Court Opinion

ID: 9729797
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 14:49:12.579259+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:26:01.239659
License: Public Domain

HOFFMAN, Judge,
concurring:
The Majority concludes that appellant waived his claim under Rule 1100, Pa.R.Crim.P., 19 P.S. Appendix, because he failed to file written post-verdict motions pursuant to Rule 1123(a), Pa.R.Crim.P. 19 P.S. Appendix. I conclude that appellant’s counsel properly preserved the Rule 1100 contention by complying with Rule 1123(b). Accordingly, I find it *484necessary to reach the merits of appellant’s substantive claim. Because Rule 1100 was not violated in this case, I concur in the result reached by the Majority.
Before addressing the specific facts of this case, I will explain my conception of the way Rule 1123 operates. Because this task requires an appreciation of the interrelationships between the rule’s various sections, I reproduce below sections (a), (b), and (c) in their entirety:
“(a) Within seven (7) days after a finding of guilt, the defendant shall have the right to file written motions for a new trial and in arrest of judgment. Only those grounds may be considered which were raised in pre-trial proceedings or at trial, unless the trial judge, upon cause shown, allows otherwise. Argument shall be scheduled and heard promptly after such motions are filed, and only those issues raised and the grounds relied upon in the motions may be argued. If the grounds asserted do not require a transcript, neither the filing nor argument of post-verdict motions shall be delayed for lack of a transcript of the notes of testimony.
“(b) If the defendant agrees on the record, the post-verdict motions may be made orally at the conclusion of the trial. The defendant may also within the seven (7)-day period on the record voluntarily and understanding^ waive the filing of post-verdict motions. Prior to the acceptance of such waiver the trial judge shall, pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Rule, advise the defendant on the record that his waiving of post-verdict motions shall preclude his raising on appeal any issues which might have been raised in such motions.
“(c) Upon the finding of guilt, the trial judge shall advise the defendant on the record: (1) of his right to file post-verdict motions and of his right to the assistance of counsel in the filing of such motions and on appeal of any issues raised therein; (2) of the time within which he must do so as set forth in paragraph (a); and (3) that only the grounds contained in such motions may be raised on appeal.”
*485Surprisingly, a proper interpretation of Rule 1123 requires that sections (a), (b), and (c) be considered in reverse order.
After a finding of guilt is returned, Rule 1123(c) mandates that the trial judge advise the defendant of his right to file post-verdict motions and to have the assistance of counsel. Most importantly, the judge must inform the defendant of the consequences of failing to file post-verdict motions. Rule 1123(c)(3).
Rule 1123(b)’ now comes into play. The trial judge should ask the defendant and his counsel whether they wish to make oral post-verdict motions. If counsel makes oral motions and does not reserve the right to file further written motions pursuant to Rule 1123(a), the trial judge should secure the defendant’s agreement to this procedure. This safeguard is necessary to ensure that the defendant does not unwittingly waive his right to file written post-verdict motions. Prior to obtaining defendant’s agreement to the making of oral motions, the trial judge should advise defendant that his consent will constitute a waiver of his right to file written post-verdict motions on other issues and, consequently, to appeal on those issues.1 If oral post-verdict motions are not made, the trial judge should ask the defendant and counsel whether they plan to file written post-verdict motions within seven days pursuant to Rule 1123(a). If either defendant or his counsel desires to do so, he should reserve the right to file motions under Rule 1123(a). If, however, defendant does not desire to file either oral or written post-verdict motions, the trial judge should determine whether defendant voluntarily and understandingly waives his right to file these motions. As a prerequisite to accepting a waiver, the trial judge should reiterate the consequences of the waiver to defendant.
*486If defendant or counsel reserves the right to file written post-verdict motions, Rule 1123(a) finally comes into play.2 Within seven days from the determination of guilt, defendant or counsel can file written post-trial motions alleging specific errors at trial and the lower court will schedule and hold hearings on these contentions. At any time within this seven day period, the defendant may knowingly and voluntarily waive his right to file written post-verdict motions, but such a waiver must be made on the record and by the defendant personally.
In the case at bar, the trial judge and appellant’s counsel engaged in the following interchange:
“THE COURT: In view of the testimony presented, we find the defendant ‘guilty’. Is there anything that the defendant would like to argue? I’m sorry — I should have given you this opportunity before.
“MR. WEBB: No — I would just again renew — I’d ask for a motion for a new trial and I am specifically here for a motion in arrest of judgment — again, for violation of Rule 1101 [sic]: failure to bring the defendant to trial within 180 days from the time the Complaint was filed.
“THE COURT: Are you going to file a motion for a new trial?
“MR. WEBB: I think it will be more in the nature of a motion for arrest of judgment. I don’t believe the defendant should come to trial in the first place, much less have a second trial.
. “THE COURT: We will act upon your motion in arrest of judgment immediately — unless you’d like to argue it. Do you wish to argue on the motion in arrest of judgment.
*487“MR, WEBB: My argument is going to be the same as it was at the motion hearing — that the defendant was available at all times. He was in the custody of the Commonwealth’s Officers and they waited, in this case, much longer than 180 days in which to bring him to trial.
“THE COURT: We’ve already ruled on that and we’d deny your motion in arrest of judgment for the same reason — that we held that the 180 Day Rule was not violated. In that fashion, you can appeal from our decision. If we postpone this action on our part, it means merely delaying your right to take an appeal. You have to have a judgment of sentence before an appeal is in order. If that’s the basis for your motion in arrest of judgment, we will rule on it now.
“MR. WEBB: That is my stand, Your Honor.
