Com. v. Lardani, W.

J-S40044-22
NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT OP 65.37
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
: PENNSYLVANIA
Appellee :
:
v. :
:
WALLACE LARDANI :
:
Appellant : No. 2013 EDA 2021
Appeal from the Judgment of Sentence Entered February 19, 2021
In the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County
Criminal Division at No(s): CP-51-CR-0012402-2014
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
: PENNSYLVANIA
Appellee :
:
v. :
:
WALLACE LARDANI :
:
Appellant : No. 2014 EDA 2021
Appeal from the Judgment of Sentence Entered February 19, 2021
In the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County
Criminal Division at No(s): CP-51-CR-0012397-2014
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
: PENNSYLVANIA
Appellee :
:
v. :
:
WALLACE LARDANI :
:
Appellant : No. 2015 EDA 2021
Appeal from the Judgment of Sentence Entered February 19, 2021
In the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County
Criminal Division at No(s): CP-51-CR-0012400-2014
J-S40044-22
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
: PENNSYLVANIA
Appellee :
:
v. :
:
WALLACE LARDANI :
:
Appellant : No. 2016 EDA 2021
Appeal from the Judgment of Sentence Entered February 19, 2021
In the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County
Criminal Division at No(s): CP-51-CR-0012401-2014
BEFORE: PANELLA, P.J., STABILE, J., and KING, J.
MEMORANDUM BY KING, J.: FILED JUNE 12, 2023
Appellant, Wallace Lardani, appeals nunc pro tunc from the judgment of
sentence entered in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, following
revocation of his probation. Although we hold that Appellant’s issues raised
on appeal do not merit any relief, we sua sponte vacate the probationary
portion of Appellant’s revocation sentences as illegal and remand for
resentencing.
In its opinion, the trial court set forth the relevant facts and procedural
history of this case as follows:
The summarized underlying facts supporting the guilty pleas
for the [above-captioned cases] included Appellant’s arrest,
lodging of criminal charges and commensurate
apprehension for violation of probation by Philadelphia
police officers in 2014 while operating a stolen Black Dodge
Ram truck that had been reported as involved in a string of
vehicle thefts. Upon further discovery and investigation of
numerous stolen vehicle parts, ranging from tires to lug nuts
that had been recovered from inside the truck, Appellant
had been further implicated in conspiratorial criminal
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conduct that had affected numerous victims. Appellant
entered respective negotiated guilty pleas to three felony
counts of receiving stolen property [(“RSP”)] with a
corresponding three counts of conspiracy, and the
misdemeanor offense of possession of an instrument of a
crime [(“PIC”)], also with a corresponding charge of
conspiracy.
On April 16, 2015, after conducting full colloquies, this
[c]ourt accepted the tendered guilty pleas and imposed the
negotiated sentences that envisioned concurrently running
periods of probationary supervision that had followed
consecutively to all concurrently running periods of
confinement. In each case, Appellant was sentenced to one
(1) year and six (6) months to four (4) years of confinement
beginning April 16, 2015, with credit being accorded for
custodial time served, followed by five (5) years of
supervised and specified rehabilitative condition periods of
reporting probation. The rehabilitative conditions included
regular reporting, payment of negotiated amounts of
restitution to each impacted victim, compliance with random
drug screening and treatment, completion of vocational
training and engaged legitimate employment. Random
home and vehicle checks were directed.
During the ensuing period of probation in each case,
however, Appellant once again absconded for a lengthy
period after failing to report as directed with his assigned
Probation Officer on October 21, 2019. Probation wanted
cards had been issued. Formal First Judicial District of
Pennsylvania bench warrants had been issued in each case
on January 15, 2020. Arrest warrants for Appellant had also
been issued from authorities in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania
following reports of Appellant’s complicity in the burglary
and related thefts from a residence in that county. All
probationary and law enforcement efforts to locate
Appellant were unsuccessful. All previously negotiated
amounts of restitution, fines and costs in all cases remained
unpaid.
Appellant was finally detained on May 14, 2020, following
his arrest by Philadelphia uniformed police officers and
lodging of resulting criminal charges including felony graded
charges of Criminal Trespass, Theft by Unlawful Taking,
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Theft by Receiving Stolen Property, and Criminal
Conspiracy. On that date [at] about 3:00 a.m., uniformed
patrol officers responded to ongoing radio call reports
emanating from Allied Security officers that two individuals
had entered a secured pad-locked and highly fenced-in
parking lot owned by the Elwyn Institute located at 4400
Ludlow Street, Philadelphia via a large step-ladder. They
had been observed by security personnel pulling on car
doors that had been parked inside the privately-owned lot.
Upon arrival, police officers detained one male just outside
the lot. They observed a silver Toyota Prius registered to
Elwyn Institute that had been damaged and precariously
perched on a small vehicle jack. A yellow reciprocating saw
was seen on the ground next to the Prius. There was also
noticeable evidence that something had been cut
presumably from the saw from that vehicle’s undercarriage.
As officers approached, Appellant crouched by the lot fence,
ran across the lot to an adjoining yard, climbed a retaining
wall onto a patio and then jumped onto a nearby roof. He
was apprehended by law enforcement after his leaping
flight.
It was also reported that the retrieved video from the
camera feed that had been installed by Elwyn Institute, had
captured much of the incident. In addition to the evidence
that both males had been acting criminally in concert, law
enforcement officials recovered a black Pontiac registered to
Appellant that had been parked on Ludlow Street just
outside of the invaded lot. Investigators recovered from
that vehicle an unexplained Pennsylvania automobile
registration plate and a radio scanner that had been used to
monitor police responses. The Pontiac was held for
fingerprinting processes. The reciprocating saw was
retrieved. The entire scene reflective of the vehicle damage
and use of the high ladder was photographed. Naturally
both males were duly arrested and charged as conspirators.
