Opinion ID: 1972169
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Commonwealth v. Starr

Text: On June 22, 1990, Raymond Starr (Starr) was arrested under two separate criminal complaints alleging the same violations of the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Act. 35 Pa.S. §§ 780 to 960. The first complaint alleged that on January 24, 1989, Starr sold 25 grams of marijuana for $175 to an undercover State Narcotics Agent. Starr was charged with possession of a controlled substance, [24] possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, [25] and delivery of a controlled substance. [26] Schuylkill County Criminal Action No. 553 of 1989. The second complaint alleged that on February 8, 1989, Starr once again sold marijuana to an undercover State Narcotics Agent. This time Starr sold 26.7 grams for $180. The Commonwealth charged Starr with the same three offenses. Schuylkill County Criminal Action No. 551 of 1989. On January 5, 1990, Starr was found not guilty of the charges resulting from the February 8, 1989, incident. On February 23, 1990, Starr filed a Motion to Dismiss the charges arising from the incident on January 24, 1989. Starr argued that both transactions were part of the same criminal episode and therefore, 18 Pa.C.S. § 110 barred prosecution of the January 24 charges. The trial court denied the motion and the Superior Court affirmed.