[26 Pa.B. 1343]
[Continued from previous Web Page] Comment:
Annotation note: Those paragraphs which are self- explanatory have not been annotated.
Although the Supreme Court approves, but does not adopt, the Committee's official Comments to the rules, the Comments are part of the proposal and intended to be instructive. The Committee therefore welcomes suggestions from the bench and bar about the Comments.
New Rule 1411 was promulgated to clarify the procedures for Commonwealth challenges to sentences in light of the new post-sentence procedures adopted in 1993. See Pa.R.Crim.P. 1410. This rule does not address any other type of Commonwealth challenge or Commonwealth appeals generally.
The next several paragraphs, tailored for Commonwealth challenges, derive from similar language in the Rule 1410 Comment, as revised. They are intended to make it clear that, unless a discretionary sentencing issue is raised at the sentencing hearing, it must be raised in a motion to modify sentence.
Historically, the Commonwealth has been required to raise a discretionary sentencing issue at the sentencing hearing or in a post-trial motion to modify sentence in order to preserve the issue for appellate review. Commonwealth v. Eyster, 585 A.2d 1027 (Pa. Super. 1991) (en banc), appeal denied 602 A.2d 857 (Pa. 1992). Challenges to the legality of a sentence, however, are not waived if the Commonwealth fails to timely file a motion for modification. See Commonwealth v. Smith, 598 A.2d 268 (Pa. 1991).
Under new Rule 1411, the Commonwealth's motion for modification of sentence is optional, as long as any discretionary sentencing issue is properly preserved at the time sentence was imposed. Before forgoing trial court review and proceeding with a direct appeal, the attorney for the Commonwealth must therefore be sure that the record created at the sentencing proceeding is adequate for appellate review of the issue, or the issue may be waived. See Commonwealth v. Jarvis, 663 A.2d 790 (Pa. Super. 1995), at n.1.
The Committee agreed that we should provide citations for the well-established propositions in the following paragraph.
As a general rule, a motion for modification of sentence gives the sentencing judge the earliest opportunity to modify the sentence. This procedure does not affect the court's inherent powers to correct an illegal sentence or obvious and patent mistakes in its orders at any time before appeal or upon remand by the appellate court. See, e.g., Commonwealth v. Jones, 554 A.2d 50 (Pa. 1989) (sentencing court can, sua sponte, correct an illegal sentence even after the defendant has begun serving the original sentence) and Commonwealth v. Cole, 263 A.2d 339 (Pa. 1970) (inherent power of the court to correct obvious and patent mistakes).
Once a sentence has been modified or reimposed pursuant to a motion to modify sentence under this rule or Rule 1410B(1)(a)(v), a party wishing to challenge the decision on the motion does not have to file an additional motion to modify sentence in order to preserve an issue for appeal, as long as the issue was properly preserved at the time the sentence was modified or reimposed.
Trial Court Action
Paragraph (C) sets forth the procedures for trial court action on the Commonwealth's motion for modification. Key to the timing of the judge's decision on the Commonwealth's motion is whether the defendant files a post-sentence motion.
Rule 1410 Motion Filed
Under paragraph (C)(1), if the defendant has filed a post-sentence motion, the judge is not permitted to vacate sentence and must decide the defendant's post-sentence motion and the Commonwealth's motion simultaneously. The date on which the defendant's post-sentence motion is filed, see Rule 1410A(1), triggers the time limits within which the judge must also dispose of the Commonwealth's motion, regardless of which motion is filed first. If the judge fails to decide the Commonwealth's motion within these time limits, the motion is deemed denied by operation of law. See Pa.R.Crim.P. 1410B(3).
Rule 1410 Motion Not Filed
The purpose of the following paragraph is to make it clear that any reconsideration must take place within the 120-day time limit, and that the procedural exceptions provided in Pa.R.A.P. 1701(b)(3) do not apply to Rule 1411 sentencing challenges.