Upon notification of Appellant’s apprehension and arrest,
this [c]ourt directed county probation department’s
detention of Appellant and his commitment pending further
proceedings. Gagnon I and II violation and revocation
evidentiary hearings were scheduled and continued at the
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request of the defense after receiving due notifications.[1]
Appellant, by and through his privately retained counsel,
Brian Fishman, Esquire, repeatedly demanded lifting of the
probation detainers, objected to any consideration of any
evidence related to the events of May 14, 2020 and
simultaneously conceded to the technical violations related
to the extended period of absconding and related non-
reporting, nonpayment and still open warrants. The defense
contentions and objections were overruled.
The evidentiary revocation hearing[s] were bifurcated and
completed on September 24, 2020. Following completion of
hearings, this [c]ourt formally revoked all periods of
probation due in each case based on careful analysis of
cumulative evidence of Appellant’s multi-formed violations.
These violations included admitted absconding that had
followed Appellant’s chronic non-reporting to his probation
officer; failure to attend court proceedings to address the in
and out of county warrants; refusal to pay any due
restitution, fines, court costs; and general non-compliance
with any of the court-directed rehabilitative conditions of
probationary supervision. This demonstration of sufficient
evidence had included Appellant’s brazen engagement in
concerted criminal activity and flight from law enforcement
officials on May 14, 2020 that led to his apprehension,
detention and lodging of new criminal charges. Following
revocations, presentence investigative [(“PSI”)] reports and
mental evaluations and a sentencing hearing were ordered
and scheduled for February 19, 2021.
On February 19, 2021, after announcing a thorough review
of the mental health assessment and [PSI] reports, a full
sentencing hearing of aggravating and mitigating
circumstances was presented by the Commonwealth’s
representative, Assistant District Attorney Jan McDermott,
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1 Gagnon v. Scarpelli, 411 U.S. 778, 93 S.Ct. 1756, 36 L.Ed.2d 656 (1973).
See also Commonwealth v. Ferguson, 761 A.2d 613 (Pa.Super. 2000)
(explaining that when parolee or probationer is detained pending revocation
hearing, due process requires determination at pre-revocation hearing
(Gagnon I hearing) of probable cause to believe violation was committed;
upon finding of probable cause, second, more comprehensive hearing
(Gagnon II hearing) follows before court makes final revocation decision).
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and defense counsel, Brian Fishman, Esquire.
As a result, … the [court imposed an] aggregated sentence
from all five cases…for a minimum state supervised term of
confinement of five (5) years to [a] maximum ten (10) years
of state supervised confinement, followed by the state
supervised period of five (5) years of probation.[2] Credit
for custodial time served was accorded. Supervisory and
rehabilitative conditions were verbally specified within each
Order of Sentence.
Although post-sentence motions were filed on behalf of
Appellant by Brian Fishman, Esquire on February 24, 2021
which had been denied by operation of law, no appeal of any
case was filed. On March 11, 2021, Valerie Joy Palazzo,
Esquire was retained and entered her appearance [as]
counsel on behalf of Appellant. Thereafter, no direct appeal
was filed. Subsequently, Appellant, by and through
Benjamin J. Simmons, Esquire, filed a timely Petition for
relief pursuant to the Post Conviction Relief Act, 42
Pa.C.S.A. § 9541 et seq. (“PCRA”) seeking reinstatement of
appellate rights. Per agreement with the Commonwealth’s
representative, Appellant’s PCRA request was granted, and
his direct appellate rights were restored by this [c]ourt on
August 25, 2021. A counseled Notice of Appeal was filed on
behalf of Appellant on August 25, 2021 by Valerie Joy
Palazzo, Esquire.[3] A counseled Statement of [Errors]
Complained of on Appeal Pursuant to P[a].R.A.P. 1925(b)
was filed on September 20, 2021.
(Trial Court Opinion, filed January 4, 2022, at 3-8).
Appellant raises four issues for our review:
Did the Trial Court err in sua sponte ordering [the]
____________________________________________
2The court sentenced Appellant at the four above-captioned dockets, as well
as a fifth case docketed at CP-51-CR-000470-2014 involving retail theft.
Appellant has not appealed from the judgment of sentence at this docket
number.
3Appellant filed a notice of appeal at each of the four above-captioned docket
numbers. This Court subsequently consolidated the appeals sua sponte.
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Commonwealth to hold a Daisey Kates[4] hearing over
Defense counsel’s objection and the Commonwealth’s
objection when the Commonwealth had not filed a written
motion to proceed as such and when Appellant was still
presumed innocent as he had not been convicted of the new
charges?
Did the Trial Court err in sentencing Appellant to an
aggregate term of 5-10 years of incarceration followed by 5
years of consecutive probation when the only violation that
should have been considered is Appellant’s technical
violation, or failure to report to probation?
Did the Trial Court err in imposing a sentence that was
unduly harsh, excessive, inconsistent with the sentencing
code, contrary to fundamental norms underlying the
sentencing process because it did not take into
consideration the information contained in the Pre-Sentence
Report, the Mental Health Report, arguments for mitigation,
Appellant’s lack of any violent background, his gainful
employment, the loss of his mother while incarcerated and
the subsequent loss of his step-brother and other
information including his need for rehabilitation?
(Appellant’s Brief at 2).
Following the filing of Appellant’s brief on appeal, the Commonwealth
nolle prossed the charges lodged against Appellant on May 14, 2020. Thus,
Appellant filed an application for relief in this Court seeking leave to
supplement his brief. This Court granted Appellant permission to do so, and
Appellant filed a supplemental brief (incorporating all issues from the principal
brief) raising the following issue:
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4Where the court holds a revocation hearing based on new criminal charges
before the defendant’s trial on the new charges, the proceeding is commonly
known as a “Daisey Kates hearing.” See Commonwealth v. Kates, 452
Pa. 102, 305 A.2d 701 (1973).
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Is the trial court’s excessive sentence of five to ten years of
confinement for a revocation of probation void when the
court considered the facts of a new arrest in a Daisey Kates
style Violation of Probation hearing and the new arrest was
subsequently nolle prossed by the Commonwealth.
(Appellant’s Supplemental Brief at 2).
When reviewing the outcome of a revocation proceeding, this Court is
limited to determining the validity of the proceeding, the legality of the
judgment of sentence imposed, and the discretionary aspects of sentencing.
