Com. v. Tok, C. ( 2014 )

J-S68037-14
NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
: PENNSYLVANIA
Appellee :
:
v. :
:
CHANTHA J. TOK, :
:
Appellant : No. 748 EDA 2014
Appeal from the PCRA Order entered on March 7, 2014
in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County,
Criminal Division, No. CP-51-CR-0015023-2009
BEFORE: ALLEN, JENKINS and MUSMANNO, JJ.
MEMORANDUM BY MUSMANNO, J.: FILED NOVEMBER 26, 2014
Chantha J. Tok (“Tok”) appeals the Order dismissing his Petition filed
pursuant to the Post Conviction Relief Act (“PCRA”), 42 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 9541-
9546. We affirm.
The PCRA court set forth the relevant factual and procedural history in
its Opinion, which we adopt for the purpose of this appeal. See PCRA Court
Opinion, 5/22/14, at 1-3.
On appeal, Tok raises the following issue for our review:
Is [Tok] entitled to post-conviction relief in the form of the grant
of leave to file a post-sentence motion nunc pro tunc in the
nature of a motion for reconsideration of sentence[,] or a
remand for an evidentiary hearing as a result of the ineffective
assistance of trial counsel for failing to file and litigate a post-
sentence motion in the nature of a motion for reconsideration of
sentence[,] as requested by [Tok]?
Brief for Appellant at 4.
J-S68037-14
We review an order dismissing a petition under the PCRA
in the light most favorable to the prevailing party at the PCRA
level. This review is limited to the findings of the PCRA court
and the evidence of record. We will not disturb a PCRA court’s
ruling if it is supported by evidence of record and is free of legal
error.
Commonwealth v. Ford, 44 A.3d 1190, 1194 (Pa. Super. 2012) (citations
omitted).
Additionally, to succeed on an ineffectiveness claim, a petitioner must
demonstrate by the preponderance of the evidence that
(1) [the] underlying claim is of arguable merit; (2) the particular
course of conduct pursued by counsel did not have some
reasonable basis designed to effectuate his interests; and (3) but
for counsel’s ineffectiveness, there is a reasonable probability
that the outcome of the proceedings would have been different.
Commonwealth v. Ali, 10 A.3d 282, 291 (Pa. 2010). A failure to satisfy
any prong of the test for ineffectiveness will require rejection of the claim.
Commonwealth v. Martin, 5 A.3d 177, 183 (Pa. 2010). Counsel is
presumed to be effective and the burden is on the appellant to prove
otherwise. Commonwealth v. Hanible, 30 A.3d 426, 439 (Pa. 2011).
On appeal, Tok contends that he was prejudiced by his trial counsel’s
failure to file a post-sentence motion for reconsideration of sentence, as Tok
requested, because the sentence imposed by the trial court was clearly
-2-
J-S68037-14
unreasonable.1 Brief for Appellant at 34. Tok asserts that, had his trial
counsel filed such a motion, the outcome would have been different, as his
sentence would have been reduced. Id. Tok claims that he sent his trial
counsel a letter nine days after his sentencing wherein he requested that
counsel “take some sort of post-sentencing action with regard to the
sentence imposed” and “to appeal this whole thing.” Id. at 35-36.2 Tok
asserts that his trial counsel was obligated to comply with Tok’s request to
challenge the sentence imposed by filing a post-sentence motion, and to
1
Tok purports to challenge the discretionary aspects of his sentence.
However, for us to reach the merits of such an issue, four prerequisites must
be met:
1) the issue must be specifically preserved in a timely motion to
modify sentence; 2) a timely notice of appeal must be filed; 3) the
issue must be set forth in the issues to be raised on appeal in the
statement of questions presented; and 4) the issue must be
included within a concise statement of reasons for allowance of
appeal which demonstrates a substantial question that the
sentence imposed was not appropriate under the Sentencing Code.
Commonwealth v. Yanoff, 690 A.2d 260, 267 (Pa. Super. 1997) (citations
and footnote omitted, emphasis added); see also Commonwealth v.
Kennedy, 868 A.2d 582, 593 (Pa. Super. 2005) (declining to address the
merits of the appellant’s challenges to the discretionary aspects of his
sentence where such challenges were not specifically preserved in his post-
sentence motion to modify sentence).
