Commonwealth v. Kuykendall

2 A.3d 559, 2010 Pa. Super. 117, 2010 Pa. Super. LEXIS 1470, 2010 WL 2599482

• Court: Superior Court of Pennsylvania
• Decided: June 30, 2010
• Docket: 1675 MDA 2009
• Status: Published

Opinion

OPINION BY

BOWES, J.:

¶ 1 Earl Kuykendall appeals from the judgment of sentence 1 of twenty-one to forty-eight months incarceration imposed by the trial court following Appellant’s revocation from the State Intermediate Punishment (“SIP”) program. We affirm.

¶ 2 The legislature enacted SIP in November 2004. SIP is a two-year program designed to benefit persons with drug and alcohol problems. 61 Pa.C.S. §§ 4102-4109. In order to be eligible for the SIP program, a defendant cannot have a history of present or past violent behavior and the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (“DOC”) must determine that the defendant is in need of drug and alcohol treatment. 61 Pa.C.S. § 4103. 2 Certain classes of defendants are not eligible for this program. A person who is subject to the deadly weapon enhancement provisions under the sentencing guidelines is ineligible. Id. Additionally, a person who was convicted of a personal injury crime or an attempt or conspiracy to commit a personal injury crime is ineligible for the program. Id. Further, the legislature has designated several convictions involving criminal conduct against children which serve as a bar to SIP eligibility. Id.

¶ 3 On August 7, 2007, Appellant pleaded guilty to one count of criminal conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance. In exchange for his guilty plea, Appellant was referred to the SIP program. See 61 Pa. C.S. § 4104(a). 3 Subsequently, the DOC completed an evaluation of Appellant and determined that he was eligible for the program. On October 11, 2007, the court sentenced Appellant to the SIP program. Prior to being sentenced to SIP, Appellant had served sixty-one days in the Mifflin County Correctional Facility.

¶ 4 The SIP program includes the following requirements:

(b) Duration and components. — Notwithstanding any credit to which the defendant may be entitled under Section 9760 (relating to credit for time served), the duration of the drug offender treatment program shall be 24 months and shall include the following:

(1) A period in a State correctional institution of not less than seven months. This period shall include:

(1) The time during which the defendants are being evaluated by the department under section 4104(b) (relating to referral to State intermediate punishment program).

(ii) Following evaluation under sub-paragraph (i) not less than four months shall be in an institutional therapeutic community.

(2) A period of treatment in a community based therapeutic community of at least two months.

(3) A period of at least six-months’ treatment through an outpatient addiction treatment facility. During the outpatient addiction treatment period of the drug offender treatment program, the participant may be housed in a community corrections center or group home or placed in an approved transitional residence. The participant must comply with any conditions established by the department regardless of where the participant resides during the outpatient addiction treatment portion of the drug offender treatment program.

(4)A period of supervised reintegration into the community for the balance of the drug offender treatment program, during which the participant shall continue to be supervised by the department and comply with any conditions imposed by the department.

61 Pa.C.S. § 4105(b). 4

¶ 5 Appellant completed the first two levels of the program and the DOC moved him into the third phase. Appellant, however, tested positive for cocaine and subsequently admitted to having used cocaine during that phase. The DOC then returned Appellant to level two of the program. Thereafter, Appellant’s behavior proved problematic. Pursuant to the SIP statute, the DOC, by a letter dated June 5, 2009, notified the court, Appellant, and the Commonwealth that it was requesting that Appellant be revoked from SIP. Appellant served time in the state system from approximately August 13, 2007, until mid June 2009 before being transferred back to the county facility for purposes of his SIP revocation. 5

¶ 6 The DOC has discretion to transfer eligible offenders between the different stages of the program. Anyone who fails to complete an aspect of the program is subject to expulsion from SIP and revocation by the sentencing court. 61 Pa.C.S. § 4105(f)(1). Specifically, § 4105(f) states:

(f) Expulsion from program.—

(1) A participant may be expelled from the drug offender treatment program at any time in accordance with guidelines established by the department, including failure to comply with administrative or disciplinary procedures or requirements set forth by the department.

