Court Opinion

ID: 4230312
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2017-12-19 20:23:01.861294+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:43:19.797636
License: Public Domain

J-S79037-17

NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA            :    IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
                                        :          PENNSYLVANIA
                  Appellee              :
                                        :
            v.                          :
                                        :
AARON GILL                              :
                                        :
                  Appellant             :         No. 3654 EDA 2016

         Appeal from the Judgment of Sentence October 24, 2016
           In the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County
           Criminal Division at No(s): CP-51-CR-0010593-2010

BEFORE: GANTMAN, P.J., LAZARUS, J., and OTT, J.

MEMORANDUM BY GANTMAN, P.J.:                   FILED DECEMBER 19, 2017

     Appellant, Aaron Gill, appeals from the judgments of sentence entered

in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, following the revocation

of his probation. We affirm.

     The relevant facts and procedural history of this case are as follows.

        On November 4, 2010, [Appellant] entered into a
        negotiated guilty plea in CP-51-CR-0010593-2010 to (i)
        Robbery by Inflicting Threat of Imminent Bodily Injury in
        violation of 18 Pa.C.S. § 3701(a)(1)(iv) and (ii) Criminal
        Conspiracy in violation of 18 Pa.C.S. § 903(a)(1).
        [Appellant] was sentenced to eleven and a half (11½) to
        twenty three (23) months’ confinement, and one (1) year
        of probation, with immediate parole.
        On June 14, 2012 [Appellant] entered into a
        non−negotiated guilty plea in MC-51-CR-0050330-2011, to
        Possessing an Offensive Weapon in violation of 18 Pa.C.S.
        § 908(a). [This] offense took place while on this [c]out’s
        probation. At a subsequent Violation of Probation “VOP”)
        hearing, this [c]ourt found [Appellant] to be in violation of
J-S79037-17

         its probation and sentenced [Appellant] to a new eight (8)
         years of probation [at 10593-2010].
         On July 6, 2013, [Appellant] was again arrested while on
         this [c]ourt’s probation, and on June 7, 2016, [Appellant]
         was found guilty of: (i) Robbery by Inflicting Threat of
         Imminent Bodily Injury in violation of 18 Pa.C.S. §
         3701(a)(1)(iv); (ii) Possession of a Firearm Prohibited in
         violation of 18 Pa.C.S. § 6105(a)(1); (iii) Theft by Unlawful
         Taking of Movable Property in violation of 18 Pa.C.S. §
         3921(a); (iv) Possessing Instruments of a Crime in
         violation of 18 Pa.C.S. § 907(a); and (v) Simple Assault in
         violation of 18 Pa.C.S. § 2701(a). The Honorable Judge
         Scott O'Keefe in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas
         sentenced [Appellant] to serve a total term of incarceration
         of two and a half (2½) to five (5) years, followed by five
         (5) years of probation.
         Following a VOP hearing on October 24, 2016, this [c]ourt
         found [Appellant] to be in violation of its probation,
         revoked [Appellant’s] probation, and sentenced him to a
         term of four (4) to eight (8) years of incarceration in
         [10593-2010] to be served consecutively to the two and a
         half (2½) to five (5) years imposed by Judge O'Keefe.
         On October 28, 2016, [Appellant] filed a Motion for
         Reconsideration of VOP Sentence. On November 23, 2016,
         [Appellant] filed a Notice of Appeal to the Superior Court of
         Pennsylvania. On January 3, 2017, this [c]ourt issued an
         order directing [Appellant] to file a Concise Statement of
         Errors Complained of on Appeal pursuant to Pa.R.A.P.
         1925(b). On January 23, 2017, [Appellant] filed a Concise
         Statement of Errors Complained of on Appeal alleging that
         this [c]ourt erred by imposing a sentence that was
         manifestly excessive and unreasonable under Section 9721
         of the Sentencing Code and was disproportionate to the
         conduct at issue.
(Trial Court Opinion, filed April 10, 2017, at (1-2).

      Appellant raises the following issue for our review:

         WAS NOT THE SENTENCE OF FOUR TO EIGHT YEARS

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J-S79037-17

          INCARCERATION    FOR   [APPELLANT]’S  PROBATION
          VIOLATION EXCESSIVE AND UNREASONABLE?