2
Notably, the record is devoid of any affidavit or certification from trial
counsel confirming his receipt of such a letter, or explaining why he did not
file a post-sentence motion on Tok’s behalf, and Tok has offered no
explanation for its absence. See Commonwealth v. Roney, 79 A.3d 595,
607 (Pa. 2013) (rejecting appellant’s speculative ineffectiveness claims
because the appellant did not proffer affidavits from his trial counsel
concerning what actions he took or failed to take, and did not provide an
explanation as to why such an affidavit could not be procured).
-3-
J-S68037-14
thereafter file an appeal upon the denial of the post-sentence motion. Id. at
36. Tok argues that his trial counsel’s failure to file and litigate a post-
sentence motion raises a genuine issue of material fact that mandated an
evidentiary hearing, and that the PCRA court improperly dismissed his
Petition without granting him an evidentiary hearing. Id. at 38.
In support of his ineffectiveness claim, Tok contends that the trial
court’s aggregate sentence of 30 to 60 years in prison is unreasonable and
manifestly excessive, and does not reflect a proper consideration of Tok’s
history, character and condition. Id. at 28-29. Tok claims that there is no
evidence in the record with regard to his background that would warrant the
imposition of the maximum sentence for third degree murder and attempted
murder. Id. at 29. Rather, Tok asserts, the sentence imposed was
impermissibly based solely on the nature and circumstance of the crime. Id.
Tok also contends that the trial court failed to consider or give
adequate weight to certain factors, including, inter alia, Tok’s age; his
problems with unacceptance due to his Asian descent; the absence of
parental presence or support early in his life; his development of a tic at an
early age; his developmental delays; his problems at school due to a
possible learning disability and lack of parental support; his possible brain
damage due to multiple head injuries; his development of Tourette’s
Syndrome; his abuse of drugs and alcohol; his problems with impulse
-4-
J-S68037-14
control; his affiliation with gangs as a means of gaining acceptance; his
acceptance of responsibility and his expression of remorse. Id. at 29-30.
Additionally, Tok asserts that the trial court failed to satisfy the factors
set forth in 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 9725 when imposing a sentence of total
confinement. Brief for Appellant at 31. Tok claims that the trial court failed
to state its basis for imposing a sentence in excess of the aggravated range
of the Sentencing Guidelines for certain of his offenses, in violation of 42
Pa.C.S.A. § 9721 and 204 Pa.Code § 303.1 (deadly weapon enhancement),
and failed to state any sufficient reasons for imposing the sentence, in
violation of Pa.R.Crim.P. 704(C)(2).3 Brief for Appellant at 31. Tok
contends that the sentence imposed by the trial court is not consistent with
the protection of the public, the gravity of the offense as it relates to the life
3
A claim that a sentencing court failed to state adequate reasons on the
record for the sentence imposed has been held to raise a substantial
question. See Commonwealth v. Krysiak, 535 A.2d 165, 168 (Pa. Super.
1987). Pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 9721(b):
In every case in which the court imposes a sentence for a felony
or misdemeanor, the court shall make as a part of the record,
and disclose in open court at the time of sentencing, a statement
of the reason or reasons for the sentence imposed . . . Failure to
comply shall be grounds for vacating the sentence and
resentencing the defendant.
42 Pa.C.S.A. § 9721(b). However, where the sentencing judge had the
benefit of a presentence report, it will be presumed that he was aware of
relevant information regarding appellant’s character and weighed those
considerations along with the mitigating statutory factors. Commonwealth
v. Devers, 546 A.2d 12, 18 (Pa. 1988).
-5-
J-S68037-14
of the victim and on the community, and Tok’s rehabilitative needs, as
required by 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 9721(b). Brief for Appellant at 31.
Finally, Tok claims that the trial court erred when it applied the deadly
weapon enhancement of the Sentencing Guidelines for some of his crimes,
including attempted murder. Id. at 32. Tok asserts that he entered a guilty
plea to the crime of attempted murder as an accomplice or co-conspirator,
since he did not shoot Vonthean Vonn (“Vonn”). Id. Tok argues that the
deadly weapon enhancement does not apply to him because he did not use
the weapon in the commission of the crime of attempted murder of Vonn.
Id. at 33.
