her of two counts of disorderly conduct. We affirm.
On the evening of October 12, 2018, officers answered a call of a woman
in distress to find Appellant screaming loudly in front of her residence. After
shouting obscenities at the officers while they inquired as to her needs and
mental health, she eventually calmed down. As the officers moved to depart,
she resumed her screaming, becoming increasingly loud, causing neighbors
to stand outside and observe the spectacle. When Appellant persisted in her
agitated vocalization after being advised that she was disturbing the peace
and would be arrested if she did not cease, she was placed under arrest.
Officers carried her by her arms to their vehicle while she struggled. Even
J-S05009-21
after she was secured in the squad car, Appellant threw herself bodily against
the front-back seat partition in continued protest. When Appellant repeatedly
requested that the officers shoot her in the face, they decided to transport her
to a hospital.
Appellant was charged with two counts of disorderly conduct as a result
of this incident.1 Following a bench trial, which featured the testimony of one
of the officers and Appellant as well as dash cam footage from the incident,
the trial court found her guilty on both counts, and later sentenced her as
detailed above.2 Appellant filed a timely appeal following the denial of her
post-sentence motion. Appellant presents the following questions for our
consideration:
____________________________________________
1 Specifically, Appellant was charged under the following provisions of the
disorderly conduct statute:
A person is guilty of disorderly conduct if, with intent to cause
public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating
a risk thereof, [s]he:
(1) engages in fighting or threatening, or in violent or
tumultuous behavior; [or]
....
(4) creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition by
any act which serves no legitimate purpose of the actor.
18 Pa.C.S. § 5503(a).
2 Appellant testified that she was merely outside praying when the police
arrived at her residence. See N.T. Trial, 11/4/19, at 102.
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1. Whether the evidence presented at trial was insufficient to
prove beyond a reasonable doubt that [Appellant] had the
requisite intent for 18 Pa.C.S. § 5503(a)(4) disorderly conduct
and 18 Pa.C.S. § 5503(a)(1)?
2. Whether the court erred in imposing costs of prosecution
and supervision fees on [Appellant], an indigent person, absent
consideration of her ability to pay?
Appellant’s brief at 2 (unnecessary capitalization and suggested answers
omitted).
The following legal principles inform our review. Regarding Appellant’s
sufficiency challenge, we bear in mind:
Because a determination of evidentiary sufficiency presents a
question of law, our standard of review is de novo and our scope
of review is plenary. In reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence,
we must determine whether the evidence admitted at trial and all
reasonable inferences drawn therefrom, viewed in the light most
favorable to the Commonwealth as verdict winner, were sufficient
to prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
[T]he facts and circumstances established by the Commonwealth
need not preclude every possibility of innocence. It is within the
province of the fact-finder to determine the weight to be accorded
to each witness’s testimony and to believe all, part, or none of the
evidence. The Commonwealth may sustain its burden of proving
every element of the crime by means of wholly circumstantial
evidence. Moreover, as an appellate court, we may not re-weigh
the evidence and substitute our judgment for that of the fact-
finder.
Commonwealth v. Williams, 176 A.3d 298, 305-06 (Pa.Super. 2017)
(citations and quotation marks omitted).
As to Appellant’s challenge to the imposition of costs of prosecution
without first determining her ability to pay them, the issue “implicates the
interpretation of the Rules of Criminal Procedure, which presents a question
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J-S05009-21
of law. Therefore, our standard of review is de novo, and our scope of review
is plenary.” Commonwealth v. Lopez, ___ A.3d ___, 2021 WL 1096376 at
*1 (Pa.Super. March 23, 2021) (en banc).
After a thorough review of the certified record, the parties’ briefs and
the pertinent law, we discern no error of law or abuse of discretion on the part
of the trial court as to the issues raised by Appellant, and we affirm the
judgment of sentence on the basis of the cogent and well-reasoned opinion
that Honorable Steven T. O’Neill entered on June 4, 2020.
