Opinion ID: 2106520
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Appeal of Discretionary Aspects of Sentence

Text: Finally, appellant contends that the trial court abused its discretion in sentencing appellant outside the sentencing guidelines on his convictions for robbery, burglary and conspiracy. [16] Appellant does not dispute that the sentences imposed were legislatively permitted; [17] rather, appellant challenges the discretionary aspects of the sentences imposed. Such appeals are governed by Pa. R.A.P. § 2119(f) which states that an appellant who challenges the discretionary aspects of a sentence in a criminal matter must set forth in his brief a concise statement of reasons relied upon for allowance of appeal, and that such a statement shall immediately precede the argument on the merits with respect to the discretionary aspects of the sentence. Pa. R.A.P. § 2119(f). This procedural requirement allows the court to determine if an appellant has demonstrated a substantial question which is necessary to invoke appellate review. 42 Pa.C.S. § 9781(b). The procedural rule, Pa. R.A.P. § 2119(f) is designed to enhance the functioning of appellate review process. Commonwealth v. Gambal, 522 Pa. 280, 283, 561 A.2d 710, 713 (1989). The legislature has provided 42 Pa.C.S. § 9721, a thorough, though not exhaustive, outline of considerations to focus the court's deliberations in imposing an appropriate sentence. Commonwealth v. Tuladziecki, 513 Pa. 508, 511, 522 A.2d 17, 20 (1987). To demonstrate that a substantial sentencing question exists, a party must articulate reasons why a particular sentence raises doubts that the trial court did not properly consider these general guidelines provided by the legislature. Id. In the instant case, appellant has failed to provide the required prefatory Tuladziecki statement of reasons relied upon for appeal. Appellant has not only failed to comply with this procedural requirement, but he has also failed to articulate how his legal sentences present this Court with a substantial question regarding his sentences. Thus, this issue warrants no further review by this Court. [18]