Commonwealth v. Cartrette, 83 A.3d 1030 (Pa.Super. 2013) (en banc). In
general, “[r]evocation of a probation sentence is a matter committed to the
sound discretion of the trial court and that court’s decision will not be disturbed
on appeal in the absence of an error of law or an abuse of discretion.”
Commonwealth v. Colon, 102 A.3d 1033, 1041 (Pa.Super. 2014), appeal
denied, 631 Pa. 710, 109 A.3d 678 (2015).
For purposes of disposition, we combine some of Appellant’s issues.
Initially, Appellant argues that the Commonwealth did not file written notice
of its intent to proceed with a violation of probation hearing prior to Appellant’s
trial on the new May 2020 charges. In fact, Appellant insists the
Commonwealth opposed proceeding to the revocation hearing prior to trial
on Appellant’s new charges. In the absence of written notice, Appellant
asserts that his due process rights were violated. Appellant acknowledges
that case law permits the trial court to hold a revocation hearing prior to trial
on new charges forming the basis for revocation of probation, but he indicates
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that our courts have cautioned against doing so, in the event that the
Commonwealth subsequently drops the new charges or the defendant is
acquitted of the new charges. Appellant claims the evidence against him
relevant to the new charges was extremely weak and circumstantial, and
Appellant’s flight from authorities alone did not establish his guilt.
Additionally, Appellant emphasizes that the Commonwealth has now
withdrawn the new charges.5 Appellant avers that the Commonwealth’s
decision to nolle prosse the new charges renders his revocation sentence void,
as that sentence was at least partially based on the new charges. Appellant
suggests that the Commonwealth’s decision to nolle prosse the new charges
is no different than an acquittal. Appellant concludes the trial court’s
revocation sentence was inappropriate under these circumstances, and this
Court must vacate and remand for resentencing. We disagree.
Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 708 governs violations of
parole/probation, in pertinent part, as follows:
Rule 708. Violation of Probation, Intermediate
Punishment, or Parole: Hearing and Disposition
(A) A written request for revocation shall be filed with
the clerk of courts.
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5 In Appellant’s second issue raised in his principal brief, Appellant argued that
the court should have only considered evidence of his technical probation
violations while the new charges were still pending, because he was still
presumed innocent of those charges. In his supplemental brief, Appellant
elaborates on this claim with a purportedly stronger argument that the new
charges are no longer pending against him based on the Commonwealth’s
decision to nolle prosse the new charges.
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(B) Whenever a defendant has been sentenced to
probation or intermediate punishment, or placed on parole,
the judge shall not revoke such probation, intermediate
punishment, or parole as allowed by law unless there has
been:
(1) a hearing held as speedily as possible at which the
defendant is present and represented by counsel; and
(2) a finding of record that the defendant violated a
condition of probation, intermediate punishment, or parole.
Pa.R.Crim.P. 708(A)-(B). Additionally, with respect to revocation of probation,
Section 9771 of the Sentencing Code provides:
§ 9771. Modification or revocation of order of
probation
(a) General rule.—The court has inherent power to at
any time terminate continued supervision, lessen the
conditions upon which an order of probation has been
imposed or increase the conditions under which an order of
probation has been imposed upon a finding that a person
presents an identifiable threat to public safety.
(b) Revocation.—The court may increase the
conditions, impose a brief sanction under section 9771.1
(relating to court-imposed sanctions for violating probation)
or revoke an order of probation upon proof of the violation
of specified conditions of the probation. Upon revocation
the sentencing alternatives available to the court shall be
the same as were available at the time of initial sentencing,
due consideration being given to the time spent serving the
order of probation. The attorney for the Commonwealth
may file notice at any time prior to resentencing of the
Commonwealth’s intention to proceed under an applicable
provision of law requiring a mandatory minimum sentence.
(c) Limitation on sentence of total
confinement.—The court shall not impose a sentence of
total confinement upon revocation unless it finds that:
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(1) the defendant has been convicted of another
crime; or
(2) the conduct of the defendant indicates that it is
likely that he will commit another crime if he is not
imprisoned; or
(3) such a sentence is essential to vindicate the
authority of the court.
(d) Hearing required.—There shall be no revocation
or increase of conditions of sentence under this section
except after a hearing at which the court shall consider the
record of the sentencing proceeding together with evidence
of the conduct of the defendant while on probation.
Probation may be eliminated or the term decreased without
a hearing.
42 Pa.C.S.A. § 9771.
A probationer’s due process rights at a revocation hearing include: (1)
written notice of the claimed violation(s); (2) disclosure of the evidence
against him; (3) an opportunity to be heard in person and to present witnesses
and documentary evidence; (4) the right to confront and cross-examine
adverse witnesses; (5) a neutral and detached hearing body; and (6) a written
statement by the factfinder as to the evidence relied on and reasons for
revocation. Kates, supra at 118, 305 A.2d at 709. Once these requirements
are met, the court must decide following a hearing
whether the parolee or probationer has in fact acted in
violation of one or more conditions of his parole or
probation. It is this fact that must be demonstrated by
evidence containing probative value. Only if it is determined
that the parolee or probationer did violate the conditions
does the second question arise: should the parolee or
probationer be recommitted to prison or should other steps
be taken to protect society and improve chances of
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rehabilitation?
Commonwealth v. Sims, 770 A.2d 346, 349 (Pa.Super. 2001) (internal
citations and quotation marks omitted). “Unlike a criminal trial where the
burden is upon the Commonwealth to establish all of the requisite elements
of the offenses charged beyond a reasonable doubt, at a revocation hearing
the Commonwealth need only prove a violation of probation by a
preponderance of the evidence.” Id. at 350 (internal quotation marks
omitted).
“Technical violations can support revocation and a sentence of
incarceration when such violations are flagrant and indicate an inability to
reform.” Commonwealth v. Carver, 923 A.2d 495, 498 (Pa.Super. 2007).
