Court Opinion

ID: 9749647
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-27 16:55:36.007535+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:25:54.364972
License: Public Domain

*648McEWEN, Judge,
dissenting.
While I hesitate to differ with such distinguished colleagues as compose the majority, I am compelled by the express provision of Pa.R.Crim.P. 1406 to the position that the instant sentence must be deemed to run concurrently with the earlier sentence. Rule 1406 provides, inter alia:
RULE 1406. Imposition of Sentence: Computation and Service
(a) Whenever more than one sentence is imposed at the same time on a defendant, or whenever a sentence is imposed on a defendant who is incarcerated for another offense, such sentences shall be deemed to run concurrently unless the judge states otherwise.
* * * * * *
(c) When, at the time sentence is imposed, the defendant is imprisoned under a sentence imposed for any other offense or offenses, the instant sentence which the judge is imposing shall be deemed to commence from the date of imposition thereof unless the judge states that it shall commence from the date of expiration of such other sentence or sentences.
The cases relied upon by the majority address and analyze the Act of May 28, 1937, P.L. 1036, § 1, 19 P.S. § 894, which provided:
From and after the passage of this act, all sentences for criminal offenses of persons who at the time sentence is imposed are held in custody in default of bail, or otherwise, shall begin to run and be computed from the date of commitment for the offense for which said sentence shall be imposed, unless the person sentenced shall then be undergoing imprisonment under a sentence imposed for any other offense or offenses, in which case the said sentence shall begin to run and be computed, either from the date of- imposition thereof or from the expiration of such other sentence or sentences, as the court shall, in its discretion, direct.
*649The Act of May 28, 1937, however, has been suspended. See: Pa.R.Crim.P. 1415(c). Since Rule 1406 does not mirror the former statute, the cases interpreting the former statute are not helpful to my study of the issue, particularly in the face of the clear and unequivocal mandate of Rule 1406. Thus it is that I most respectfully dissent.