Here, the PCRA court set forth the applicable law and, after addressing
each of Tok’s claims raised on appeal, determined that they are without
merit. See PCRA Court Opinion, 5/22/14, at 3-9. We agree and adopt the
sound reasoning of the PCRA court for the purpose of this appeal. See id.
Order affirmed.
Judgment Entered.
Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
Prothonotary
Date: 11/26/2014
-6-
Circulated 11/07/2014 11:54 AM
PHILADELPHIA COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CRIMINAL TRIAL DIVISION
COMMONWEALTH
CP-51-CR-0015023-2009
v. Superior Court No.
748 EDA2014
CHANTHATOK FILED
MAY'222014
Sarmina,].
May 22, 2014
.Criminal AppealS Unit
First Judicial District of PA
OPINION
PROCEDURAL HISTORY
On January 24, 2011, Chantha Tok (hereafter, petitioner/ entered into a non-negotiated
guilty plea2 to murder of the third degree (F-1), conspiracy (F-1), attempted murder (F-1), firearms
not to be carried without a license (F-3), carrying firearms on public streets or public property in
Philadelphia (M-1), and possessing instruments of crime (PIC) (M-1).3 Sentencing was deferred until
April 20, 2011, on which date this Court sentenced petitioner to' an aggregate term of not less than
30 years nor more than 60 years imprisonment. 4 Petitioner did not file post-sentence motions.
1 Petitioner was represented by Francis Carmen, Esquire and Susan Ricci, Esquire at his plea.
2On that same date, petitioner's original co-defendant, Robert Chin (Chin), also entered into a non-negotiated guilty
plea as to CP-SI-CR-0015024-2009. Chin pled guilty to murder of the third degree (F-l), conspiracy (F-l), attempted
murder (F-l), firearms not to be carried without a license (F-3), carrying firearms on public streets or public property in
Philadelphia (M-l), and possessing instrwnents of crime (PIC) (M-l). 18 Pa.C.S. §§ 2502(c), 903, 901 (a), 6106(a)(I),
6108, and 907(a).
3 18 Pa.C.S. §§ 2502(c), 903, 901 (a), 6106(a)(1), 6108, and 907(a).
4As to the conviction for murder of the third degree, petitioner was sentenced to a term of not less than 20 years nor
more than 40 years imprisonment. As to the conviction for conspiracy, petitioner was sentenced to a concurrent term of
not less than 15 years nor more than 40 years imprisonment. As to the conviction for attempted murder, petitioner wa's
sentenced to a consecutive term of not less than 10 years nor more than 20 years imprisonment. As to each of the
convictions for firearms not to be carried without a license, carrying a firearm on the public streets in Philadelphia and
PIC, petitioner received concurrent sentences of not less than one year nor more than five years imprisonment. Notes
of Testimony (N.T.) 4/20/2011 at 92-93. This Court imposed the identical sentences on co-defendant Chin. I.d., at 92.
Circulated 11/07/2014 11:54 AM
On January 3, 2012, petitioner filed a timely pro se petition pursuant to the Post-Conviction
Relief Act (PCRA).s Counsel was appointed6 and, on June 25, 2012, filed an amended petition. On
September 27,2013, the Commonwealth filed a motion to dismiss. On October 3, 2013, petitioner
filed a reply to the Commonwealth's motion to dismiss, and on October 23, 2013, supplemented
that filing with a Supplemental Amended Petition. On December 12, 2013, after considering the
pleadings and conducting an independent review, this Court sent petitioner notice pursuant to
Pa.R.Crim.P. 907 (907 Notice) of its intent to dismiss his petition without a hearing. PCRA counsel
did not respond to this Court's 907 Notice and, on March 7,2014, this Court formally dismissed the
petition. This timely appeal followed.
Shortly before 8 PM on October 14, 2009, Tona Yann (Yann), Chin, and petitioner got into
Chin's 1992 Honda Accord; Chin entered the driver's seat, Yann took the front passenger's
seat, and petitioner sat in the back seat. With the headlights off, Chin drove from 109
Wentz Street, Philadelphia, PA to' a pool hall located around the comer at Front and Olney
Streets. As their car approached the pool hall, a man named Vonthean Vonn ry onn) walked
across the street, crossing in front of Chin's car before sitting in his own vehicle. Chin's car
was positioned next to Vonn's car, facing the opposite direction; thus, the driver's side of
Vonn's car was facing the driver's side of Chin's car. From the driver's seat, Chin yelled out
to Vonn, ''What set you bang?" Vonn then heard another voice from Chin's car, yelling,
"Shoot him!" in Cambodian. Chin then pulled out a gun and fired at least six times in
Vonn's direction. One of the bullets grazed Vonn's right arm, which had been placed on the
steering wheel when Chin opened fire.