Specifically, Judge O’Neill observed that the law and the evidence,
including reasonable inferences therefrom, supported his finding that
Appellant acted with reckless disregard for the risk of causing public
annoyance or alarm when she screamed so loudly that it echoed off nearby
homes and caused neighbors to spectate, then struggled so much when taken
into custody that she kicked off her pants. See Trial Court Opinion, 6/4/20,
at 4-5. See also Commonwealth v. Rahman, 75 A.3d 497, 503 (Pa.Super.
2013) (holding intent to cause inconvenience established by evidence that the
defendant ignored warnings to cease loud and boisterous behavior and
escalated his physical aggression as officers attempted to escort him away).
Further, Judge O’Neill correctly explained that Appellant was not entitled to a
hearing on her ability to pay before being sentenced to pay costs, as
Pa.R.Crim.P. 706 requires a hearing only before incarcerating a defendant for
failure to pay. Id. at 7-8 (citing, inter alia, Commonwealth v. Childs, 63
-4-
J-S05009-21
A.3d 323, 325 (Pa.Super. 2013)). See also Lopez, supra at *5 (reaffirming
“Childs’ holding that a that a defendant is not entitled to an ability-to-pay
hearing before a court imposes court costs at sentencing”). For all of the
foregoing reasons, we affirm Appellant’s judgment of sentence.
Judgment of sentence affirmed.
Judgment Entered.
Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
Prothonotary
Date:4/22/21
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Received 10/6/2020 12:44:07 AN:4cromov w• & [;PmgtlPlcM
Filed 10/6/2020 12:44:00 AM Superior Court Eastern District
637 EDA 2020
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA
CRIMINAL DIVISION
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA NO. 8045-18
637 EDA 2020
V.
THERESA WILE
OPINION
O'NEILL, J. June TO 2020
c•
— C
The Defendant, Theresa Wile, appeals from the judgment of sentences
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Tic'
entered on January 21., 2020. For the reasons set forth below, the judgment of•••
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sentence should be affirmed.
I. Facts and Procedural History
On the evening of October 1.2, 2018, police were dispatched to the
Defendant's home in Lansdale, Montgomery County, for a call of a woman in
1
distress. N.T. Nov. 4, 2019 at 73. When officers arrived, they found the
Defendant in front of her home, screaming loudly enough for it to echo off of
neighboring homes. Id. at 74-75. Officers asked the Defendant how they could
help her and she replied that she needed a cigarette. Id. at 75. They explained
to her the purpose of 911. Id. Officers asked her if she wanted to hurt herself
or anyone else. Id. The Defendant continued to shout obscenities at the
officers. Id. at 76. She eventually calmed down and officers began to leave. Id.
At that point, she called them back to her residence and began screaming
again. Id. Officers advised her that she was disturbing the peace. Id. The
Defendant requested the identity of the 911 caller. Id. She continued to get
louder. Id. at 77. Neighbors were outside watching what was happening. Id.
1
Officers repeatedly asked the Defendant to go inside her home advised her that
she would be under arrest if she did not stop screaming. Id. When she failed to
comply after several requests, she was placed under arrest. Id. Officers
approached the Defendant and handcuffed her, at which point she began to
struggle with the officers and refused to walk. Id. Officers had to pick her up
by the arms to assist her to a patrol vehicle, she continued to kick and struggle
with the officers. Id. at 77-78. Once officers were able to get her into the car,
she began to throw herself against the partition. Id. at 82; Commonwealth
Exhibit C-7. The Defendant also told officers to "Shoot me in the fucking face."
Id. At this point, they decided to transport her to Lansdale Hospital. Id. As a
result of this incident, she was charged with two counts of Disorderly Conduct.