(Appellant’s Brief at 4).

       Appellant argues his sentence following revocation is manifestly

excessive and too severe. Appellant concedes his recent conduct deserves a

punitive sanction, but it was simply insufficient to warrant an eight-year

sentence for a second violation, especially when that new sentence runs

consecutive to a previously imposed sentence.               Appellant claims his

probation violation is unquestionably a serious matter, and he received an

appropriate punishment for his new offense. Appellant asserts the additional

four to eight years’ incarceration for the revocation sentence, however, is

grossly disproportionate and inconsistent with the protection of the public,

the gravity of the underlying offense and his rehabilitative needs. Appellant

submits the court was certainly entitled to sentence Appellant for his

probation violation, but it imposed a grossly excessive sentence that was

unreasonable and an abuse of discretion.1 Appellant concludes, this Court

should vacate and remand for a more appropriate and reasonable revocation

sentence in accordance with the sentencing code of this Commonwealth. As

argued, Appellant challenges the discretionary aspects of his sentence. See

Commonwealth v. Lutes, 793 A.2d 949 (Pa.Super. 2002) (stating claim

____________________________________________

1  Appellant preserved his issue in              his   post-sentence   motion   for
reconsideration, filed October 28, 2016.

                                           -3-
J-S79037-17

that sentence is manifestly excessive challenges discretionary aspects of

sentencing).

      When reviewing the outcome of a revocation proceeding, this Court is

limited to determining the validity of the proceeding, the legality of the

judgment of sentence imposed, and the discretionary aspects of sentencing.

Commonwealth v. Cartrette, 83 A.3d 1031, 1033-34 (Pa.Super. 2013)

(en banc) (explaining appellate review of revocation sentence includes

discretionary sentencing challenges).      Challenges to the discretionary

aspects of sentencing do not entitle an appellant to an appeal as of right.

Commonwealth v. Sierra, 752 A.2d 910, 912 (Pa.Super. 2000). Prior to

reaching the merits of a discretionary aspects of sentencing issue:

         [W]e conduct a four-part analysis to determine: (1)
         whether appellant has filed a timely notice of appeal, see
         Pa.R.A.P. 902 and 903; (2) whether the issue was properly
         preserved at sentencing or in a motion to reconsider and
         modify sentence, see [Pa.R.Crim.P. 720]; (3) whether
         appellant’s brief has a fatal defect, Pa.R.A.P. 2119(f); and
         (4) whether there is a substantial question that the
         sentence appealed from is not appropriate under the
         Sentencing Code, 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 9781(b).

Commonwealth v. Evans, 901 A.2d 528, 533 (Pa.Super. 2006), appeal

denied, 589 Pa. 727, 909 A.2d 303 (2006). Objections to the discretionary

aspects of sentence are generally waived if they are not raised at the

sentencing hearing or raised in a motion to modify the sentence imposed at

that hearing.   Commonwealth v. Mann, 820 A.2d 788, 794 (Pa.Super.

2003), appeal denied, 574 Pa. 759, 831 A.2d 599 (2003).          “This failure

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cannot be cured by submitting the challenge in a Rule 1925(b) statement.”

Commonwealth v. McAfee, 849 A.2d 270, 275, (Pa.Super. 2004), appeal

denied, 580 Pa. 695, 860 A.2d 122 (2004).

        When appealing the discretionary aspects of a sentence, an appellant

must invoke the appellate court’s jurisdiction by including in his brief a

separate concise statement demonstrating that there is a substantial

question as to the appropriateness of the sentence under the Sentencing

Code.    Commonwealth v. Mouzon, 571 Pa. 419, 812 A.2d 617 (2002);

Pa.R.A.P. 2119(f). “The requirement that an appellant separately set forth

the reasons relied upon for allowance of appeal furthers the purpose evident

in the Sentencing Code as a whole of limiting any challenges to the trial

court’s evaluation of the multitude of factors impinging on the sentencing

decision to exceptional cases.” Commonwealth v. Phillips, 946 A.2d 103,

112 (Pa.Super. 2008), appeal denied, 600 Pa. 745, 964 A.2d 895 (2009),

cert. denied, 556 U.S. 1264, 129 S. Ct. 2450, 174 L. Ed. 2d 240 (2009).