When the defendant has not filed a post-sentence motion, the disposition of the Commonwealth's motion is governed by paragraph (C)(2). The judge may not vacate sentence, but has 120 days to decide the Commonwealth's motion or the motion is deemed denied by operation of law. If the judge decides the motion within the 120-daylimit and then agrees to reconsider, the reconsideration must be resolved within the original 120-day time limit. The judge may not vacate sentence in order to reconsider the motion or otherwise use the reconsideration period to extend the 120-day time limit. It follows that even if the defendant has filed a notice of appeal, the procedural exceptions provided in Pa.R.A.P. 1701(b)(3) do not apply to challenges to sentences. See also the Rule 1410 Comment under ''Disposition.''
Entry of Order by Clerk of Courts
Under paragraph (D)(1), when a Commonwealth motion to modify sentence has been denied by operation of law, the clerk of courts must enter an order on behalf of the court and furnish copies to the attorney for the Commonwealth, the defendant, and defense counsel. The clerk of courts' order is ministerial and not subject to reconsideration. See subparagraph (D)(2). The clerk of courts must also comply with the notice and docketing requirements of Rule 9024.
Appeal of Sentence
Paragraph (B)(2) contains the timing requirements for Commonwealth notices of appeal.
No Commonwealth Motion to Modify Sentence Filed
Paragraph (B)(2)(a) covers the time for filing a notice of appeal when the Commonwealth has elected not to file a motion to modify sentence with the trial judge. The time for filing the Commonwealth's notice of appeal under this paragraph depends on whether the defendant has filed a post-sentence motion. When the defendant files a post-sentence motion, paragraph (B)(2)(a)(i) provides that the entry of the order disposing of the defendant's post-sentence motion triggers the 30-day period during which the Commonwealth's notice of appeal must be filed. If no post-sentence motion is filed, it is the entry of the order imposing sentence that triggers the Commonwealth's 30-day appeal period. See Rule 1411(B)(2)(a)(ii).
The following paragraph was included because the Committee anticipates that the situation in question--the Commonwealth files an appeal and then the defendant files a post-sentence motion--may arise fairly frequently.
Given that a defendant has 10 days to file a post-sentence motion under Rule 1410A(1), it is possible that the Commonwealth might file a notice of appeal under paragraph (B)(2)(a)(ii) followed by the defendant's filing a timely post-sentence motion. When this occurs, the Commonwealth's notice of appeal is rendered premature, because the entry of the order disposing of the defendant's post-sentence motion then becomes the triggering device for the Commonwealth's notice of appeal. In this situation, counsel for the Commonwealth should be aware that Pa.R.A.P. 905(a) addresses this problem. In response to an extensive history of appeals which were quashed because of the premature filing of the notice of appeal, the last sentence of Pa.R.A.P. 905(a) was drafted to create a legal fiction which treats a premature notice of appeal as filed after the entry of the appealable order. For a discussion of this provision, see Darlington, McKeon, Schuckers, and Brown, Pennsylvania Appellate Practice, 2d., § 905.3.
Commonwealth Motion to Modify Sentence Filed
Paragraph (B)(2)(b) covers the time for filing the notice of appeal when the Commonwealth has elected to file a motion to modify sentence with the trial judge. As in paragraph (B)(2)(a), the time for notice depends on whether the defendant files a post-sentence motion. If the defendant has filed a post-sentence motion, the disposition of the Commonwealth's and the defendant's motion is simultaneous. See Rule 1411(C)(1). If the defendant does not file a post-sentence motion, the 30-day appeal period begins to run from the entry of the order disposing of the Commonwealth's motion pursuant to the time limits of paragraph (C)(2).
2A. Changes to the Text of Rule 1410
Note: Because of the length of Rule 1410, only those portions of the rule and Comment necessary to explain the changes are included. Asterisks indicate omitted text.
Rule 1410. Post-Sentence Procedures; Appeal.
