Com. v. Bare, Z. ( 2022 )


Menu:
  • J-A26024-21
    NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37
    COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA               :   IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
    :        PENNSYLVANIA
    :
    v.                             :
    :
    :
    ZACHARY E. BARE                            :
    :
    Appellant               :   No. 1997 EDA 2020
    Appeal from the Judgment of Sentence Entered September 25, 2020
    In the Court of Common Pleas of Chester County
    Criminal Division at No.: CP-15-CR-0004390-2019
    BEFORE: BOWES, J., STABILE, J., and McCAFFERY, J.
    MEMORANDUM BY STABILE, J.:                               FILED MARCH 1, 2022
    Appellant, Zachary E. Bare, appeals from the judgment of sentence
    imposed on September 25, 2020 in the Court of Common Pleas of Chester
    County following his conviction of driving under the influence (“DUI”) and
    reckless driving.1     Appellant challenges the sufficiency and weight of the
    evidence; asserts the trial court improperly considered Appellant’s refusal to
    submit to a blood test as consciousness of guilt; and contends the trial court
    abused its discretion in imposing Appellant’s sentence. Following review, we
    affirm.
    ____________________________________________
    1   75 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 3802(a)(1) and 3714(a), respectively.
    J-A26024-21
    The trial court aptly summarized the underlying facts of this case as
    follows:
    In the early morning hours of November 8, 2019, Appellant was
    arrested and charged with DUI (General Impairment) and
    Careless Driving in downtown West Chester, PA, Chester County.
    West Chester Borough Police Officer Samantha Long’s attention
    was drawn to Appellant when he made a right turn from High
    Street onto East Market Street at a high rate of speed causing his
    car tires to screech and narrowly avoiding hitting a parked car.
    Appellant’s driving and later interactions with the officer were
    captured on video and that video was presented at trial. See
    Video, Exhibit C-1.
    The officer pulled behind Appellant and activated her lights and
    siren. Appellant did not stop immediately but proceeded for a
    distance before turning onto a side street and stopping. Officer
    Long testified that when she approached the driver’s side of the
    vehicle, she detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage. She also
    observed that [Appellant’s] eyes were bloodshot and glassy.
    When she asked for his license and registration, she had to point
    out to Appellant that he had the “pink slip” or temporary
    registration in his hand and was overlooking it. Appellant was
    argumentative when asking why he was stopped. When asked to
    exit the vehicle, Appellant refused.      He was given several
    opportunities and several minutes to do so, but had to be
    physically removed by police officers. Appellant maintained that
    he had not consumed any alcoholic beverages that evening.
    Officer Long testified that she arrested Appellant and placed him
    in the rear of her police vehicle and indicated that she then noticed
    the odor of alcoholic beverages in that vehicle. She read Appellant
    the DL-26 notice and warnings regarding the civil penalty of
    license suspension for refusal to submit to a chemical test of his
    blood. He continually asked for an attorney though the warnings
    included the information that Appellant was not entitled to an
    attorney. A refusal to the chemical test was noted.
    Trial Court Opinion, 1/27/21, at 2-3.
    Appellant proceeded to a bench trial on July 8, 2020. The trial court
    found him guilty of both DUI and reckless driving. On September 25, 2020,
    -2-
    J-A26024-21
    the court sentenced Appellant to 15 days to six months of county incarceration
    and a $300 fine on the DUI conviction, and imposed a $25 fine for reckless
    driving. Appellant filed post-sentence motions that were denied on October
    8, 2020.   This timely appeal followed.     Both Appellant and the trial court
    complied with Pa.R.A.P. 1925.
    Appellant asks this Court to consider four issues on appeal:
    1. Were the verdicts of guilty by the [trial court] for driving under
    the influence of alcohol, general impairment/refusal and
    careless driving, a summary offense[,] not supported by
    sufficient evidence?
    2. Were the verdicts of guilty by the [trial court] for driving under
    the influence of alcohol, general impairment/refusal and
    careless driving, a summary offense[,] against the weight of
    the evidence?
    3. Did [the trial court] err in finding [Appellant’s] denial of having
    anything to drink that night to be dishonest and thus to be
    evidence of consciousness of guilt? Did [the trial court] err in
    [finding] the refusal of [Appellant] to submit to a blood test
    consciousness of guilt? Did this violate Pa.C.S.A. [§] 1547(e),
    precluding a presumption of guilty from the refusal of the
    breath test? Did these errors warrant a new trial?