18 Pa. C.S.A. § 5503 (a)(1), (4).
Following a trial by bench', the Defendant was convicted of both counts
of summary disorderly conduct. 2 These counts merged for purposes of
sentencing. On January 21, 2020 she was sentenced to a three month term of
probation and ordered to pay the costs of prosecution. The Defendant filed a
post-sentence motion, which this Court denied on February 6, 2020. This
appeal followed. The Defendant was directed, pursuant to Pa. R.A. P. 1925 (b)
to file a concise statement of errors; she has since complied with that directive.
'She was simultaneously convicted in the matter indexed at 8044-18 and
sentenced to a consecutive three month term of probation. This matter is
addressed separately in the appeal indexed at 636 EDA 2020.
2 18 Pa. C.S.A. § 5503 (a)(1), (4).
z
II. Issues
The Defendant raises the following issues in her concise statement:
1. Appellant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence with regard to
the requisite intent(s) of both count 1and count 2.
2. Appellant challenges the weight of the evidence with regard to
weighing the evidence introduced to prove the requisite intent of
count 1and count 2.
3. Appellant challenges the imposition of costs and supervision fees
without consideration of Ms. Wile's ability to pay.
III. Discussion
The Defendant's first two claims challenge the weight and sufficiency of
the evidence against her. It is well settled that,
[i]n reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence, we are required to
view the evidence, and all permissible inferences to be drawn
therefrom, in the light most favorable to the Commonwealth, as
verdict winner. The test is whether, taking as true the evidence
most favorable to the Commonwealth, together with all
reasonable inferences therefrom, the evidence is sufficient to
prove appellant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Commonwealth v. Ruffin, 463 A.2d 1117, 1118-19 (Pa. Super. 1983)
(citations omitted).
A true weight of the evidence challenge concedes that sufficient evidence
exists to sustain the verdict but questions which evidence is to be believed.
Commonwealth v. Morgan, 913 A.2d 906, 909 (Pa. Super. 2006) (citing
Commonwealth v. Charlton, 902 A.2d 554, 561 (Pa. Super. 2006) (quoting
Commonwealth v. Galindes, 786 A.2d 1004, 1013 (Pa. Super. 2001)). The
weight of the evidence is exclusively for the finder of fact who is free to believe
3
all, part, or none of the evidence and to determine the credibility of the
witnesses. Commonwealth v. Champney, 832 A.2d 403, 408 (Pa. 2003)).
Accordingly, a weight of the evidence challenge contests the weight that is
accorded the testimonial. evidence. Morgan, 913 A.2d at 909 (citing Armbruster
v. Horowitz, 744 A.2d 285, 286 (Pa. Super. 1999)). In reviewing a weight of the
evidence challenge, "[a] new trial should be granted only where the verdict is so
contrary to the evidence as to shock one's sense of justice." Commonwealth v.
Davidson, 860 A.2d 575, 581 (Pa.Super. 2004) (internal citation and quotation
omitted). Both claims are without merit and must fail.
First, there was sufficient evidence of intent. "A person is guilty of
disorderly conduct if, with intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or
alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof, [s]he: engages in fighting or
threatening, or in violent or tumultuous behavior; creates a hazardous or
physically offensive condition by any act which serves no legitimate purpose of
the actor." 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 5503(a)(1), (4). "The specific intent requirement of
this statute ``may be met by a showing of a reckless disregard of the.risk of
public inconvenience,' annoyance, or alarm ...." Commonwealth v. Troy, 832
A.2d 1089, 1.094 (Pa. Super. 2003) (citation omitted).
Instantly, police responded to a call of a woman in distress. When they
arrived, they found the Defendant in her front yard, screaming so loudly that it
echoed off of neighboring homes. Officers tried repeatedly to deescalate the
situation and encouraged the Defendant to go inside her home. She briefly
complied, by moving toward her home, before calling officers back and
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continuing to scream loudly and shout expletives at the officers within earshot
of her neighbors who were outside at the time.