        A substantial question exists “only when the appellant advances a

colorable argument that the sentencing judge’s actions were either: (1)

inconsistent with a specific provision of the Sentencing Code; or (2) contrary

to the fundamental norms which underlie the sentencing process.” Sierra,

supra at 913. A claim of excessiveness can raise a substantial question as

to the appropriateness of a sentence under the Sentencing Code, even if the

sentence is within the statutory limits. Mouzon, supra at 430, 812 A.2d at

                                     -5-
J-S79037-17

624. See, e.g., Commonwealth v. Malovich, 903 A.2d 1247 (Pa.Super.

2006) (stating defendant raised substantial question with respect to claim

that revocation sentence was excessive in light of underlying technical

probation violations).   An allegation that the sentencing court failed to

consider a specific mitigating factor, however, generally does not raise a

substantial question. Commonwealth v. Berry, 785 A.2d 994 (Pa.Super.

2001) (holding claim that sentencing court ignored appellant’s rehabilitative

needs failed to raise substantial question).

      “In general, the imposition of sentence following the revocation of

probation is vested within the sound discretion of the trial court, which,

absent an abuse of that discretion, will not be disturbed on appeal.”

Commonwealth v. Hoover, 909 A.2d 321 (Pa.Super. 2006). Following the

revocation of probation, the court may impose a sentence of total

confinement if any of the following conditions exist: the defendant has been

convicted of another crime; the conduct of the defendant indicates it is likely

he will commit another crime if he is not imprisoned; or, such a sentence is

essential to vindicate the authority of the court.       See 42 Pa.C.S.A. §

9771(c).    The Sentencing Guidelines do not apply to sentences imposed

following a revocation of probation.     Commonwealth v. Ferguson, 893
A.2d 735 (Pa.Super. 2006), appeal denied, 588 Pa. 788, 906 A.2d 1196

(2006).    “[U]pon sentencing following a revocation of probation, the trial

court is limited only by the maximum sentence that it could have imposed

                                     -6-
J-S79037-17

originally at the time of the probationary sentence.”         Commonwealth v.

Coolbaugh, 770 A.2d 788, 792 (Pa.Super. 2001).

      Pursuant to Section 9721(b), “the court shall follow the general

principle that the sentence imposed should call for confinement that is

consistent with the protection of the public, the gravity of the offense as it

relates to the impact on the life of the victim and on the community, and the

rehabilitative needs of the defendant.”       42 Pa.C.S.A. § 9721(b).       “[T]he

court shall make as part of the record, and disclose in open court at the time

of sentencing, a statement of the reason or reasons for the sentence

imposed.”    Id.   Nevertheless, “[a] sentencing court need not undertake a

lengthy     discourse   for   its   reasons   for     imposing    a   sentence….”

Commonwealth v. Crump, 995 A.2d 1280, 1283 (Pa.Super. 2010), appeal

denied, 608 Pa. 661, 13 A.3d 475 (2010). Rather, “the record as a whole

must reflect the sentencing court’s consideration of the facts of the crime

and character of the offender.” Id.

      After a thorough of the record, the briefs of the parties, the applicable

law, and the well-reasoned opinion of the Honorable Rayford A. Means, we

conclude Appellant’s issue merits no relief.        In its opinion, the trial court

comprehensively discusses and properly disposes of the question presented.