(2) The department shall promptly notify the court, the defendant, the attorney for the Commonwealth and the commission of the expulsion of a participant from the drug offender treatment program and the reason for such expulsion. The participant shall be housed in a State correctional institution or county jail pending action by the court.

(3)The court shall schedule a prompt State intermediate punishment revocation hearing pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 9774 (relating to revocation of State intermediate punishment sentence).

61 Pa.C.S. § 4105(f). Accordingly, expulsion and revocation are separate and distinct by statute. 61 Pa.C.S. § 4105(f)(2)(3). The DOC may expel a defendant from the program, but upon expulsion, must promptly notify the court so that it can conduct a revocation hearing. 61 Pa.C.S. § 4105(f)(2). If the court revokes the defendant, it then must re-sentence him. See 61 Pa.C.S. § 4105(f)(3); 42 Pa.C.S. § 9774. 6

¶ 7 On June 25, 2009, the sentencing court held a hearing to determine whether it should revoke Appellant’s participation in the SIP program. The court continued the matter because Appellant claimed that he completed the SIP program. On July 23, 2009, the court held a full evidentiary hearing. Thereafter, on August 7, 2009, the court found that Appellant had not satisfactorily completed the SIP program, re-sentenced Appellant to a term of incarceration of twenty-one months to forty-eight months with credit for time served in both the county and state systems, and determined that Appellant was immediately eligible for parole. 7 This appeal followed, wherein Appellant raises one question for our review:

Was the revocation of the twenty-four month State Intermediate Punishment sentence and the resentencing in this case a violation of constitutional protections against double jeopardy, where the original twenty-four month term of incarceration had been fully served at the time of revocation?

Appellant’s brief at 5.

¶ 8 This question presents a matter of first impression. We find guidance in the applicable statutory law regarding SIP and analogous case law regarding probation revocation hearings. Generally, in reviewing an appeal from a judgment of sentence imposed after the revocation of probation, this Court’s scope of review includes the validity of the hearing, the legality of the final sentence, and if properly raised, the discretionary aspects of the appellant’s sentence. Commonwealth v. Ferguson, 893 A.2d 735, 737 (Pa.Super.2006). Accordingly, in evaluating the revocation of a SIP sentence, we ordinarily would apply that scope of review. However, the question of whether a defendant’s constitutional right against double jeopardy was infringed is a question of law. Commonwealth v. Vargas, 947 A.2d 777, 780 (Pa.Super.2008). Hence, our scope of review is plenary and our standard of review is de novo. Id.

¶ 9 Initially, we address the veracity of Appellant’s factual assertion that he fully served the original twenty-four-month SIP sentence prior to his revocation. Appellant argues that as of the date of his re-sentencing he had served two years and sixty-one days of incarceration. Accordingly, he argues that pursuant to 42 Pa. C.S. § 9760, he is entitled to receive credit for time served toward his original SIP sentence and that, because the sentence was twenty-four months, he served his complete sentence. He further posits that the imposition of the new sentence is a violation of his constitutional right against double jeopardy. For the following reasons, we disagree.

¶ 10 Although Appellant had been incarcerated for over two years on the charge, he had not served the full two-year SIP sentence. The SIP statute specifically states that a defendant will not receive credit for time served while incarcerated in a county correctional facility. 61 Pa. C.S. § 4105(b). A plain reading of the statute reveals that Appellant’s SIP sentence could only include time spent in the actual program plus the time spent during the evaluation process at an approved state correctional institution. See 61 Pa. C.S. § 4105(b)(1) — (4) (“Notwithstanding any credit to which the defendant may be entitled under Section 9760 (relating to credit for time served), the duration of the drug offender treatment program shall be 24 months and shall include .... ” and not including county time).