Immediately after shooting at Vonn, Chin drove away. With the car's headlights still off, the
1992 Honda Accord approached 136 West Fisher Avenue - the residence of Nathaniel
Lopez (Lopez) and Annette Flores (Flores). Lopez and Flores had just returned home;
Lopez was standing outside of his car, locking it. Flores noticed that Chin's car was in
operation with its lights off; she yelled towards the car, instructing the driver to turn the
lights on. As the 1992 Honda Accord pulled up next to Lopez and Flores, Chin passed the
gun to petitioner, who was still seated in the back seat. Petitioner pointed the gun out of the
542 Pa.c.S. §§ 9541-9546.
6 Mitchell Strutin, Esquire, was appointed to represent petitioner on collateral attack.
7 This Court recites the facts underlying petitioner's convictions as presented by ADA McCaffery at petitioner's plea.
N.T. 1/24/2011 at 29-38.
2
Circulated 11/07/2014 11:54 AM
rear passenger side window arid fired twice at Lopez, striking him in the chest. The bullet
traveled through Lopez's ribs, lungs, and heart, killing him.
LEGAL ANALYSIS
Petitioner raises a single issue on appeal. s
1. Trial counsel was ineffective for failing to file and litigate a post-sentence motion
requesting reconsideration of the sentence imposed by this Court.
Petitioner contends that trial counsel was ineffective for failing to fIle and litigate a post-
sentence motion requesting reconsideration of sentence.
Petitioner claims that on April 29, 2011, nine days after sentencing, petitioner '1.7!ote to hjs
attorney, Susan Ricci, Esquire, asking her "to appeal this whole thing." Supplemental Amended
Petition, 10/23/2013 at Exhibit A. However, Ms. Ricci did not fIle post-sentence motions within
the 10-day period. Petitioner argues that counsel was ineffective for failing to fIle that motion for
two reasons: (a) this Court had not properly considered petitioner's personal history and character;
and (b) this Court failed to state a suffIcient basis for sentencing petitioner beyond the aggravated
range for attempted murder. Amended Petition, 6/25/2012 at `` 52,65; Reply to Commonwealth's
Motion to Dismiss, 10/3/2013 at 3-4.
To succeed on a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel for failing to fIle post-sentence
motions, petitioner bore the burden to demoristrate each prong of the Strickland9 ineffective
assistance of counsel test. Commonwealth v.Reaves, 923A.2d 1119, 1132 (pa. 2007); see also
Commonwealth v. Liston, 977 A.2d 1089, 1092 (pa. 2009) ("The failure to @e post-sentence
motions does n'ot fall within the ambit of situations where a defendant alleging ineffective assistance
of counsel need not prove prejudice to obtain relief."). Accordingly, petitioner had to prove that (1)
the underlying claim has arguable merit; (2) no reasonable basis existed for counsel's actions or
8This Court has rephrased petitioner's issue as articulated in his Statement of Errors Complained of on Appeal Pursuant
to Pa.R..A.P. 1925(b) (1925(b) Statement) for ease of disposition.
9466 U.S. 668 (1984).
3
Circulated 11/07/2014 11:54 AM
failUre to act; and (3) petitioner suffered prejudice as a result of counsel's error, such that the result
of the proceeding would have been different absent such error. Commonwealth v. Fears, 86 A.3d
795,804 cPa. 2014) (citations omitted). "Failure to prove any prong of this test will defeat an
ineffectiveness claim." rd., citing Commonwealth v. Basemore, 744 A.2d 717, 738 n.23 cPa. 2000).
(a) Trial counsel was ineffective for failing to file post-sentence motions. challenging this
Court's failure to properly weigh petitioner's personal history and character.
Petitioner's first sub-claim is that trial counsel was ineffective for failing to file post-sentence
motions in light of this Court's failure to properly weigh petitioner's personal history and character.