A. Timing.
(1) Except as provided in Section D, a written post-sentence motion shall be filed no later than 10 days after imposition of sentence.
(2) If the defendant files a timely post-sentence motion, the notice of appeal shall be filed within 30 days of the entry of the order deciding the motion, or, if the judge fails to decide the motion, within 30 days of the entry of the order denying the motion by operation of law.
Under paragraph A(3), when a defendant chooses to appeal from the order imposing sentence, rather than to file a post-sentence motion, the time for appeal is 30 days from the imposition of sentence, unless the Commonwealth has filed a motion to modify sentence, in which event it is the disposition of the Commonwealth's motion which triggers the defendant's appeal period. See paragraph A(4).
(3) If the defendant does not file a post-sentence motion, the defendant's notice of appeal shall be filed within 30 days of imposition of sentence, except as provided in paragraph A(4).
(4) If the Commonwealth files a motion to modify sentence pursuant to Rule 1411, the defendant's notice of appeal shall be filed within 30 days of the entry of the order disposing of the Commonwealth's motion.
The ''Miscellaneous'' section of the Comment discusses how the defendant should proceed under paragraph A(4) in the event that the defendant files a premature notice of appeal, i.e., before the Commonwealth files a motion to modify sentence.
* * * * * Rule 1410B(3) would be amended to state that the judge ''shall not vacate sentence pending decision on the post-sentence motion . . . .'' Although this was the original intent of Rule 1410, the Committee agreed that the rule must be explicit on the issue in order to remove any confusion generated by Pa.R.A.P. 1701.
B(3) Time Limits for Decision on Motion.
The judge shall not vacate sentence pending decision on the post-sentence motion, but shall decide the motion as provided in this paragraph.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (3)(b), the judge shall decide the post-sentence motion, including any supplemental motion, within 120 days of the filing of the motion. If the judge fails to decide the motion within 120 days, or to grant an extension as provided in subsection(3)(b), the motion shall be deemed denied by operation of law.
(b) Upon motion of the defendant within the 120-day disposition period, for good cause shown, the judge may grant one 30-day extension for decision on the motion. If the judge fails to decide the motion within the 30-day extension period, the motion shall be deemed denied by operation of law.
Proposed new Rule 1411(C)(2) does not permit a similar extension of the 120-day disposition period for a Commonwealth motion to modify sentence. However, if the defendant has filed a post-sentence motion and the judge grants the defendant an extension pursuant to paragraph B(3)(b) above, the total disposition period, as extended, would apply to the simultaneous disposition of the Commonwealth's motion to modify sentence. See Rule 1411(C)(1).
(c) When a post-sentence motion is denied by operation of law, the clerk of courts shall forthwith enter an order on behalf of the court, and shall forthwith furnish a copy of the order by mail or personal delivery to the attorney for the Commonwealth, the defendant(s), and defense counsel that the post-sentence motion is deemed denied. This order is not subject to reconsideration.
The Rule 1410B(3) time period for disposition of the defendant's post-sentence motion is triggered by the date on which the defendant files a post-sentence motion pursuant to Rule 1410A(1). Once this time period begins to run, it applies to any timely filed Commonwealth motion to modify sentence, regardless of which motion is filed first. See proposed Rule 1411(C)(1). If the judge fails to decide either motion within this period, the motion is deemed denied by operation of law. If the judge has failed to decide the defendant's post-sentence motion, the clerk of courts must enter an order pursuant to paragraph B(3)(c), above. If the judge has failed to decide the Commonwealth's motion to modify sentence, the clerk must enter an order pursuant to Rule 1411(D). If the judge fails to decide both motions, the clerk of courts must enter two orders on behalf of the court.
(4) Contents of Order.
An order denying a post-sentence motion, whether signed by the judge or entered by the clerk of courts, shall include notice to the defendant of the following:
(a) the right to appeal and the time limits within which the appeal must be filed;
(b) the right to assistance of counsel in the preparation of the appeal;
(c) the rights, if the defendant is indigent, to appeal in forma pauperis and to proceed with assigned counsel as provided in Rule 316; and
(d) the qualified right to bail under Rule 4010.B.