¶ 11 This result flows from the fact that SIP is a state program that takes two years to complete, regardless of time spent incarcerated in a county facility. Id. Accordingly, Appellant cannot count the sixty-one days he spent imprisoned in the county jail in calculating the time spent serving his SIP sentence. More importantly, the two-year SIP sentence requires successful completion of the program through a systematic satisfaction of all phases of the SIP program. Appellant did not successfully navigate his way through SIP; thus, he cannot assert that he com pleted his SIP sentence. See 61 Pa.C.S. § 4105(e). 8

¶ 12 Once the sentencing court determined that Appellant had not successfully completed the SIP program, by law it was required to revoke the SIP sentence. 42 Pa.C.S. § 9774(b). Additionally, much like a probation revocation, the court had the same sentencing alternatives available to it as it had at the time of the original sentence. 42 Pa.C.S. § 9774(c). We have consistently held that a revocation of probation does not violate double jeopardy. See Commonwealth v. Johnson, 967 A.2d 1001, 1005 (Pa.Super.2009).

¶ 13 In Johnson, the appellant argued that, pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 9760(2), he was entitled to credit, following his revocation of probation, for the time spent imprisoned prior to his original probationary sentence, because to hold otherwise would have subjected him to a double jeopardy violation. Id. In rejecting that particular portion of Johnson’s argument, we stated that a probation violation hearing is not part of a criminal prosecution and is not a second punishment for the crime. Id. Rather, a probationary sentence is a conditional sentence, see Commonwealth v. Smith, 860 A.2d 142 (Pa.Super.2004), and requires defendants to comply with certain requirements of supervision in exchange for not being sentenced to a term of incarceration. ' Accordingly, double jeopardy was not implicated.

¶ 14 In the instant case, the court re-sentenced Appellant following a SIP revocation hearing. When a defendant is sentenced to SIP, he is made aware that he is subject to re-sentencing if he does not successfully complete the program. The potential for a SIP revocation hearing “is an integral part of the original conditional sentence, the purpose of which is to establish to the satisfaction of the court that granted [SIP], that the individual’s conduct warrants continuing him” in the program. See generally Commonwealth v. Mullins, 591 Pa. 341, 918 A.2d 82, 86 (2007) (discussing probation revocations).

¶ 15 Revocation of SIP and the subsequent re-sentencing does not implicate double jeopardy since the “revocation is not a second punishment for the original conviction, but rather is an integral element of the original conditional sentence.” Mullins, supra at 918 A.2d 82, 85 (Pa.2007) (discussing probation revocations); cf. Blockburger v. U.S., 284 U.S. 299, 52 S.Ct. 180, 76 L.Ed. 306 (1932) (defendant cannot be punished twice for the same crime); Commonwealth v. Baldwin, 985 A.2d 830 (Pa.2009) (discussing double jeopardy and merger issues). The primary concern of SIP, much like probation and parole, “is the rehabilitation and restoration of the individual to a useful life.” Mullins, supra at 85.

¶ 16 In crafting the SIP legislation, our legislature carefully delineated the purpose of the program, stating, “[t]he purpose of this chapter is to create a program that punishes persons who commit crimes, but also provides treatment that offers the opportunity for those persons to address their drug or alcohol addiction or abuse and thereby reduce the incidents of recidivism and enhance public safety.” 61 Pa. C.S. § 4102(6). Accordingly, SIP is “designed to address the individually assessed drug and alcohol abuse and addiction needs of a participant and shall address other issues essential to the participant’s successful reintegration into the community, including, but not limited to, education al and employment issues.” 61 Pa.C.S. § 4105(a). The SIP sentence is a conditional sentence that requires offenders to comply with specific statutory requirements in order to provide rehabilitative treatment. Thus, SIP, more so than probation, serves the dual purpose of punishing a defendant and rehabilitating him or her.

¶ 17 We recognize that unlike a probationary sentence, a period of incarceration is mandatory pursuant to the SIP program; however, SIP is a voluntary program that a defendant may agree to in lieu of a straight sentence of incarceration. 61 Pa.C.S. § 4104(a)(1). 9 Only after a defendant agrees to placement in the program and is evaluated and considered eligible will he be admitted into the program. 61 Pa.C.S. § 4104. A defendant is not entitled to SIP, instead SIP is a privilege granted at the discretion of the sentencing court. SIP also substantially reduces the amount of time a defendant spends incarcerated in a state facility. Defendants sentenced to SIP are required to serve at least seven months in a state correctional institution, see 61 Pa.C.S. § 4105(b)(1), while ordinarily the minimum sentence for eligible offenders is two years. See Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing 2010 Report to the Legislature, Pennsylvania’s State Intermediate Punishment Program, n. 2 at 5.