    4. Did [the trial court] err and abuse [its] discretion in sentencing
    [Appellant] above the sentencing guidelines to fifteen days to
    six months of incarceration on the [DUI] charge since the
    offense gravity score was 1 with a prior record score of 0, with
    a guideline recommendation of restorative sanctions? Were no
    adequate reasons stated as to why the guidelines were
    exceeded? Did the court err in treating this [DUI] as a second
    offense since [Appellant] had a prior A.R.D. for [DUI] in 2014,
    in violation of Commonwealth v. Chichkin, 
    232 A.3d 959
    (Pa. Super.[] 2020)[?] Did [the trial court] err in treating the
    prior A.R.D. as an aggravating factor? Did [the trial court] fail
    to consider [Appellant’s] rehabilitative needs, his excellent
    work as a businessman with stores in Philadelphia and West
    -3-
    J-A26024-21
    Chester, his charitable work and the fact there was no evidence
    [Appellant] had an alcohol problem?
    Appellant’s Brief at 11-13 (some citations and capitalization omitted).
    In his first issue, Appellant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence
    supporting his convictions. “A claim challenging the sufficiency of the evidence
    is a question of law.” Commonwealth v. Widmer, 
    744 A.2d 745
    , 751 (Pa.
    2000).
    As this Court has explained:
    Our standard of review for a challenge to the sufficiency of
    evidence is to determine whether, when viewed in a light most
    favorable to the verdict winter, the evidence at trial and all
    reasonable inferences therefrom are sufficient for the trier of fact
    to find that each element of the crimes charged is established
    beyond a reasonable doubt.
    Commonwealth v. Akhmedo, 
    216 A.3d 307
    , 322 (Pa. Super. 2019) (en
    banc) (citation omitted).2 “[T]he trier of fact, in this case the trial court, is
    free to believe all, part, or none of the evidence presented when making
    credibility determinations. In deciding a sufficiency of the evidence claim, this
    court may not reweigh the evidence and substitute our judgment for that of
    ____________________________________________
    2 Key to this Court’s review of a sufficiency challenge is the well-established
    requirement that the evidence and reasonable inferences are to be viewed in
    a light most favorable to the verdict winner. While Appellant presents a
    detailed Statement of the Case spanning 27 pages of his brief, he presents
    those “facts” in a light entirely favorable to himself. As such, his Statement
    of the Case does not aid this Court in its consideration of Appellant’s
    sufficiency challenge.
    -4-
    J-A26024-21
    the fact-finder.”   Commonwealth v. McClellan, 
    178 A.3d 874
    , 878 (Pa.
    Super. 2018) (citations omitted).
    With regard to DUI (general impairment), “[a]n individual may not
    drive, operate or be in actual physical control of a vehicle after imbibing a
    sufficient amount of alcohol such that the individual is rendered incapable of
    safely driving or being in actual physical control of the movement of the
    vehicle.” 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3802(a)(1). In this case, the trial court concluded
    that the evidence was sufficient to find Appellant guilty. The court found that
    Officer Long’s testimony relating to Appellant’s alcohol consumption and
    impairment was credible, noting specifically:
    •   Appellant’s window was open when Officer Long first
    approached the vehicle.        Upon nearing Appellant, she
    immediately noted a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage.
    After Appellant was secured in the patrol vehicle, she noted the
    odor of alcohol was also in the patrol vehicle. In her dealings
    with Appellant while he was in the car and out of it, she
    determined the odor was emanating from his person.
    •   Appellant spoke with altered speech and presented with
    bloodshot and glassy eyes.
    •   Appellant had difficulty locating his documents and Officer Long
    had to direct his attention to the document he was holding in
    his hand.
    •   Appellant refused to exit the vehicle as instructed. During this
    time, Appellant did not offer any reasons for his failure to
    comply except his continuing challenge to the initial traffic stop.
    After multiple requests, officers forcibly took Appellant out of
    the vehicle and placed him under arrest.
    •   Officer Long read the DL-26 to Appellant. In the instructions,
    Appellant was notified that he was not entitled to an attorney
    prior to deciding if he would consent to a blood draw.
    -5-
    J-A26024-21
    Immediately after being given the instruction, Appellant
    demanded an attorney. When the officer again stated he could
    not have an attorney Appellant responded, “What do you
    mean, no?”
    Trial Court Opinion, 1/27/21, at 7-8 (references to Notes of Testimony and
    exhibits omitted). The court explained that it found Officer Long credible and
    that her testimony was corroborated by the video presented at trial.