This claim fails, as this Court consulted petitioner's pre-sentence investigation, evaluating mitigating
factors in petitioner's past prior to sentencing petitioner.
As a sentencing court is required to consider both "the particular circumstan.ces of the
offense and the character of the defendant," imposing a sentence without having considered both
the circumstances of the offense and the defendant's character would be in contravention of
Pennsylvania law. Commonwealth v. Griffm, 65 A.3d 932, 937 cPa. Sup er. 2013).
In imposing sentence, a trial court is required to consider the particular circumstances of the
offense and the character of the defendant. The trial court should refer to the defendant's
prior criminal record, age, personal charactenstics, and potential for rehabilitation.
However, where the sentencing judge had the benefit of a presentence investigation
report, it will be presumed that he or she was aware of the relevant information'
regarding the defendanes character and weighed those considerations along with
mitigating statutory factors. Additionally, the sentencing court must state its reasons for
the sentence on the record. The sentencing judge can satisfy the requirement that
reasons for imposing sentence be placed on the record by indicating that he or she
has been informed by the pre-sentence report; thus properly consideritig and
weighing all relevant factors.
Commonwealth v. Boyer, 856 A.2d 149, 154 cPa.Super. 2004) (emphasis added).
In Commonwealth v. Fowler, the Superior Court faced a challenge to the discretionary
aspects of sentencing. 893 A.2d 758, 766 (pa.Super. 2006). Prior to sentencing the defendant, the
sentencing court stated, "I've read the presentence investigation report and I've listened to
everything that was stated today and I've read the submissions, as r indicated previously. I've also
4
Circulated 11/07/2014 11:54 AM
considered the fact that [appellant] has pled to this charge." Id. The Superior Court rejected the
challenge to the discretionary aspects of sentencing, finding that the sentencing court's reference to
the presentence report invoked a presumption that the court properly weighed mitigating factors:
"Since the sentencing court had and considered a presentence report, this fact alone was adequate to
support the sentence, and due to the court's explicit reliance on that report, we are required to
presume that the court properly weighed the mitigating factors present in the case." Id. (emphasis
added); see also Commonwealth v. Jones, 942 A.2d 903, 908 (pa.Super. 2008) ("Our supreme court
has held that where the trial court is apprised by a pre-sentence report, it is presumed that the court
is aware of all appropriate sentencing factors and considerations, and that where the court has been
so informed, its discretion should not be disturbed.").
Here, petitioner contends that this Court based petitioner's sentence entirely on the offense
committed, failing to weigh mitigating factors. Petitioner specifies the followillg factors as having
been absent from this Court's consideration:
(1) Petitioner's age at the time of the incident (he was 19).
(2) That petitioner "may have experienced problems with being accepted due to his Asian
descent." Id. at ~ 57.
(3) Petitioner's parents were absent from his early life.
(4) Petitioner developed a tic at an early age.
(5) Petitioner experienced developmental delays.
(6) Petitioner experienced problems at school because of a "possible learning disability" and
"absence of parental support." Id.
(7) Petitioner "may have sustained brain damage due to mild head injuries."
(8) Petitioner was ridiculed and teased at school.
(9) Petitioner was in special education classes.
(10) Petitioner suffered from Tourette's syndrome.
(11) Petitioner suffered from "impulse control problems."
(12) Petitioner abused drugs and alcohol.
(13) Petitioner's gang affiliation was "an attempt to gain acceptance."
(14) Petitioner's employment history.
(15) "The possible involvement of alcohol in the incident."
(16) Petitioner's expression of remorse.
(17) Petitioner's acceptance of responsibility.
(18) Petitioner's "adjustment to prison life."
5
Circulated 11/07/2014 11:54 AM
Prior to sentencing petitioner, this Court expressly noted that it considered petitioner's
presentence investigation report:
THE COURT: Well, I reviewed everything that was submitted. And that included the
presentence investigation; the mental health evaluation for each defendant; the computation
of the prior record score, which as I've already indicated, the prior record score for each of
them is a zero; and everything that was submitted both by the defense as well as by Ms.
McCaffery.
I've listened to everything that's been articulated here today, including the statements of .
both defendants. And we know what the guidelines state.
N.T. 4/20/2011 at 89-90.