“Nevertheless, even when a probation violation is present, revocation is not
automatic. Rather, the focus must remain on whether probation can still be
an effective tool for rehabilitation.” Id.“The threat of revocation may be executed on the basis of an arrest and
evidence of some facts in addition.” Sims, supra at 350. See also
Commonwealth v. Allshouse, 969 A.2d 1236 (Pa.Super. 2009) (reiterating
well-settled law that probation cannot be revoked solely on basis of arrest).
[W]hen the basis for revocation arises from the advent of
intervening criminal conduct, a [revocation] hearing may be
held prior to any trial arising from such criminal conduct.
On the other hand, this Court has recognized that it is not
unreasonable for a probation revocation hearing to be
postponed pending adjudication of criminal charges which
are the basis for the revocation.
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Commonwealth v. Infante, 585 Pa. 408, 421, 888 A.2d 783, 791 (2005)
(internal citations and quotation marks omitted), abrogated on other grounds
by Commonwealth v. Foster, 654 Pa. 266, 214 A.3d 1240 (2019). The
rationale and preference for deferring revocation proceedings is to “avoid the
possibly unjust result of revoking probation, only to find later that the
probationer has been acquitted of the charges that prompted the revocation
hearing.” Id. at 422, 888 A.2d at 792. See also Commonwealth v.
Royster, 524 Pa. 333, 572 A.2d 683 (1990) (reversing and vacating
revocation sentence where new convictions, which had formed sole basis for
revocation of probation, were ultimately overturned on double jeopardy
grounds).
More recently, our Supreme Court authored its decision in
Commonwealth v. Mayfield, ___ Pa. ___, 247 A.3d 1002 (2021). In that
case, the Supreme Court addressed whether the trial court had authority to
appoint a private attorney as a “special prosecutor” to represent the
Commonwealth, and to remove the District Attorney as the prosecutor in a
probation revocation matter, after the Assistant District Attorney had informed
the trial court that the Commonwealth wanted to defer the probation
revocation proceedings pending resolution of new charges lodged against the
defendant. The Court decided that no statute or inherent powers granted the
trial court authority to take such action. Id. at ___, 247 A.3d at ___.
Nevertheless, the Court went on to
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caution that our decision should not be interpreted as
approving the Commonwealth’s refusal to participate in a
prompt [violation of probation] hearing as the court
instructed. Our law is clear: trial courts have broad
authority to modify or terminate their own supervisory
orders. And while this Court has expressed a preference for
deferring [violation of probation] proceedings until after the
resolution of a defendant’s new charges, we have never held
that trial courts lack the discretion to hold [violation of
probation] hearings prior to a probationer’s new trial.
Id. (internal footnotes omitted). See also Commonwealth v. Parson, 259
A.3d 1012, 1020-21 (Pa.Super. 2021) (relying on Mayfield and rejecting
parties’ assertion that trial court abused its discretion by proceeding with
violation of probation hearing over Commonwealth’s objection or before
appellant’s new charges were resolved; explaining that both Section 9771 and
our Supreme Court’s decision in Mayfield make clear that it is court, not
Commonwealth, that has “inherent power” to revoke probation; stating that
although it is often more prudent to defer violation of probation proceeding
until after resolution of probationer’s new charges, it is not required; thus,
court had authority to proceed with appellant’s violation hearing once alleged
probation violations were reported by Probation Department, regardless of
status of appellant’s new case or Commonwealth’s position).
In Commonwealth v. Banks, 198 A.3d 391 (Pa.Super. 2018), this
Court considered the effect of the Commonwealth’s decision to nolle prosse
new charges that had formed part of the basis for the revocation of the
appellant’s probation. There, the appellant pled guilty in June 2015 to theft
and other offenses. The court imposed a county intermediate punishment
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(“IP”) sentence of five years. One year later, while serving the IP sentence,
the probation department filed a violation petition alleging new criminal
charges against the appellant and technical violations. The new charges
involved allegations of assault and theft. The technical violations included
allegations of failure to report to supervision, failure to report for urine
screenings, and/or the production of a urine sample that tested positive for
drugs or alcohol.
At a subsequent hearing, the Commonwealth nolle prossed the new
charges. The parties then proceeded to address the alleged IP violations. The
appellant’s counsel conceded the technical violations but voiced concern that
the nolle prossed charges had formed the primary basis for the revocation
hearing. Nevertheless, the court agreed to consider evidence of the now-nolle
prossed charges. The probation officer first detailed the technical violations.
The probation officer then referenced the new arrest and provided details of
the appellant’s conduct that had formed the basis of the nolle prossed charges.
The appellant’s counsel objected to this testimony on the basis that the new
charges had been nolle prossed. The court did not specifically rule on the
objection but questioning regarding the new charges stopped. Following the
hearing, the court revoked the IP sentence and imposed an aggregate term
of 18 to 42 months’ imprisonment.
On appeal, the appellant challenged the revocation of his county IP
sentence and the facts relied upon in fashioning a new sentence. Initially, this
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Court noted that a revocation of a county IP sentence is equivalent to the
revocation of probation. Id. at 397. This Court further explained that the
appellant had preserved his challenge to the discretionary aspects of
sentencing and raised a substantial question warranting our review, where the
appellant had claimed the court relied on an impermissible sentencing factor
by considering charges that had since been nolle prossed. Id. at 401.
Turning to the merits of the claim, this Court explained that the
Commonwealth’s decision to nolle prosse charges is “quite different from an
acquittal.” Id. at 403.
A nolle prosequi is a voluntary withdrawal by a prosecuting
attorney of proceedings on a particular criminal bill of
information, which at anytime in the future can be lifted
upon appropriate motion in order to permit a revival of the
original criminal bill or information. Since a nolle prosequi
acts neither as an acquittal nor a conviction, double
jeopardy does not attach to the original criminal bill or
information.
* * *
[Here, t]he Commonwealth was not estopped from
introducing evidence of [the appellant’s] arrest, the charges
filed, or the factual allegations in support thereof. The
revocation court’s consideration of this evidence was
not only permissible, but also required before it could
impose a sentence of total confinement. For these
reasons, we reject [the appellant’s] assertion that the
revocation court relied upon an impermissible factor in
sentencing him.