* * * * * 2B. Rule 1410 Comment Revisions
The ''Timing'' section has been revised to explain the addition of paragraph A(4) and to cross-reference new Rule 1411.
Timing
Section A contains the timing requirements for filing the optional post-sentence motion and taking an appeal. Under subsection A(1), the post-sentence motion must be filed within 10 days of imposition of sentence.
When a defendant files a timely post-sentence motion, the 30-day period for the defendant's direct appeal on all matters in that case--including all issues related to any informations and any charges consolidated against the defendant for trial--is triggered by the trial judge's decision on the post-sentence motion or the denial of the motion by operation of law. The appeal period runs from the entry of the order. As to the date of entry of orders, see Pa.R.A.P. 108. No direct appeal may be taken by a defendant while his or her post-sentence motion is pending. See subsection A(2).
If no timely post-sentence motion is filed, the defendant's appeal period runs from the date sentence is imposed. See subsection A(3). Under subsection A(4), however, when the defendant has not filed a post-sentence motion but the Commonwealth files a motion to modify sentence under Rule 1411, it is the entry of the order disposing of the Commonwealth's motion that commences the 30-day period during which the defendant's notice of appeal must be filed. See Rule 1411(B)(2)(b).
All references to appeals in this rule relate to the defendant's right to appeal. The rule does not address or alter the Commonwealth's right to appeal. For Commonwealth challenges to sentences, see Rule 1411.
The ''Disposition'' section has been revised to underscore the now-express prohibition against vacating sentence pending disposition of the post-sentence motion. This Comment revision also explains that a sentence may not be vacated during any reconsideration of the judge's decision on the post-sentence motion.
Disposition
Under subsection B(3), once the defendant makes a timely written post-sentence motion, the judge retains jurisdiction for the duration of the disposition period. The judge may not vacate the order imposing sentence pending decision on the post-sentence motion. This is so whether or not the Commonwealth files a motion to modify sentence. See Rule 1411(B)(2)(a), [It is not necessary for the judge to vacate the sentence imposed.]
Subsection B(3)(b) permits one 30-day extension of the 120-day time limit, for good cause shown, upon motion of the defendant. In most cases, an extension would be requested and granted when new counsel has entered the case. Only the defendant or counsel may request such an extension. The judge may not, sua sponte, extend the time for decision: a congested court calendar or other judicial delay does not constitute ''good cause'' under this rule.
The possibility of an extension is not intended to suggest that 120 days are required for decision in most cases. The time limits for disposition of the post-sentence motion are the outer limits. Easily resolvable issues, such as a modification of sentence or a guilty plea challenge, should ordinarily be decided in a much shorter period of time.
If the trial judge decides the motion within the time limits of this rule, the judge may reconsider that decision, but [grants reconsideration on the post-sentence motion pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 5505 or Pa.R.A.P. 1701,] the judge may not vacate the sentence pending reconsideration, Rule 1410B(3). [the] The reconsideration period may not be used to extend the timing requirements set forth in section B(3) for decision on the post-sentencemotion: the time limits imposed by subsections B(3)(a) and B(3)(b) continue to run from the date the post-sentence motion was originally filed. The trial judge's reconsideration must therefore be resolved within the 120-day decision period of subsection B(3)(a) or the 30-day extension period of subsection B(3)(b), whichever applies. If a decision on the reconsideration is not reached within the appropriate period, the post-sentence motion, including any issues raised for reconsideration, will be denied pursuant to subsection B(3)(c).