As this Court considered petitioner's presentence investigation report, it must be presumed
that this Court weighed mitigating factors relevant to petitioner's character. Accordingly,
petitioner's first sub-clalln lacked arguable 1l1erit and failed.
(b) Trial counsel was ineffective for failing to file post-sentence motions, alleging that this
Court failed to state a sufficient basis for sentencing petitioner beyond the aggravated range
for attempted murder.
Petitioner's second sub-clalln is that trial counsel was ineffective for failing to file post-
sentence motions, alleging that this Court failed to .state a sufficient basis for sentencing petitioner
beyond the aggravated range for attempted murder. As this Court did not impose an
"unreasonable" sentence, petitioner cannot show that he was prejudiced by counsel's failure to
object and his clalln fails.
In order to prove that counsel's failure rises to the level of prejudice, a PCRA petitioner
challenging discretionary aspects of sentencing bears the burden to prove that an appellate court
reviewing the sentence would find it to be "unreasonable." Commonwealth v. Lawrence, 960 A.2d
473,479 (pa.Super. 2008). The reasonableness of a sentence is informed by the Sentencing
Guidelines. Commonwealth v. Sheller, 961 A.2d 187, 190 (pa.Super. 2008) ("When imposing a
sentence, the sentencing court is required to consider the sentence ranges set forth in the Sentencing
Guidelines, but it [is] not bound by the Sentencing Guidelines.").
6
Circulated 11/07/2014 11:54 AM
A court may depart from the guidelines "if n,ecessary, to fashion a sentence which takes into
account the protection of the public, the rehabilitative needs of the defendant, and the
gravity of the particular offense as it relates to the impact on the life of the victim and the
community."
rd., quoting Commonwealth v. Eby, 784 A.2d 204,206 (pa.Super. 2001).
The sentencing court in Sheller imposed a sentence in excess of the applicable aggravated
range by six months. rd. at 191.. Reviewing the reasonableness of this departure, the Superior Court
found that the sentencing court elected to exceed the aggravated range of the Sentencing Guidelines
because of (a) the trauma imposed on the victim's family; (b) children were left without a mother; (c)
the shooting was committed at close range; and (d) the crime has caused extreme hardship to others.
rd. The Superior Court determined that the sentencing court's reliance on those factors - the
impact on the victim~s relatives, as well as the fact that the crime was committed in the family home
while the victim's twelve-year old daughter was present - did not constitute an abuse of discretion, .
and the sentence was not "unreasonable." . rd. at 192.
Similarly, in Lawrence, the petitioner received a sentence in excess of the Sentencing
Guidelines. Looking to the factors enumerated in § 9721 (b) 10 and § 9781 (d) 11 of the Sentencing
10 § 9721 (b) of the Sentencing Code provides, inter alia, the following:
[T]he court shall follow the general principle that the sentence imposed should call for confinement that is
consistent with the protection of the public, the. gravity of the offense as it relates to the impact on the life of
the victim and on the community, and the rehabilitative needs of the defendant. The court shall also consider
any guidelines for sentencing adopted by the Pennsylvania Corri.mi.ssion on Sentencing and .taking effect
pursuant to § 2155 (relating to publication of guidelines for sentencing). In every case in which the court
imposes a sentence for a felony or misdemeanor, the court shall make as part of the record, and disclose in
open court at the time of sentencing, a statement of the reason or reason's for the sentence imposed. In every
case where the court imposes a sentence outside the sentencing guidelines adopted by the Pennsylvania
Commission on Sentencing pursuant to § 2154 (relating to adoption of guidelines for sentencing) and made
effective pursuant to § 2155, the court shall pwvide. a contemporaneous written statement of the reason or
reasons for deviation from the guidelines. Failure to comply shall be grounds for vacating the sentence and.
resentencing the defendant.
II § 9781 (d) provides:
In reviewing the record the appellate court shall have regard for:
(1) The nature and circumstances of the offense and the history and characteristics of the defendant.
(FN cont'd ... ) .
7
Circulated 11/07/2014 11:54 AM
Code as part of its inquiry into the reasonableness of the sentence, the Lawrence Court "made a
detem1ination that Lawrence's aggressive and assacltive behavior, his use and abuse of alcohol and
cocaine, his lack of remorse and his prior criminal history, mandated a sentence of total confinement
and one that required the imposition of statutory maximum sentences." Id. As the sentence
accounted for the need to protect society, the impact on the victim's family and society, the nature
and circumstances of the offense, the petitioner's criminal history and personal characteristics, the
sentence was not "unreasonable" and trial counst!l's failure to object did not prejudice the petitioner.