    Considering the officer’s testimony, the video evidence, and drawing
    inferences favorable to the Commonwealth, the court found “there was
    sufficient evidence in the record to support [its] determination that Appellant
    consumed alcohol prior to the traffic stop, and that Appellant was impaired
    and unable to drive safely due to his alcohol consumption.” Id. at 8-9.
    With regard to careless driving, “[a]ny person who drives a vehicle in
    careless disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of careless
    driving[.]” 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3714(a). Here, the trial court explained:
    At approximately 2:00 a.m. on November 8, 2019, Appellant was
    driving and was subsequently stopped by Officer Samantha Long
    of the West Chester Borough Police Department in Chester
    County, PA. The MVR Video presented by the Commonwealth
    depicts Appellant speeding and losing control of his vehicle while
    making a right turn onto East Market Street. Appellant was able
    to regain control and avoid striking a parked vehicle and possibly
    pushing it into a pedestrian walking on the sidewalk next to it.
    The court found that Appellant’s driving, as depicted on the Video,
    placed both property and persons at risk of injury.
    We found and continue to find that the evidence presented, taken
    in the light most favorable to the Commonwealth, showed
    Appellant demonstrated a blatant disregard for the safety of
    persons or property by the manner in which he was driving.
    Consequently, we find sufficient evidence was presented by the
    -6-
    J-A26024-21
    Commonwealth to support Appellant’s conviction for Careless
    Driving.
    Trial Court Opinion, 1/27/21, at 6 (references to Notes of Testimony and
    exhibits omitted).
    Based on our review of the evidence, viewed in the light most favorable
    to the Commonwealth as verdict winner, we discern no error of law in the trial
    court’s determination regarding sufficiency of evidence supporting Appellant’s
    convictions. Appellant’s first issue fails.
    In his second issue, Appellant contends that his convictions were against
    the weight of the evidence. “It has often been stated that ‘a new trial should
    be awarded when the jury’s verdict is so contrary to the evidence as to shock
    one’s sense of justice and the award of a new trial is imperative so that right
    may be given another opportunity to prevail.’” Commonwealth v. Clay, 
    64 A.3d 1049
    , 1055 (Pa. 2013) (quoting Commonwealth v. Brown, 
    648 A.2d 1177
    , 1189 (Pa. 1994)).       The finder of fact, here the trial court, “is the
    exclusive judge of the weight of the evidence as the fact finder is free to
    believe all, part, or none of the evidence presented and determines the
    credibility of the witnesses.” Commonwealth v. Boyd, 
    73 A.3d 1269
    , 1274
    (Pa. Super. 2013) (en banc) (citation omitted).
    In Commonwealth v. Rogers, 
    259 A.3d 539
     (Pa. Super. 2021), this
    Court explained:
    [O]ur standard of review for a weight-of-the-evidence claim is an
    abuse of discretion. As we have often reminded appellants, “An
    appellate court’s standard of review when presented with a weight
    -7-
    J-A26024-21
    of the evidence claim is distinct from the standard of review
    applied by the trial court. Appellate review of a weight claim is a
    review of the exercise of discretion, not of the underlying question
    of whether the verdict is against the weight of the evidence.”
    Commonwealth v. Windslowe, 
    158 A.3d 698
    , 712 (Pa. Super.
    2017) (emphasis added).
    Id. at 541.
    While Appellant acknowledges that a motion for a new trial based on
    weight of the evidence concedes there is sufficient evidence to sustain the
    verdict, see Appellant’s Brief at 64, he argues that there was no evidence to
    support his DUI conviction, id. at 65. See also id. at 68 (“A hard and cold
    review of the evidence reveals nothing other than the officer supposedly
    smelling the odor of alcohol.”) However, citing the officer’s testimony and
    video evidence, the trial court rejected Appellant’s assertion. See Trial Court
    Opinion, 1/27/21, at 11-15.               The court concluded that the record
    demonstrated ample evidence of consumption and resulting impairment. We
    find no abuse of discretion in this conclusion.
    Appellant also argues that his careless driving conviction should shock
    the conscience of this Court “because of simple negligence of going around
    the corner while putting a new car in the wrong gear.” Appellant’s Brief at
    69.3 Citing the evidence, and the video in particular, the court concluded that
    ____________________________________________
    3 As the Commonwealth correctly recognizes, “[I]t is the trial court’s sense of
    justice that must be shocked before a new trial may be granted on a claim
    that the verdict is against the weight of the evidence. It is irrelevant that the
    appellate court’s sense of justice may be shocked.” Commonwealth Brief at
    (Footnote Continued Next Page)
    -8-
    J-A26024-21
    evidence supported its conclusion that Appellant was guilty of careless driving.