* * * * * Miscellaneous
Correspondence with the Committee has noted that Rule 1410 does not clearly indicate under what circumstances a defendant may raise a discretionary sentencing issue on appeal if no post-sentence motion has been filed. (Rule 1410B(1)(c) only addresses issues raised ''before or during trial.'') The ''Miscellaneous'' section of the Rule 1410 Comment has therefore been revised to make it clear that in order to forgo a post-sentence motion on a discretionary sentencing issue, the issue must be preserved on the record at the sentencing proceeding, citing Commonwealth v. Jarvis, 663 A.2d 790 (Pa. Super. 1995).
* * * * * Issues [raised] properly preserved at the sentencing proceeding need not, but may[,] be raised again in a motion to modify sentence in order to preserve them for appeal. In deciding whether to move to modify sentence, counsel [should] must carefully consider whether the record created at the sentencing proceeding is adequate for appellate review of the issues, or the issues may be waived. See Commonwealth v. Jarvis, 663 A.2d 790 (Pa. Super. 1995). See also Rule 1405.C(4). As a general rule, the motion to modify sentence under subsection B(1)(a)(v) gives the sentencing judge the earliest opportunity to modify the sentence. This procedure does not affect the court's inherent powers to correct an illegal sentence or obvious and patent mistakes in its orders at any time before appeal or upon remand by the appellate court. See, e.g., Commonwealth v. Jones, 554 A.2d 50 (Pa. 1989) (sentencing court can, sua sponte, correct an illegal sentence even after the defendant has begun serving the original sentence) and Commonwealth v. Cole, 263 A.2d 339 (Pa. 1970) (inherent power of the court to correct obvious and patent mistakes).
The qualifier at the end of the following paragraph is a logical extension of the holding in Commonwealth v. Jarvis, supra.
Once a sentence has been modified or reimposed pursuant to a motion to modify sentence under subsection B(1)(a)(v) or Rule 1411 (Commonwealth Challenges to Sentence; Sentencing Appeals), [however,] a party wishing to challenge the decision on the motion does not have to file an additional motion to modify sentence in order to preserve an [the] issue[(s)] for appeal, as long as the issue was properly preserved at the time sentence was modified or reimposed.
The ''Miscellaneous'' section has also been revised to include a paragraph explaining the Rule 1411 procedures and their impact on the timing of a defendant's notice of appeal. The second paragraph of the revision discusses the treatment of premature appeals in Pa.R.A.P. 905(a).
Commonwealth challenges to sentences are governed by Rule 1411. If the defendant files a post-sentence motion, the time limits for decision on the defendant's motion govern the time limits for disposition of the Commonwealth motion to modify sentence, regardless of which motion is filed first. See the Comment to Rule 1411(B)(2)(a). If the defendant elects to file an appeal and the Commonwealth files a motion to modify sentence, decision on the Commonwealth's motion triggers the defendant's 30-day appeal period. See Rule 1410A(4).
Given that the Commonwealth has 10 days to file a motion to modify sentence under Rule 1411(B)(1), it is possible that the defendant might elect to file a notice of appeal under Rule 1410A(3) followed by the Commonwealth's filing a timely motion to modify sentence. When this occurs, the defendant's notice of appeal is rendered premature, because the entry of the order disposing of the Commonwealth's motion to modify sentence then becomes the triggering device for the defendant's notice of appeal. In this situation, counsel for the defendant should be aware that Pa.R.A.P. 905(a) addresses this problem. In response to an extensive history of appeals which were quashed because of the premature filing of the notice of appeal, the last sentence of PA.R.A.P. 905(a) was drafted to create a legal fiction which treats a premature notice of appeal as filed after the entry of the appealable order. For a discussion of this provision, see Darlington, McKeon, Schuckers, and Brown, Pennsylvania Appellate Practice, 2d., § 905.3.
* * * * *
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 96-475. Filed for public inspection March 29, 1996, 9:00 a.m.]
No part of the information on this site may be reproduced for profit or sold for profit.This material has been drawn directly from the official Pennsylvania Bulletin full text database. Due to the limitations of HTML or differences in display capabilities of different browsers, this version may differ slightly from the official printed version.