Once officers decided to arrest the Defendant she struggled with them
and refused to walk to the car, kicking her pants off in the process. Once they
were able to get her into the car, she began throwing her body into the
partition. Clearly, she acted with reckless disregard of the risk of public
inconvenience, annoyance or alarm and the evidence was sufficient to prove
intent as to both counts of disorderly conduct.
Next, she challenges the weight of the evidence of intent. This claim
must also fail. The Defendant took the stand in her defense and testified that
she was outside praying when officers arrived. N.T. Nov. 4, 2019 at 103. This
Court, as factfinder, was free to believe some, all or none of her testimony in
that regard. Based on the testimony of officers and the dash cam video, 3 this
Court did not find the Defendant's testimony to be credible. Therefore, the
verdict was not against the weight of the evidence and this claim must fail.
In her final issue, the Defendant challenges the imposition of the costs of
prosecution. While the Defendant did raise this claim in a post-sentence
motion, she did not raise it at the time of sentencing when costs were imposed,
thus she may have waived the issue. N.T. Jan. 21, 2020 at 1.9. Insofar as this
claim may implicate the legality of the Defendant's sentence, which cannot be
waived, she is due no relief. Commonwealth v. Childs, 63 A.3d 323, 325 (Pa.
Super. 201.3)(stating that challenge to denial of hearing on inability to pay
3 Exhibit C-7.
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"contests the authority of the court to impose the costs at issue and, therefore,
challenges the legality of his sentence"). A defendant is not entitled to a pre-
sentence hearing on his ability to pay. Id. (citing Commonwealth v.
Hernandez, 917 A.2d 332, 336-37 (Pa. Super. 2007)). Therefore, this claim is
without merit and must fail.
Pursuant to the Rules of Criminal Procedure, the "court shall not commit
the defendant to prison for failure to pay a fine or costs unless it appears after
hearing that the defendant is financially able to pay the fine or costs." Pa. R.
Crim. P. 706 (A). Accordingly, "[while Rule 706 "permits a defendant to
demonstrate financial inability either after a default hearing or when costs are
initially ordered to be paid in installments," the Rule only requires such a
hearing prior to any order directing incarceration for failure to pay the ordered
costs. Childs, 63 A.3d at 326 (citing Hernandez, 917 A.2d at 337)(emphasis in
original). In Hernandez, the Superior Court concluded that a hearing on ability
to pay is not required at the time that costs are imposed:
The Supreme Court ... did not state that Fuller4 requires a trial
court to assess the defendant's financial ability to make payment
at the time of sentencing. In interpreting Fuller, numerous federal
and state jurisdictions have held that it is not constitutionally
necessary to have a determination of the defendant's ability to pay
prior to or at the judgment of sentence.... [We] conclude
that Fuller compels a trial court only to make a determination of an
indigent defendant's ability to render payment before he/she is
committed.
Hernandez, 917 A.2d at 337.
4 Fuller v. Oregon, 94 S.Ct. 21 1.6, 21.18, 417 U.S. 40, 40 (1974).
6
Thus, even if she had requested this Court to do so, this Court was not
required to hold a hearing on the Defendant's ability to pay costs. 5 In the event
that the Defendant fails to make payment as ordered, at that time the court
will be required to hold a hearing on his ability to pay.
IV. Conclusion
Based on the foregoing, the judgement of sentence should be affirmed.
STEVEN T. O'NEILL, J.
Copy of the b ve Opinion
mailed on •NOto the following:
Robe tFalin, Esq.
LeeJ brey, -q.
J dicial Aff istant
5 The Court recognizes that this issue is currently awaiting en banc resolution
before our Superior Court in the matters of Commonwealth v. Gary-Ravenell,
J-E01004-20, 2551 EDA 2018, and/or Commonwealth v. Lopez, J-E01005-20,
1313 EDA 2018. Unless and until the Superior Court decides otherwise,
precedent dictates that the Defendant is not entitled to an ability to pay
hearing at the time of sentencing.
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