Id. (emphasis added) (internal citations omitted).
In Commonwealth v. Joe, No. 649 WDA 2019, 2020 WL 4645188- 16 -
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(Pa.Super. filed Aug. 11, 2020) (unpublished memorandum),6 this Court
considered a similar issue. In that case, the appellant pled guilty to possession
of a firearm or other weapon in a court facility. The court sentenced him to
one year of probation and imposed costs. While on probation, the
Commonwealth charged the appellant with persons not to possess a firearm
following a search of a house where the appellant and his girlfriend had rented
a room. The Commonwealth then charged the appellant with a violation of
probation for “failure to be of good behavior and comply with laws” and for
failure to pay his costs/restitution. Id. at *1.
On March 27, 2019, the Commonwealth nolle prossed the new charge.
Later that same day, the appellant appeared for a violation of probation
hearing. Although the court acknowledged the Commonwealth’s decision to
nolle prosse the new charge, the court found that the appellant had violated
his probation, revoked probation, and resentenced him to one year of
probation.
On appeal, the appellant challenged the sufficiency of the evidence for
the probation violation where the Commonwealth had nolle prossed the new
charge. When analyzing the appellant’s first issue, this Court initially noted
that the trial court did not find a technical violation for the appellant’s failure
to pay restitution/costs, but only found that the appellant had committed a
____________________________________________
6See Pa.R.A.P. 126(b) (stating we may rely on unpublished decisions of this
Court filed after May 1, 2019 for their persuasive authority).
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new crime constituting a violation of his probation.
Next, this Court clarified
that a defendant may have new charges nolle prossed and
still have his probation revoked based upon the underlying
conduct of those charges. Indeed, when a charge is nolle
prossed, the Commonwealth is not prevented from pursuing
a violation of probation if evidence is presented to
demonstrate that a crime occurred. See [Banks,
supra] (emphasis added). Under such circumstances, the
Commonwealth must introduce evidence of the arrest, the
charges filed, evidence of the conduct underlying the arrest
and any physical evidence. Id.Id. (internal footnote omitted).
Nevertheless, in Joe, the Commonwealth presented no evidence at all
at the violation of probation hearing. Additionally, the Commonwealth did not
assert any technical violation as the reason for revoking probation. Thus, the
only evidence at the violation of probation hearing was the fact that the
appellant had been arrested, which was insufficient on its own to revoke
probation. Consequently, this Court held that the revocation of the appellant’s
probation and the resentencing were improper.
Instantly, regarding Appellant’s claim of insufficient notice constituting
a denial of his due process rights, the trial court stated:
Gagnon I and II notices and reports had been formally
issued and admittedly received. No objection had been
raised by the defense concerning notification. This [c]ourt
also issued formal written Orders that had notified well in
advance all parties through their respective attorneys of
their respective duties and the conditions upon which the
hearings would be conducted well in advance of the full
evidentiary hearings.
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(Trial Court Opinion at 13-14).
Our review of the record supports the court’s statements. The record
shows that on May 16, 2020, the probation department filed a Gagnon I
summary listing Appellant’s potential direct violations of probation based on
the new charges incurred on May 14, 2020. The summary also detailed the
technical violation of Appellant’s failure to report since October 21, 2019. The
probation department lodged a Gagnon II summary on May 29, 2020,
reiterating the allegations of the Gagnon I summary. The Gagnon II
summary recommended that the court continue the violation of probation
hearing pending resolution of the new charges.7 The probation department
subsequently lodged another Gagnon II summary, adding that Appellant had
failed to pay court costs, fines, supervision fees, and restitution.
The parties appeared before the court on June 18, 2020. At that time,
the court discussed Appellant’s new charges. Appellant objected to
proceeding to a violation of probation hearing before resolution of the new
charges, and the court overruled the objection. (See N.T. Hearing, 6/18/20,
at 30). The court stated that it would set a future date for a full violation of
probation hearing, at which time the Commonwealth could present testimony
from the officers who observed Appellant’s conduct on May 14, 2020. The
____________________________________________
7 As we discuss infra, the court possesses the ultimate authority to decide
whether to proceed on the violation of probation hearing prior to disposition
of new charges, regardless of the Commonwealth’s position on this issue.
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court scheduled this hearing for September 24, 2020, giving Appellant ample
time to prepare for the hearing. Appellant does not dispute that he received
discovery in advance of the hearing, and the record makes clear that he had
an opportunity to cross-examine the Commonwealth’s witness at the
September 24, 2020 hearing. Thus, we cannot agree that Appellant was
denied due process or that there was any failure to comply with the relevant
rules of criminal procedure.8 See Pa.R.Crim.P. 708(A); Kates, supra.Additionally, we reject Appellant’s suggestion that the court was
required to defer the violation of probation proceeding until resolution of the
new charges. As our Supreme Court made clear in Mayfield, it is the court—
not the Commonwealth—that has the inherent authority to revoke probation.
See Mayfield, supra; Parson, supra. Thus, notwithstanding the preference
for deferring violation of probation hearings (see Infante, supra), it was not
up to Appellant or the Commonwealth to make that decision, and the trial
court acted within its authority in declining to defer the violation of probation
proceeding. See Mayfield, supra; Parson, supra.
We further reject Appellant’s suggestion that the Commonwealth’s
____________________________________________
8 To the extent Appellant alleges a due process violation based on the
Commonwealth’s failure to provide written notice that it would proceed with
the violation of probation hearing before resolution of his new charges, our
Supreme Court’s decision in Kates did not mandate such written notice, and
Appellant cites no other authority in support of that claim. See Kates, supra.Moreover, as discussed, the court notified Appellant three months in advance
that it planned to proceed with the violation of probation hearing before
disposition of the new charges.
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decision to nolle prosse the new charges has the same effect as an acquittal.
As this Court made clear in Banks, such a procedural posture is “quite
different from an acquittal.”9 See Banks, supra at 403. Thus, no relief is
due on these issues.