    Trial Court Opinion, 1/27/21, at 10-11. We find no abuse of discretion in the
    trial court’s determination. Appellant’s weight of the evidence claim fails.
    In this third issue, Appellant contends that the trial court erred in its
    “decision to convict basing the conviction on [its] finding [Appellant] to be
    dishonest, and that was evidence of consciousness of guilt[.]”         Appellant’s
    Brief at 69. He further argues that the court “erred in finding [Appellant’s]
    refusal of the blood test to be consciousness of guilt.” Id. Appellant maintains
    the court’s findings equate to “presumptions” violating 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 1547(e)
    and require a reversal.
    Section 1547 governs chemical testing for determining the amount of
    alcohol or controlled substances in one’s system. Subsection (e) provides:
    (e) Refusal admissible in evidence.--In any summary
    proceeding or criminal proceeding in which the defendant is
    charged with a violation of section 3802 or any other violation of
    this title arising out of the same action, the fact that the defendant
    refused to submit to chemical testing as required by subsection
    (a) may be introduced in evidence along with other testimony
    concerning the circumstances of the refusal. No presumptions
    shall arise from this evidence but it may be considered along with
    other factors concerning the charge.
    75 Pa.C.S.A. § 1547(e) (emphasis added).4
    ____________________________________________
    24 (citing Commonwealth v. Sullivan, 
    820 A.2d 795
    , 807 n. 11 (Pa. Super.
    2003)).
    4 Our Supreme Court rejected a constitutional challenge to the admission of
    evidence of refusal in Commonwealth v. Bell, 
    211 A.3d 761
    , 776 (Pa. 2019)
    (“we conclude the ‘evidentiary consequence’ provided by Section 1547(e) for
    (Footnote Continued Next Page)
    -9-
    J-A26024-21
    The trial court found Appellant’s denial of consuming alcohol incredible
    while finding credible the officer’s testimony that she detected the odor of
    alcohol. N.T., Trial, 7/8/20, at 73. Appellant’s lack of credibility coupled with
    his belligerent behavior and refusal to submit to biochemical testing—along
    with his demands for counsel despite being advised he was not entitled to
    counsel—led the trial court to conclude he was incapable of safe driving.
    Despite Appellant’s assertions to the contrary, a review of the record and the
    trial court’s opinion confirms that the trial court did not presume guilt. Rather,
    in conformance with Section 1547(e), the trial court properly considered the
    refusal along with other evidence in finding—not presuming—consciousness
    of guilt.   Appellant fails to appreciate the difference between findings and
    presumptions. Appellant’s third issue fails for lack of merit.
    In the five subparts of his fourth and final issue, Appellant presents
    challenges to the discretionary aspects of his sentence. In essence, Appellant
    contends the trial court erred by imposing an excessive sentence without
    stating or considering reasons for exceeding the guidelines, while improperly
    taking an earlier A.R.D. for DUI into consideration.
    ____________________________________________
    refusing to submit to a warrantless blood test—the admission of that refusal
    at a subsequent trial for DUI—remains constitutionally permissible post-
    Birchfield[ v. North Dakota, 
    136 S.Ct. 2160
     (2016)].”).
    - 10 -
    J-A26024-21
    As the trial court correctly observed, “Sentencing is a matter vested in
    the sound discretion of the sentencing judge.” Trial Court Opinion, 1/27/21,
    at 23 (quoting Commonwealth v. Barnes, 
    167 A.3d 110
    , 122 n.9 (Pa. Super
    2017) (en banc) (citations omitted)). The court also noted the great deference
    given to the sentencing court “because it is in the best position to view an
    appellant’s character, displays of remorse, defiance, indifference, and the
    overall effect and nature of the crime.” 
    Id.
     (citing Commonwealth v. Allen,
    
    24 A.3d 1058
    , 1065 (Pa. Super. 2011)). “Reversal of a sentencing court’s
    sentence is not appropriate unless Appellant can demonstrate a manifest
    abuse of discretion.” 
    Id.
     (citing Commonwealth v. Hermanson, 
    674 A.2d 281
    , 283 (Pa. Super. 1996)).