(See Trial Court Opinion at 1-7) (finding: in 2010, Appellant was originally

convicted of robbery and criminal conspiracy; robbery and conspiracy

offenses both carried maximum sentences of 10 years’ imprisonment;

                                      -7-
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court’s recent resentence of 4-8 years’ imprisonment is within statutory

limits; since Appellant’s original conviction in 2010, he has further engaged

in unlawful behavior and was convicted of new, more serious offenses;

Appellant’s continued criminal conduct and progression toward more violent

offenses indicates lenient sentence would fail to ensure Appellant received

rehabilitation he needs; while on probation, Appellant participated in another

robbery, brandished gun, and severely beat victim; Appellant’s commission

of increasingly violent offenses while on probation shows he is danger to

community; confinement is necessary to vindicate authority of revocation

court and protect public; before imposing new sentence, revocation court

considered need to protect public, gravity of Appellant’s conduct, and

Appellant’s   rehabilitative     needs;   court   considered    ample     information

concerning Appellant’s background; Appellant has been on revocation court’s

probation since 2010; revocation court is aware of unique facts of

Appellant’s case; court’s familiarity with Appellant’s past criminal conduct

and progression of criminal behavior rendered court sufficiently informed;

court’s   sentence    reflects     unique   nature    of    Appellant’s    character,

rehabilitative needs, and probation violations).           The record supports the

courts rationale. Therefore, Appellant’s challenge to the discretionary

aspects of his sentence merits no relief. Accordingly, we affirm.

      Judgment of sentence affirmed.

                                          -8-
J-S79037-17

Judgment Entered.

Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
Prothonotary

Date: 12/19/2017

                          -9-
                                                                                      Circulated 11/30/2017 03:29 PM

                        IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
                             PHILADELPHIA COUNTY
                   FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA
                            CRIMINAL TRIAL DIVISION

COMMONWEAL TH OF PENNSYLVANIA                               CP-:51-CR-0010593-2010                 Fl LED
                      v.                                                                           APR 10 20�
                                                            3654 EDA 2016                    Criminal Appeals Unit
                                                                                           First Judicial District of PA
              AARON GILL

MEANS,J.                                                    April 7, 2017

                                           OPINION           CP-!11-CR-0010593-2010 Comm. v. GWI, Aaron
                                                                              Opinion

HISTORY
                                                                  II lI IIIIIII II I IIIII II II
                                                                          7931183401

       On November 4th, 2010, Aaron Gill, Defendant, entered into a negotiated guilty plea in CP-

51-CR-0010593-2010 to (i) Robbery by Inflicting Threat oflmminent Bodily Injury in violation

of 18 Pa. C.S. § 3701 §§ (a)(l)(iv) and (ii) Criminal Conspiracy in violation of 18 Pa. C.S. § 903

§§ (a)(l). Defendant was sentenced to eleven and a half (11 �) to twenty three (23) months

confinement, and one (1) year of probation, with immediate parole. Dkt. CP-51-CR-0010593-

2010, at 4.

       On June 141h, 2012 the Defendant entered into a non-negotiated guilty plea in MC-51-CR-

0050330-2011, to (i) Possessing an Offensive Weapon in violation of 18 Pa. C.S. § 908 §§ (a).

These offenses took place while on this Court's probation. At a subsequent Violation of Probation

("VOP") hearing, this Court found Defendant to be in violation of its probation and sentenced

Defendant to a new eight (8) years of probation. Dkt. CP-51-CR-0010593-2010, at 2.

                                                 1
       On July 6th, 2013, Defendant was again arrested while on this Court's probation, and on

June 7t11, 2016, the Defendant was found guilty of: (i) Robbery by Inflicting Threat of Imminent

Bodily Injury in violation of 18 Pa.C.S. § 3701 §§ (a)(l )(iv); (ii) Possession of a Firearm Prohibited

in violation of 18 Pa.C.S. §6105 §§ (a)(l); (iii) Theft by Unlawful Taking of Movable Property in

violation of 18 Pa.C.S. §3921 §§ (a); (iv) Possessing Instruments of a Crime in violation of 18

Pa.C.S. § 907 §§ (a); and (v) Simple Assault in violation of 18 Pa.C.S. § 2701 §§ (a). The

Honorable Judge Scott O'Keefe in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas sentenced the

Defendant to serve a total term of incarceration of two and a half (2 Y2) to five (5) years, followed

by five (5) years of probation. Dkt. C P-51-CR-009451-2013, at 1·2.

       Following a VOP hearing on October 24th, 2016, this Court found Defendant to be in

violation of its probation, revoked Defendant's probation, and sentenced him to a term of four (4)

to eight (8) years of incarceration in CP-51-CR-0010593-2010 to be served consecutively to the

two and a half (2 Yi) to five (5) years imposed by Judge O'Keefe: N.T. 10/24/2016, at 5:14-21.