In his remaining claims, Appellant argues that the revocation sentence
was excessive where the court considered an impermissible fact at sentencing,
namely, the facts giving rise to his May 2020 charges, which were later nolle
prossed. Appellant contends the court focused only on Appellant’s prior
history of arrests, convictions, and violations of parole, and ignored
substantial mitigating evidence. (See Appellant’s Brief at 17-20). Appellant
insists the court imposed an unduly harsh sentence based on allegations of
Appellant’s new charges which were non-violent in nature and subsequently
withdrawn. These arguments implicate the discretionary aspects of
____________________________________________
9 Appellant relies heavily on this Court’s decision in Commonwealth v.
Giliam, 233 A.3d 863 (Pa.Super. 2020), involving circumstances where the
trial court had revoked probation based on new charges of which the
defendant was ultimately acquitted. This Court held that “because [the
appellant’s] violation of probation was based solely on allegations of new
criminal charges for which he was later acquitted, ultimately, no violation of
probation occurred. Consequently, we conclude [the appellant’s] probation
revocation sentence is void.” Id. at 868. Further, this Court noted that “[t]he
instant case exemplifies why, as a practical matter, the appellate courts have
cautioned against proceeding with a probation violation hearing before the
trial on new charges where, as here, the new charges are the sole basis for
the alleged probation violation.” Id. at 869. Nevertheless, Appellant’s
reliance on Giliam is misplaced because: (1) that case involved an acquittal,
not the Commonwealth’s decision to nolle prosse charges; and (2) the new
charges in Giliam had formed the sole basis for the alleged probation
violation, whereas here, Appellant had committed technical violations as well.
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sentencing.
Challenges to the discretionary aspects of sentencing do not entitle an
appellant to an appeal as of right. Commonwealth v. Watson, 228 A.3d
928, 935 (Pa.Super. 2020). Prior to reaching the merits of a discretionary
aspect of sentencing issue:
We conduct a four-part analysis to determine: (1) whether
appellant has filed a timely notice of appeal…; (2) whether
the issue was properly preserved at sentencing or in a
motion to reconsider and modify sentence…; (3) whether
appellant’s brief has a fatal defect…; and (4) whether there
is a substantial question that the sentence appealed from is
not appropriate under the Sentencing Code, 42 Pa.C.S.A. §
9781(b).
Id. (quoting Commonwealth v. Griffin, 65 A.3d 932, 935 (Pa.Super. 2013),
appeal denied, 621 Pa. 682, 76 A.3d 538 (2013)).
When appealing the discretionary aspects of a sentence, an appellant
must invoke this Court’s jurisdiction by including in his brief a separate concise
statement demonstrating a substantial question as to the appropriateness of
the sentence under the Sentencing Code. Commonwealth v. Mouzon, 571
Pa. 419, 812 A.2d 617 (2002); Pa.R.A.P. 2119(f). “The requirement that an
appellant separately set forth the reasons relied upon for allowance of appeal
furthers the purpose evident in the Sentencing Code as a whole of limiting any
challenges to the trial court’s evaluation of the multitude of factors impinging
on the sentencing decision to exceptional cases.” Commonwealth v.
Phillips, 946 A.2d 103, 112 (Pa.Super. 2008), cert. denied, 556 U.S. 1264,
129 S.Ct. 2450, 174 L.Ed.2d 240 (2009) (emphasis in original) (internal
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quotation marks omitted).
“The determination of what constitutes a substantial question must be
evaluated on a case-by-case basis.” Commonwealth v. Anderson, 830
A.2d 1013, 1018 (Pa.Super. 2003). A substantial question exists “only when
the appellant advances a colorable argument that the sentencing judge’s
actions were either: (1) inconsistent with a specific provision of the Sentencing
Code; or (2) contrary to the fundamental norms which underlie the sentencing
process.” Commonwealth v. Swope, 123 A.3d 333, 338 (Pa.Super. 2015)
(internal citation omitted). A claim that the court relied on impermissible
sentencing factors raises a substantial question warranting review.
Commonwealth v. Simpson, 829 A.2d 334, 338 (Pa.Super. 2003). See
also Banks, supra.Here, Appellant timely filed a notice of appeal nunc pro tunc following
reinstatement of his appellate rights, preserved his sentencing claims in a
timely-filed motion for modification of sentence, and he included a Rule
2119(f) statement in his brief on appeal. Additionally, Appellant’s claim that
the court erroneously relied on the new charges which were later nolle prossed
when imposing the revocation sentence presents a substantial question for
our review. See Banks, supra; Simpson, supra.Turning to the merits of this claim, however, we cannot agree with
Appellant that the court’s reliance at sentencing on the new charges was
improper. Rather, “[t]he Commonwealth was not estopped from introducing
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evidence of [Appellant’s] arrest, the charges filed, or the factual allegations in
support thereof. The revocation court’s consideration of this evidence was not
only permissible, but also required before it could impose a sentence of total
confinement.” Banks, supra at 403.
At the September 24, 2020 violation of probation hearing, Appellant
initially conceded the technical violation of failing to report since October 21,
2019. Over Appellant’s objection,10 the Commonwealth then introduced
testimony from Officer Joseph Marano. Officer Marano testified that he was
on duty with Officer Bill Bittner on May 14, 2020. At approximately 3:00 a.m.,
the officers received a radio call to 4117 Ludlow Street in Philadelphia based
on two individuals pulling on door handles inside a secured, fenced-in parking
lot. Officer Marano observed a ladder propped up against the back fence of
the parking lot. Officer Marano saw Appellant crouched down in the yard
adjacent to the parking lot. Appellant was approximately 15 feet away from
the ladder. Officer Marano also observed a silver Toyota Prius that appeared
to be on a jack in the parking lot, raised higher than the other vehicles. Officer
Marano heard from another officer that a reciprocating saw was recovered at
the scene. Other than responding police, an off-site security guard, Appellant
and his co-defendant, there was no one else at the scene. When Officer
____________________________________________
10Appellant renewed his objection to proceeding to the violation of probation
hearing prior to disposition of the new charges. The court again overruled the
objection.