“THE COURT: I’m going to defer sentence because I do want to get the defendant’s record. I do want to know more about him. I do want to know what he’s been sentenced for and what his sentences are.” The above excerpt from the record reveals that the lower court failed to comply with Rule 1123(c) by not advising appellant of his right to file post-verdict motions and to appeal on the grounds raised therein.3 Appellant’s counsel, however, did make an oral post-verdict motion on the record at the conclusion of trial based on the Rule 1100 claim. The trial court did not obtain appellant’s agreement to this motion. I believe that this oral post-verdict motion properly preserved the Rule 1100 claim for appellate review, despite the lack of express consent on the record by appellant to the making of the motion. See Commonwealth v. Ruckinger, 239 Pa.Super. 520, 362 *488A.2d 317 (Filed March 29, 1976), in which we explicitly stated that oral post-verdict motions made at the conclusion of trial pursuant to Rule 1123(b) preserved appellant’s claims. See also Common wealth v. Bhojwani, 342 Pa. Super. 406, 364 A.2d 335 (Filed Sept. 27, 1976). Because the trial court did not secure appellant’s consent to counsel’s oral post-verdict motions, appellant was not precluded from filing written post-verdict motions pursuant to Rule 1123(a). Moreover, the trial court’s failure to secure appellant's consent does not deter us in any way from reviewing the claims made in the oral post-verdict motions made on the record at the conclusion of trial. We cannot punish appellant by an overly literal insistence on the words of Rule 1123(b); these words were inserted to protect, not defeat, a defendant’s appellate rights. A waiver of such invaluable rights should not be presumed from a silent record. Cf. Boykin v. Alabama, 395 U.S. 238, 89 S.Ct. 1709, 23 L.Ed.2d 274 (1969); Carnley v. Cochran, 369 U.S. 506, 82 S.Ct. 884, 8 L.Ed.2d 70 (1962); Johnson v. Zerbst, 304 U.S. 458, 58 S.Ct. 1019, 82 L.Ed. 1461 (1938); Commonwealth v. Cornitcher, 447 Pa. 539, 291 A.2d 521 (1972); Commonwealth v. Swain, 237 Pa. Super. 322, 354 A.2d 256 (1975).
Finally, I do not believe that Commonwealth v. Blair, 460 Pa. 31, 331 A.2d 213 (1975), prevents our review of appellant’s claims. In Blair, the Supreme Court made the following comment in a footnote:
“Appellant’s written post-trial motions were boiler plate challenges to the sufficiency of the evidence. Although counsel apparently made more specific oral motions that were considered by the court, the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, rule 1123(a), 19 P.S.Appendix, requires written post-trial motions.
“The practice in some judicial districts of ignoring the requirements of Rule 1123(a) is condemned. Henceforth, issues not presented in compliance with the rule will not be considered by our trial and appellate courts.”
460 Pa. at 33, 331 A.2d at 214. As is evident from the above quotation, Blair involved interpretation and enforce*489ment of Rule 1123(a); The Supreme Court did not address the applicability or construction of Rule 1123(f)). We should not presume that the Supreme Court meant to obliterate Rule 1123(b) entirely without giving a hint of its intention to do so. See Commonwealth v. Ruckinger, supra. This conclusion derives support from a practical consideration. In Blair, the Supreme Court disapproved the practice of filing oral post-verdict motions subsequent to trial; without specific errors alleged in a writing, appellate courts would have a difficult time determining whether issues had been preserved for review. Cf. Commonwealth v. Hilton, 461 Pa. 93, 334 A.2d 648 (1975). Rule 1123(b), however, requires that oral post-verdict motions be made on the record at the conclusion of trial. Thus, the appellate court can determine exactly what issues were raised and properly preserved. Construing Blair to abolish Rule 1123(b) would serve no practical purpose,4 and would work considerable prejudice to defendants whose counsel reasonably relied on that section’s explicit provisions.5 Accordingly, I would hold that appellant has properly preserved his Rule 1100 claim and that we are obligated to confront the merits of that issue.
On August 28,1974, the Palmerton (Carbon County) police department filed a complaint charging that appellant re*490ceived stolen property6 and committed forgery.7 At that time, the Palmerton police did not know the whereabouts of appellant. One officer contacted the police department of Williamstown, New Jersey, the last known address of appellant, and learned that appellant was living somewhere in Pennsylvania. The officer then consulted the Pennsylvania State Police and an intermunicipal police group; neither organization could supply any helpful information. On October 14, 1974, the officer read in a newspaper that a Mr. Erhart was in the Monroe County Jail. He then had a magistrate forward the complaint to the Sheriff of Monroe County who served appellant on October 16, and made the return to the magistrate on October 21. In November, 1974, appellant was transferred to the Northampton County Jail. On December 3, 1974, a Palmerton police officer travelled to this location and identified appellant as the man the department was seeking. On March 21, 1975, appellant filed a petition to dismiss the prosecution for failure to comply with Rule 1100(a)(2). After a hearing on April 11, 1975, the petition was denied and trial commenced on April 14, 1975. Appellant was convicted of the above charges. After oral post-verdict motions were made and denied, appellant was sentenced. This appeal followed.
Rule 1100(a)(2) provides that “[t]rial in a court case in which a written complaint is filed against the defendant after June 30, 1974 shall commence no later than one hundred eighty (180) days from the date on which the complaint is filed.” According to Rule 1100(d), however, any period of delay resulting from the unavailability of the defendant shall be excluded in determining the period for commencement of trial. The Comment to Rule 1100 explains that “the defendant should be deemed unavailable for any period of time during which he could not be apprehended because his whereabouts were unknown and could not be determined by due diligence.” Therefore, I must determine the date on *491which the Commonwealth could have located appellant by due diligence and then ascertain whether appellant’s trial commenced within 180 days from that date. More specifically, if appellant could not have been located by the exercise of due diligence before October 16, 1974, the 180th day before the commencement of the trial, then Rule 1100 was not violated.
The lower court found that the Palmerton police made reasonable efforts to locate appellant prior to October 14, by contacting the Williamstown, New Jersey police, the Pennsylvania State Police and the intermunicipal police group. After reading the newspaper article on October 14, the Palmerton police knew that appellant might be in the Monroe County Jail; they promptly took the reasonable step of having the magistrate send the complaint to the Sheriff of Monroe County for service upon the Mr. Erhart supposedly in the Monroe County Jail. Only after the service of the complaint by Monroe County officials, on October 16, 1974, did the Palmerton police know that a William Erhart was in fact in Monroe County Jail. I agree with the lower court’s specific finding that the Palmerton police acted with due diligence in attempting to locate appellant.
Therefore, 1 concur in the result reached by the Majority in this case.
CERCONE and SPAETH, JJ., join in this concurring opinion.