        On October 28th, 2016, Defendant filed a Motion for Reconsideration of VOP Sentence.

Def.'s Motion for Reconsideration of VOP Sentence. On November 23rd, 2016, the Defendant

filed a Notice of Appeal to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. Def.'s Notice of Appeal. On

January 3rd, 2017 this Court issued an order directing the Defendant to file a Concise Statement of

Errors Complained of on Appeal pursuant to Pa.R.A.P. 1925(b). On January 23rd, 2017 Defendant

filed a Concise Statement of Errors Complained of on Appeal alleging that this Court erred by

imposing a sentence that was manifestly excessive' and unreasonable under Section 9721 of the

sentencing code and was disproportionate to the conduct at issue. Def.'s Stmnt. of Errors

Complained of on Appeal.

                                                   2
    I.      LEGAL ISSUES

         Because this case involves a Violation of Probation, the only grounds for appeal are that:

(i) the Court lacked jurisdiction to impose a sentence, or (ii) that the sentence imposed was illegal

or excessive. Commonwealth v. Infante, 585 Pa. 408, 419, 888 A.2d 783, 790 (Pa. 2005) (holding

that "the scope of review in an appeal following a sentence imposed after probation revocation is

limited to the validity of the revocation proceedings and the legality of the sentence imposed

following revocation").

    A. Jurisdiction

         It is clear that this Court had jurisdiction to impose a sentence upon the Defendant. The

original charges were felony matters, which occurred in the City of Philadelphia, and were tried

before a duly elected judge. The subsequent Violations of Probation also occurred in the city of

 Philadelphia. Dkt. .CP-51-CR-0025523.;2010. Therefore, lack- of jurisdiction cannot serve as

 grounds for appeal in this matter. See generally, Commonwealth v. Bethea, 574 Pa. 100, 828 A.2d
1066 (2003).

    B. Legality ofSentencing

         The imposition of sentence following the revocation of probation "is vested within the

 sound discretion of the trial court, which, absent an abuse of that discretion, will not be disturbed

 on appeal."    Commonwealth v. Smith, 669 A.2d 1008, 1011 (Pa. Super. 1996); see also

 Commonwealth v. Clarke, 70 A.3d 1281, 1287 (Pa. Super. 2013).           A sentencing court has not

· abused its discretion "unless the record· discloses that · the judgment exercised was manifestly

                                                   3
unreasonable or the result of partiality, prejudice, bias or ill-will." Commonwealth v. Smith, 673
A.2d 893, 895 (Pa. 1996); see also Commonwealth v. Wallace, 870 A.2d 838 (Pa. 2005).

       In sentencing the Defendant, a trial Court is required to "consider the general principles

and standards of the Sentencing Code." Commonwealth v. Russell, 460 A.2d 316, 322 (Pa. Super.

1983); Commonwealth v. Forbes, No. 3671.EDA 2015, 2017 WL 87144 (Pa. Super. Ct Jan 10,

2017). Section 9721 expresses these general principles in the following manner:

       the sentence imposed should call for confinement that is consistent with the
       protection of the public, the gravity of the offense as it relates to the impact on the
       life of the victim and on the community, and the rehabilitative needs of the
       defendant.

42 Pa.C.S. A. § 9721(b). In addition, 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 9771(c) permits the trial court to impose a

sentence of total confinement in order to vindicate its authority.

    Upon revocation of probation, a sentencing court possesses the same sentencing options that it

had at the time of initial sentencing. 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 9771(b); Rg. Commonwealth v. Pierce, 441
A.2d 1218 (Pa.,1982); Commonwealth v. Wallace, 870 A.2d 838 (Pa. 2005). The trial court may

impose total confinement if one of three conditions is met:

                    1. defendant has been convicted of another crime;
                   n. the conduct of the defendant indicates that it is likely
                       that he will commit another crime if he is not
                       imprisoned; or
                  iii. such a sentence is essential to vindicate the authority
                       of the court.