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Marano tried to apprehend Appellant, Appellant fled. Officer Marano
ultimately apprehended Appellant. The Commonwealth also introduced
evidence of photographs from the crime scene depicting the ladder against
the fence and the Toyota Prius that appeared to be raised on a jack. (See
N.T. Hearing, 9/24/20, at 23-51). Thus, the record shows the Commonwealth
properly introduced evidence of Appellant’s arrest, the charges filed,
Appellant’s conduct underlying the arrest, and physical evidence, which the
court was free to analyze when making its revocation sentencing decision.
See Banks, supra. Compare Joe, supra.11
Regarding Appellant’s claim that the court imposed an excessive
sentence without consideration of mitigating factors,12 this Court has held that
“an excessive sentence claim—in conjunction with an assertion that the court
failed to consider mitigating factors—raises a substantial question.” Swope,
supra at 339 (internal citation omitted). Thus, we will consider the merits of
____________________________________________
11 We recognize that in Banks, supra and Joe, supra the Commonwealth
nolle prossed the new charges before those appellants had proceeded to their
violation of probation hearings, whereas in this case, the Commonwealth nolle
prossed the new charges after the violation of the probation hearing. We
view this as a distinction without a difference as it pertains to our analysis of
this case.
12 Appellant also claims the sentence was excessive based solely on his
technical violations. Appellant bases this argument on the premise that the
court erroneously considered his new charges. Because we have concluded
that the court was permitted to consider the new charges, we need not
address Appellant’s argument concerning whether the sentence was excessive
based only on technical violations of probation.
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this claim as well.
We observe that “upon revocation [of probation] the sentencing
alternatives available to the court shall be the same as were available at the
time of initial sentencing.” Commonwealth v. Wallace, 582 Pa. 234, 241,
870 A.2d 838, 842-43 (2005) (internal citation omitted). See also 42
Pa.C.S.A. § 9771(b). Nevertheless, we reiterate that the court shall not
impose a sentence of total confinement upon revocation unless it finds that:
“(1) the defendant has been convicted of another crime; or (2) the conduct of
the defendant indicates that it is likely that he will commit another crime if he
is not imprisoned; or (3) such a sentence is essential to vindicate the authority
of the court.” 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 9771(c).
Instantly, the court explained its sentencing rationale as follows:
Here, this [c]ourt’s comprehensive analysis of Appellant’s
repeated conduct directly addressed the ineffectiveness of
the previously directed community-based probationary
supervision. Appellant’s original guilty pleas that he had
entered in each of the four subject cases, had included
admissions to criminal conduct that had occurred while he
had been under other prior court-ordered probationary
periods. The entry of the guilty pleas thus triggered
commensurate re-entry of this [c]ourt’s supervision and
imposition of rehabilitative conditions….
Thereafter, not surprisingly, Appellant had stopped
reporting and then completely absconded from supervision.
Once again, no payment of any of the relatively minimal
amounts of restitution that had been due to any of his
victims had been made. No fines or costs had been paid.
No rehabilitative conditions had been met. No court-
directed vocational training, no legitimate employment, and
no drug or alcohol treatment had occurred. Appellant’s
assigned county of Philadelphia probation officer once again
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had issued bench warrant cards due to his disappearance
from our county. In the interim, Appellant had also
apparently fled to Shenandoah Pennsylvania where he had
caused law enforcement authorities to issue warrants for his
arrest and apprehension. …
Appellant’s next appearance before this [c]ourt had
occurred only because of his apprehension and arrest…on
May 14, 2020. Specifically, the credible and compelling
evidence that had been introduced via testimony from the
responding police officer and related physical evidence
including photographs of the scene, unequivocally proved
that Appellant and his associate had entered a locked and
fenced-in parking lot owned by Elwyn Institute, Inc. at 4040
Ludlow Street, Philadelphia PA in the wee hours of the
morning with the intent to steal catalytic converters from
multiple contained parked vehicles.
These two males had been well-prepared for their criminal
enterprise. They had been equipped with the tools of the
trade including a police radio scanner, reciprocating saw and
high ladder and a vehicle to enable escape. Unfortunately
for them, the police officers that had responded had been
faster sprinters. Not surprisingly, Appellant’s first reaction
to the appearance of law enforcement was to scale a wall
and flee across a neighboring rooftop as part of his ongoing
effort to evade capture.
This [c]ourt noted that Appellant’s extensive criminal history
had been replete with similar evasive tactics while under
court-ordered supervision with reappearance only after
apprehension and detention with new criminal charges
stemming mostly from repeated thefts. Thus, as announced
on the record, although the technical violations had been
sufficient to warrant revocation, this [c]ourt deemed the
circumstances of his new arrest to be relevant at the very
least to evaluate his most recent mindset and his future
likelihood of compliance with the terms of community-based
non-custodial probation.
(Trial Court Opinion at 16-18). Thus, the court concluded: “The circumstances
surrounding Appellant’s 2020 arrest…undoubtedly illuminated Appellant’s
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likelihood that he would commit future crimes unless incarcerated.” (Id. at
18).
On this record, we cannot say that the court abused its sentencing
discretion upon revocation of Appellant’s probation. See Colon, supra. The
court provided ample reasons for its finding that Appellant’s conduct indicated
that it was likely he would commit another crime if not imprisoned to warrant
imposition of a sentence of confinement upon revocation. See 42 Pa.C.S.A.
§ 9771(c). Further, the court had the benefit of a PSI report, so we can
“presume that the trial court was aware of relevant information regarding
[Appellant’s] character and weighed those considerations along with
mitigating statutory factors.” Commonwealth v. Bonner, 135 A.3d 592,
605 (Pa.Super. 2016), appeal denied, 636 Pa. 657, 145 A.3d 161 (2016).