    In Commonwealth v. Evans, 
    901 A.2d 528
     (Pa. Super. 2006), this
    Court explained:
    Before this Court may review the merits of a challenge to the
    discretionary aspects of a sentence, we must engage in a four-
    pronged analysis. In Commonwealth v. Hyland, 
    875 A.2d 1175
    , 1183 (Pa. Super. 2005), this Court stated:
    Challenges to the discretionary aspects of sentencing do not
    entitle an appellant to appellate review as of right.
    Commonwealth v. Sierra, 
    752 A.2d 910
    , 912 (Pa. Super.
    2000). Prior to reaching the merits of a discretionary
    sentencing issue:
    [W]e conduct a four part analysis to determine: (1)
    whether appellant has filed a timely notice of appeal,
    see Pa.R.A.P. 902 and 903; (2) whether the issue was
    properly preserved at sentencing or in a motion to
    reconsider and modify sentence, see Pa.R.Crim.P.
    1410 [now Rule 720]; (3) whether appellant’s brief
    has a fatal defect, Pa.R.A.P. 2119(f); and (4) whether
    - 11 -
    J-A26024-21
    there is a substantial question that the sentence
    appealed from is not appropriate under the
    Sentencing Code, 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 9781(b).
    Hyland, 
    875 A.2d at 1183
     (quoting Commonwealth v. Martin,
    
    416 Pa. Super. 507
    , 
    611 A.2d 731
    , 735 (1992)). “Objections to
    the discretionary aspects of a sentence are generally waived if
    they are not raised at the sentencing hearing or raised in a motion
    to modify the sentence imposed at that hearing.” 
    Id.
     (citations
    omitted).
    
    Id. at 533-34
    .
    Here, Appellant filed a timely appeal, raised the issue at sentencing and
    in a post-sentence motion, and included the requisite Rule 2119(f) statement
    in his brief. Further, the Commonwealth notes it is “constrained to agree that
    [Appellant] has raised a substantial question” by alleging the trial court
    considered improper factors when imposing his sentence.         Commonwealth
    Brief at 35 (citations omitted). For purposes of our review, we accept that
    Appellant has raised a substantial question.      Therefore, we shall consider
    Appellant’s sentencing claims.
    The first four subparts of Appellant’s sentencing issue stem from the
    trial court’s imposition of a 15-day to six-month period of incarceration.
    Appellant contends the court abused its discretion in that regard in light of the
    offense gravity score of 1 and Appellant’s prior record score of 0. Appellant
    believes the guidelines were exceeded and that the trial court considered his
    DUI as a second conviction, counting his prior A.R.D. as a prior conviction in
    violation of Chichkin.
    - 12 -
    J-A26024-21
    Appellant was convicted of DUI pursuant to 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3802(a)(1).
    Further, as the parties stipulated, Appellant refused chemical testing. See
    N.T., Trial, 7/8/20, at 36. Pursuant to 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3803(b)(2):
    An individual who violates section 3802(a)(1) where the individual
    refused testing of breath or chemical testing pursuant to a valid
    search warrant, court order or any other basis permissible by the
    Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of
    Pennsylvania, or who violates section 3802(c) or (d) and who has
    no prior offenses commits a misdemeanor for which the individual
    may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than six
    months and to pay a fine under section 3804.
    Further, 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3804(c)(2) provides, in relevant part:
    An individual who violates section 3802(a)(1) and refused testing
    of breath under section 1547 (relating to chemical testing to
    determine amount of alcohol or controlled substance) . . . shall be
    sentenced as follows:
    (1) For a first offense, to:
    (i) undergo imprisonment of not less than 72 consecutive
    hours[.]
    Although Appellant contends the trial court abused its discretion by not
    imposing a restorative sanctions sentence, that contention fails.           While
    Appellant is correct that the guidelines suggest restorative sanctions if the
    court were to consider only the offense gravity score and the prior record
    score, he fails to acknowledge the provisions of Sections 3803(b)(2) and
    3804(c)(2), which clearly provide for a sentence in excess of restorative
    sanctions.
    The trial court explained its deviation from the suggested guidelines as
    follows:
    - 13 -
    J-A26024-21
    We placed our reasoning on the record throughout the sentencing
    hearing when addressing defense counsel’s arguments and during
    our discussion with Appellant. The court stated its reasons for its
    upward deviation from the suggested guidelines: (1) Appellant’s
    continued denial that he consumed alcohol and refusal to take
    responsibility; (2) Appellant’s lack of remorse; (3) Appellant’s
    continuing belief that his obstructiveness during the traffic stop
    was warranted; (4) Appellant’s prior arrest; and (5) Appellant’s
    indifference of the risks related to drinking and driving as
    acknowledged through his participation in the A.R.D. program.