42 Pa. C.S.A. § 9771(c).

        In the instant case, Defendant was originally convicted in CP-51-CR�OOI0593�2010 of (i)

 Robbery by Inflicting Threat of Imminent bodily Injury in violation of 18 Pa.C.S. § 3701 §§

                                                  4
(a)(l)(iv) and (ii) Criminal Conspiracy of Engaging in Robbery by Inflicting Threat oflmminent

bodily Injury in violation of 18 Pa.C.S. § 903 §§ (a)(l). Under the Robbery provision, any person

who " inflicts bodily injury upon another or threatens another with or intentionally puts him in fear

of immediate bodily injury" is "guilty of a felony and upon conviction thereof shall be sentenced

to imprisonment not exceeding ten (10) years, or to pay a fine not exceeding twenty five thousand

dollars ($25,000), or both ... " Id.; and 18 Pa.C.S. § 1101 (2), 1103. The charge of Conspiracy is of

the same grade and degree as the underlying Robbery offense. 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 905. As such, this

Court's sentence of four (4) to eight (8) years of confinement falls within the statutory limits.

       The facts are clear that since his original conviction, Defendant engaged in further unlawful

behavior and was convicted of new, and more serious, offenses. Defendant's continued

involvement with criminal activity and his progression toward more violent offenses shows that a

more lenient sentence would fail to ensure that Defendant receives the rehabilitative programming

he needs. Commonwealth v. Forbes, No. 3671 EDA 2015, 2017 WL 87144 (Pa. Super. Ct Jan 10,

2017). While on probation for CP-51-CR-0010593-2010, Defendant participated in another

robbery, this time brandishing a gun. N.T. 10/24/2016, at 3:14-17. Defendant chased the victim

"into a library and beat him to a pulp, and then went through his pockets and robbed him." N.T.

10/24/2016. at 3: 11- 14. This Court is deeply unsettled by the fact that Defendant's criminal

conduct has escalated to include deadly weapons. The fact that the Defendant has been wholly

unable to behave within the confines of the law, and that he committed new, increasingly violent

offenses, while on probation, evidences that he is a danger to the community and that a period of

confinement is necessary both to vindicate the authority of this Court and to protect the public.

Before imposing a sentence of total confinement, this Court carefully considered the need to

                                                  5
protect the public, the gravity of the Defendant's conduct and its potential impact of the

community, and the Defendant's rehabilitative needs. Id.

       Although this Court's comments a sentencing were brief, it's clear from the record that this

Court received and considered ample information regarding Defendant's background.

       Section 9721 (b) directs the trial court to consider certain factors and place the
       reason for its sentence on the record, Our Supreme Court recently held, following
       revocation, a sentencing court need not undertake lengthy discourse regarding its
       punishment or specifically mention the statutes in question.

Id. (citing Commonwealth v. Pasture, 107 A.3d 21, 28 (Pa. 2014)).

       Our case law requires the sentencing court [be] informed of comprehensive information to

make the punishment fit not only the crime but also the person who committed it. Commonwealth

v. Carillo-Diaz, 64 A.3d 722, 726 (Pa. Super. 2013). Here, Defendant has been on this Court's

probation since 2010. This Court is sufficiently aware of the unique facts of the case, as Defendant

has appeared for multiple violations of probation for matters involving violent conduct with deadly

weapons, during that time formulated an individually tailored punishment within the statutory

maximum. This Court's familiarity with Defendant's past criminal conduct and the progression of

his criminal behavior rendered the Court sufficiently informed such that its sentence reflected the

unique nature of the Defendant's character and his direct probation violations. Commonwealth v.

Forbes, No. 3671 EDA 2015, 2017 WL 87144 (Pa. Super. Ct Jan 10, 2017).

    Accordingly, because this Court imposed a sentence within the statutory maximum and

considered Defendant's background, rehabilitative needs, and new offenses, it did not impose an

 illegal or excessive sentence.

                                                  6
II.      CONCLUSION

      Based on the above reasons, the judgment of this Court should not be disturbed.

                                                  BY THE COURT:

                                                   �{/.�
                                                  MEANS, J

                                              7