The court also reviewed a letter from Appellant’s former employer
stating that the employer would like to have Appellant back at work. (See
N.T. Hearing, 9/24/20, at 52). The court made clear it considered the PSI
report, mental health assessments, letters of recommendation on behalf of
Appellant, along with attached family photographs. (See N.T. Hearing,
2/19/21, at 6-7). The court also heard testimony from Jessica Rogers,
Appellant’s girlfriend who is the mother of Appellant’s daughter, about his
positive contributions to her life and the hardship she and her children have
endured since Appellant has been incarcerated. (See id. at 8-24). Defense
counsel further informed the court that Appellant’s mother had passed away
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while he was incarcerated and that Ms. Rogers’ bother, who was like a brother-
in-law to Appellant, had also passed away. (Id. at 27). Therefore, the record
demonstrates that the court considered the mitigating evidence presented by
Appellant but imposed a sentence of total confinement based on Appellant’s
likelihood to reoffend.
Notwithstanding our disposition that none of Appellant’s issues raised
on appeal merits relief, our review of the record discloses that the
probationary portion of Appellant’s sentence is illegal. An appellate court can
raise and address an issue concerning the legality of sentencing sua sponte,
assuming proper jurisdiction. Commonwealth v. Thorne, ___ Pa. ___, 276
A.3d 1192 (2020). “Issues relating to the legality of a sentence are questions
of law[.] Our standard of review over such questions is de novo and our scope
of review is plenary.” Commonwealth v. Hawkins, 45 A.3d 1123, 1130
(Pa.Super. 2012), appeal denied, 617 Pa. 629, 53 A.3d 756 (2012) (internal
citation omitted).
Instantly, the court imposed the following original sentences in this case
on April 16, 2015 relevant to the four dockets challenged on appeal: at docket
12397-2014, 1½ to 4 years’ imprisonment for RSP and a consecutive 4 years’
probation for conspiracy, plus restitution of $830.00. At docket 12400-2014,
1½ to 4 years’ imprisonment for PIC and a consecutive 4 years’ probation for
conspiracy. At docket 12401-2014, 1½ to 4 years’ imprisonment for RSP and
a consecutive 4 years’ probation for conspiracy. At docket 12402-2014, 1½
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to 4 years’ imprisonment for RSP and a consecutive 4 years’ probation for
conspiracy, plus restitution of $600.00. The court imposed each docket
concurrently, for an aggregate sentence of 1½ to 4 years’ imprisonment, plus
4 years’ probation. (See N.T. Hearing, 4/16/15, at 16-20). (See also
Sentencing Order, 4/16/15, at each underlying docket). According to the
sentencing orders, the sentences would begin on April 16, 2015. (See id.)
Appellant absconded on October 21, 2019, which Appellant stipulated to
as a technical violation of his supervision. Assuming that Appellant began
serving the confinement portion of his sentences on April 16, 2015 as set forth
in the respective sentencing orders, then Appellant would have completed the
terms of his imprisonment sentences when he absconded, and he would have
been on probation for his conspiracy convictions at that time. As well,
Appellant would have been serving the probationary portion of his sentences
when he incurred charges for the new offenses on May 14, 2020.
On February 19, 2021, the court imposed the following revocation
sentences: At docket 12397-2014, 2½ to 5 years’ imprisonment for conspiracy
and a consecutive 1 year of probation for RSP. At docket 12400-2014, 2½ to
5 years’ imprisonment for conspiracy and a consecutive term of 1 year of
probation for PIC. At docket 12401-2014, 2½ to 5 years’ imprisonment for
conspiracy and a consecutive 1 year of probation for RSP. At docket 12402-
2014, 2½ to 5 years’ imprisonment for conspiracy and a consecutive 1 year
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of probation for RSP.13 (See N.T. Sentencing, 2/19/21, at 55-59). The court
imposed the confinement portions of the sentences at dockets 12400-2014
and 12401-2014 consecutively, for an aggregate term of 5 to 10 years’
imprisonment, plus 4 years’ probation at these four dockets. (See Trial Court
Opinion at 6-7). The court also resentenced Appellant to pay the original
amounts of restitution.
The problem with this sentencing scheme, however, is that the court
resentenced Appellant on each of the RSP convictions and the PIC conviction
even though Appellant had already finished serving those sentences. Notably,
the court had not imposed probationary tails on any of those counts such that
the court would have had authority to revoke probation and resentence
Appellant for those crimes. Rather, the April 16, 2015 sentencing orders make
clear that the court imposed straight terms of imprisonment on those counts.14
Because Appellant had already finished serving those terms of imprisonment
when he violated the terms of his supervision, the court could not resentence
Appellant for those offenses. Thus, the probationary terms imposed at each
____________________________________________
13 The court also imposed a term of 5 years’ probation at docket 479-2014,
which is not challenged in this appeal. The court imposed all probationary
terms concurrent to one another but consecutive to the confinement. (See
Trial Court Opinion at 7).
14 In other words, the court did not originally impose “split sentences” for the
RSP or PIC convictions. See, e.g., Commonwealth v. Crump, 995 A.2d
1280 (Pa.Super. 2010), appeal denied, 608 Pa. 661, 13 A.3d 475 (2010)
(explaining that split sentence is where court imposes term of incarceration
followed by term of probation for conviction).
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of the above-captioned dockets are illegal and we must vacate and remand
for resentencing. See Commonwealth v. Bartrug, 732 A.2d 1287(Pa.Super. 1999), appeal denied, 561 Pa. 651, 747 A.2d 896 (1999)
(explaining that illegal sentence must be corrected; if trial court errs in its
sentence on one count in multi-count case, then all sentences for all counts
will be vacated so that court can restructure its entire sentencing scheme). 15
Accordingly, Appellant’s issues on appeal merit no relief, but we vacate the
probationary portion of Appellant’s revocation sentences and remand for
resentencing.
Judgment of sentence vacated. Case remanded for resentencing.
Jurisdiction is relinquished.
Judgment Entered.
Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
Prothonotary
Date: 6/12/2023
____________________________________________
15 We recognize that due to the five-year probation sentence at docket 479-
2014 (not on appeal), the aggregate sentence for the above-captioned
dockets and that docket remains the same. Nevertheless, the best resolution
is to vacate and remand for resentencing so the court can restructure the
sentences for the dockets at issue in this appeal as it sees fit.
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