Opinion ID: 1984723
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Admissibility of Evidence at Sentencing

Text: Brown's final argument to this Court is that the trial court erred by passing sentence based on hearsay evidence of dubious reliability. Because we have remanded this case for a new trial, we need not review any possible error in sentencing. We do note, however, that should Brown be subject to resentencing, any hearsay evidence admitted by the sentencing court must meet the requirements of Maryland Code, Art. 27, § 298(d) (1987 Repl.Vol., 1991 Cum. Supp.): (d) Use of hearsay evidence.  Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, at any hearing relating to bail or sentencing arising out of any violation or alleged violation of any provision of this subheading, hearsay evidence shall be admissible if relevant to the issue and if the underlying circumstances upon which it is based and the reliability of the source of the information is demonstrated.  (Emphasis added.) Accordingly, we must remand this case for a new trial. At the new trial, the State should be allowed to prove Brown's admission and the circumstances surrounding the admission but not the record of conviction of the subsequent distribution charge. JUDGMENT OF THE COURT OF SPECIAL APPEALS AFFIRMED. CASE REMANDED TO THAT COURT WITH DIRECTIONS TO REMAND THE CASE TO THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY TO CONDUCT A NEW TRIAL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS OPINION. COSTS IN THIS COURT AND IN THE COURT OF SPECIAL APPEALS TO BE PAID BY ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY. ELDRIDGE, Judge, concurring and dissenting: I concur in both the grant of a new trial and in the first paragraph of Part III of the majority's opinion, relating to the admissibility of hearsay evidence at sentencing. I do not agree, however, with the remainder of the majority's opinion or with that portion of the judgment directing that the new trial be conducted in accordance with the Majority's opinion.