. If the trial court accepts the making of oral post-verdict motions by counsel without informing the defendant of the consequences and securing his personal consent, then the defendant will not be precluded from filing additional motions pursuant to Rule 1123(a). If, however, the trial court has fully complied with Rule 1123(c) and defendant does not file these additional written motions within seven days after the verdict, then he will have waived his Rule 1123(a) rights. Commonwealth v. Blair, 460 Pa. 31, 331 A.2d 213 (1975).

. If the trial court does not follow the proposed colloquy, then a defendant will be free to file written post-verdict motions pursuant to Rule 1123(a) regardless of whether or not either counsel or defendant reserved the right to file written post-verdict motions. I agree with Judge PRICE that a defendant always has the right to file written post-verdict motions pursuant to Rule 1123(a) unless he specifically waives that right.

. This omission in itself is a serious error which may require relief for a defendant. A defendant cannot make informed decisions about filing oral or written post-trial motions if he does not appreciate the importance of these motions and the consequences that befall those who ignore them. Cf. Commonwealth v. Miller, 232 Pa.Super. 171, 335 A.2d 528 (1975). Section (c) may be the heart of Rule 1123; if it is not followed, then perhaps the other sections should stop operating as well. I pose this question, but do not answer it at this time because I am convinced that appellant properly preserved his Rule 1100 claim.

. The policies underlying waiver rules are outlined in Commonwealth v. Young, 456 Pa. 102, 317 A.2d 258 (1974). These policies include bringing errors promptly to the lower court’s attention so that they may be quickly corrected, making a complete record, and deterring trial counsel from relying on an appellate court to bail out his poor performance at trial. Commonwealth v. Throckmorton, 241 Pa.Super. 62, 359 A.2d 444 (1976). Rule 1123 and “[p]ost-verdict motions serve the dual function of allowing the trial court to rectify errors which may have been committed at trial, and of framing and clarifying the issues to be considered should there be an appeal.” Commonwealth v. Miller, supra, 232 Pa.Super. at 174, 335 A.2d at 530. Rule 1123(b) in no way frustrates these policies. Abolishing Rule 1123(b) frustrates appellate rights without serving any practical or important goal of efficient judicial administration.

. A good example of reasonable reliance can be found in the instant case. The lower court strongly advised appellant’s counsel to make his motion at the conclusion of trial so that appellant’s right to take an appeal would not be delayed.

. The Crimes Code, Act of Dec. 6, 1972, P.L. 1482, No. 334, § 1; 18 Pa.C.S. § 3925.

. The Crimes Code, supra; 18 Pa.C.S. § 4101.