Id. at 479-80.
In this case, this Court sentenced petitioner to a term of n~ less than. 120 months nor more
.
than 240 months imprisonment for attempted murder, which was 21 months beyond the aggravated
range. 12 This Court was guided by the general principles that the sentence imposed should be
consistent with the protection of the public, the gravity of the offense as it relates to the victim and
the community, as well as the rehabilitative needs of the offender. As to the principle that the
sentence should reflect concern for public safety, tllls Court found it relevant that petitioner and his
co-conspirators were targeting innocent victims without any provocation, warnIDg or reason. In its
"Guideline Sentence Form," this Court stated that "[t]he victim, an innocent target, was shot [] six
(FN cont'd ... )
(2) The opportunity of the sentencing court to observe the defendant, including any presentence investigation.
(3) The findings upon which the sentence was based.
(4) The guidelines promulgated by the commission.
12 The aggravated range here was 81-99 months. The range prescribed by the sentencing guidelines for an individual
without a prior record score, who is convicted of attempted murder (without serious bodily injury) - and the deadly
weapon enhancement (DWE) for possession is applied - is 69 months to 87 months, plus-or-minus 12 months. 204
Pa.Code §§ 303.15; 303.17a. The DWE/Possession Matrix applies when the offender "possessed a deadly weapon
during the commission of the current offense." 204 Pa.Code § 303.10(a)(1). "An offender has possessed a deadly
weapon if any of the following were on the offender's person or within his immediate physical control: (i) any
firearm (as defined in 42 Pa.C.S. § 9712) whether loaded or unloaded[.]" 11 Where an offender has knowledge of the
existence of a weapon and "could easily have been given or taken the gun at any moment," the deadly weapon
enhancement for possession applies to him. Commonwealth v. Phillips, 946 A.2d 103, 114 (pa.Super. 2008), citing
CQmmQnwealth v. Pennington, 751 A.2d 212, 216-17 (pa.Super. 2000). The DWE/PossessiQn applied to petitioner, as
he was in the immediate vicinity of Chin when Chin fired six shots at Vonn, and could have taken the gun at any
moment. In fact, Chin turned and passed the gun tQ petitioner shortly after shooting at Vonn.
8
Circulated 11/07/2014 11:54 AM
times at close range, with some bullets piercing his clothing." See Exhibit A, Guideline Sentence
Form, 4/28/2011 at 2. As to the principle that the sentencing court should consider the gravity of
the offense as it relates to the victim, this Court was persuaded by the fact 'that six gunshots were
fired at V onn, one of which grazed his skin, and another of which went through the headrest where
he was seated. N.T. 4/20/2011 at 50-51. That bullet missed Vonn's head by a matter of inches. As
ADA McCaffery stated during argument at the sentencing hearing, "Mr. Vonn will probably never
walk to his car again alone at night and not think about that white Honda pulling up to him and
C],i'1 firLfJ.g at him, bullets piercing his clothes, pounding into his car, and through the headrest." Id.
at 51. And as to the principle that the sentence should reflect the rehabilitative needs of the
offender, this Court considered petitioner's susceptibility to peer pressure when in ap unstructured
environment. Without family, petitioner turned to gangs for acceptance. rd. at 17. Although he
had been a productive member of society at the age of 16, working six days per week, for 12 hours
per day, he joined the CBC gang and committed random acts of extreme vicilence, "trying to fit in."
Id. at 19. Even after the shootings on October 14, 2009, petitioner succumbed to the group
mentality, and returned to the pool hall "just to go have some more fun." Id. at 87. Concerned by'
petitioner's weakness in the face of peer pressure, this Court found that the structure of prison
would be better suited for petitioner's rehabilitative needs.
As this Court's decision to impose a sentence in excess of the aggravated guideline range had
, significant support, this sentence was not "unreasonable." Accordingly, petitioner was not
prejudiced by counsel's failure to object at the time of sentencing. For the foregoing reasons, this
Court decision to deny and dismiss petitioner's PCRA petition should be affirmed.
BY THE COURT:
M. TERESA SARMINA J.
9