Opinion ID: 2072515
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Challenge to the Bureau of Corrections' Computations

Text: Appellant contends that the Bureau of Corrections records are in error. If the alleged error is thought to be the result of an erroneous computation of sentence by the Bureau of Corrections, then the appropriate vehicle for redress would be an original action in the Commonwealth Court challenging the Bureau's computation. See Wilson v. Commonwealth, Bureau of Correction, 85 Pa.Cmwlth. 32, 33-34, 480 A.2d 392, 393 (1984). If, on the other hand, the alleged error is thought to be attributable to ambiguity in the sentence imposed by the trial court, then a writ of habeas corpus ad subjiciendum lies to the trial court for clarification and/or correction of the sentence imposed. See Commonwealth v. Isabell, 503 Pa. 2, 10, 467 A.2d 1287, 1291 (1983). It was only when the petitioner challenges the legality of a trial court's alleged failure to award credit for time served as required by law in imposing sentence, that a challenge to the sentence was deemed cognizable as a due process claim in PCRA proceedings. See Commonwealth v. Walker, supra . A challenge to the Bureau of Correction's computations or construction of the terms of sentences imposed is neither a direct nor even a collateral attack on the sentences imposed; and so, such claims were not deemed cognizable in PCHA proceedings. See Commonwealth v. Isabell, supra, 467 A.2d at 1291. Because appellant has not challenged the trial courts' sentences, but has challenged the Bureau of Correction's computations or construction of the sentences, it is unnecessary to determine whether the analysis in Commonwealth v. Walker, supra , applies to actions brought under the new PCRA. It is enough, for the present, to note that a challenge to a Bureau of Corrections' computation or construction of a sentence (or sentences) imposed may not be brought by a PCRA petition. See 42 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 9543(a), 9545(b).