    The court made it clear to Appellant the reasons why it was
    imposing the sentence beyond the standard range recommended
    in the Sentencing Guidelines.
    Trial Court Opinion, 1/27/21, at 29 (reference to Notes of Testimony omitted).
    Appellant also argues that the trial court treated his DUI as a second
    DUI in violation of Chichkin, counting Appellant’s prior A.R.D. for DUI in 2014
    as a first conviction. When Appellant’s counsel remarked at sentencing that
    he was “kind of surprised and shocked that [the Commonwealth is] counting
    the A.R.D. as some sort of conviction,” N.T., Sentencing, 9/25/20, at 3, the
    trial court responded, “It’s not. It’s not counted[.]” Id. The court explained
    that while the A.R.D. did not count as a conviction, the court noted, “I can
    consider it as an aggravating factor.” Id. at 4.
    In its Rule 1925(a) opinion, the trial court acknowledged Chichkin and
    its holding that a DUI resolved through A.R.D. “could not be considered as a
    prior DUI conviction or as an acceptance of guilt.” Trial Court Opinion,
    1/27/21, at 25.     While Appellant’s participation in A.R.D. could not be
    considered a conviction, the court explained that it could consider the fact of
    a prior arrest. Id. at 25-26 (citing, inter alia, Commonwealth v. Johnson,
    - 14 -
    J-A26024-21
    
    481 A.2d 1212
    , 1214 (Pa. Super. 1984) (sentencing court may properly
    consider previous arrests but must recognize the defendant has not been
    convicted of the charges)). The court explained:
    [A]s the sentencing court, we have a duty to consider and
    ascertain all relevant information when fashioning an
    individualized sentence and found that measured consideration of
    Appellant’s prior DUI arrest was relevant for purposes of
    Appellant’s sentencing. Therefore, we considered, for purposes of
    sentencing, Appellant’s prior participation in rehabilitation and
    educational resources that were offered to him through the A.R.D.
    program. We find this was not an abuse of discretion to consider
    Appellant’s prior A.R.D. for the limited purposes allowed.
    Id. at 26 (citation and parenthetical omitted). Similarly, the court explained
    that it could consider the prior A.R.D. as an aggravating factor, noting the
    sentencing guidelines “set[] no limitation on what a court may deem to be a
    mitigating or aggravating factor.” Id. (citing 
    204 Pa. Code § 303.1
     et seq.).
    Here, the court determined that Appellant’s prior arrest and A.R.D.
    participation were aggravating factors “because Appellant had the opportunity
    to experience the stress and consequences of an arrest, along with the
    rehabilitation programs provided through the A.R.D. program, and was not
    deterred from choosing to drive impaired.” Id. at 27 (footnote omitted).
    In the final subpart of his sentencing issue, Appellant argues that the
    trial court failed to consider his rehabilitative needs, his occupational
    accomplishments, his charitable works, and the lack of evidence of an alcohol
    problem. The court noted that the failure to weigh factors “as an appellant
    wished does not raise a substantial question.”          Id. at 27 (quoting
    - 15 -
    J-A26024-21
    Commonwealth v. Zirkle, 
    107 A.3d 127
    , 133 (Pa. Super. 2014)). The court
    nevertheless addressed—but rejected—the claim, stating:
    The court considered Appellant’s mitigating factors, i.e.,
    employment, charitable contributions, reputation in the
    community, and the lack of a prior criminal record. We also
    considered Appellant’s allocution to the court. We balanced the
    above mitigating factors against Appellant’s aggravating factors:
    his refusal to acknowledge he was driving too fast; his
    obstructiveness during the traffic stop; his lack of remorse; his
    prior arrest; his understanding of the risks of driving impaired[;]
    and his awareness of the legal ramifications of a DUI conviction
    and his continued failure to accept responsibility.           After
    considering everything set forth above, we imposed a very
    individualized sentence that is specific to Appellant, and is
    consistent with the fundamental norms underlying the sentencing
    process and the Sentencing Code.
    Id. at 28 (references to Notes of Testimony and footnotes omitted).
    Having considered Appellant’s various challenges to his sentence, we
    conclude that the trial court did not abuse its discretion.        Appellant’s
    sentencing issue fails.
    Judgment of sentence affirmed.
    Judgment Entered.
    Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
    Prothonotary
    Date: 3/1/2022
    - 16 -