¶ 18 In exchange for admittance into SIP, the defendant surrenders his statutory right to credit for time served while housed in a county correctional institution or non-Pennsylvania state correctional facility. Revocation and re-sentencing do not constitute a second punishment, but provide a necessary incentive to the defendant to complete the program. Therefore, no double jeopardy violation occurred.

¶ 19 Judgment of sentence affirmed.

1 . Appellant purported to appeal from the September 3, 2009, order denying his post-sentence motions. However, when timely post-sentence motions are filed, an appeal properly lies from the judgment of sentence made final by the denial of post-sentence motions. See Commonwealth v. Shamberger, 788 A.2d 408, 410 n. 2 (Pa.Super.2001) (en banc). Accordingly, we have amended the caption.

2 . 61 Pa.C.S. § 4103 provides in pertinent part:

“Eligible offender.” Subject to 42 Pa.C.S. § 9721(a.l) (relating to sentencing generally), a defendant designated by the sentencing court as a person convicted of a drug-related offense who:

(1) Has undergone an assessment performed by the Department of Corrections, which assessment has concluded that the defendant is in need of drug and alcohol addiction treatment and would benefit from commitment to a drug offender treatment program and that placement in a drug offender treatment program would be appropriate.

(2) Does not demonstrate a history of present or past violent behavior.

(3) Would be placed in the custody of the department if not sentenced to State intermediate punishment.

(4)Provides written consent permitting release of information pertaining to the defendant's participation in a drug offender treatment program.

The term shall not include a defendant who is subject to a sentence the calculation of which includes an enhancement for the use of a deadly weapon, as defined pursuant to law or the sentencing guidelines promulgated by the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing, or a defendant who has been convicted of a personal injury crime as defined in section 103 of the act of November 24, 1998 (P.L. 882, No. Ill), known as the Crime Victims Act, or an attempt or conspiracy to commit such a crime or who has been convicted of violating 18 Pa.C.S. § 4302 (relating to incest), 5901 (relating to open lewdness), 6312 (relating to sexual abuse of children), 6318 (relating to unlawful contact with minor) or 6320 (relating to sexual exploitation of children) or Ch. 76 Subch. C (relating to Internet child pornography).

61 Pa.C.S. § 4103 (omitting footnotes).

3 .The statute reads:

(a) Referral for evaluation.—

(1) Prior to imposing a sentence, the court may, upon motion of the Commonwealth and agreement of the defendant, commit a defendant to the custody of the department for the purpose of evaluating whether the defendant would benefit from a drug offender treatment program and whether placement in the drug offender treatment program is appropriate.

(2) Upon committing a defendant to the department, the court shall forward to the department:

(i) A summary of the offense for which the defendant has been convicted.

(ii) Information relating to the defendant’s history of delinquency or criminality, including the information maintained by the court under 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 63 (relating to juvenile matters), when available.

(iii) Information relating to the defendant's history of drug or alcohol abuse or addiction, when available.

(iv) A presentence investigation report, when available.

(v) Any other information the court deems relevant to assist the department with its assessment of the defendant.

61 Pa.C.S. § 4104(a).

4 . At the time of Appellant’s sentencing, SIP was governed by 42 Pa.C.S. § 9905, however, as of October 13, 2009, the relevant statutory provision became 61 Pa.C.S. § 4105.

5 . On August 13, 2007, Appellant was transported to SCI-Camp Hill for purposes of his SIP evaluation. Appellant remained in the state system until October 10, 2007 when he was transferred to the county facility for sentencing. Appellant spent five days in the county system before being returned to the state system under the SIP program.

6 . 42 Pa.C.S. § 9774 provides:

(a) General rule. — The court may at any time terminate a sentence of State intermediate punishment pursuant to Chapter 99 (relating to State intermediate punishment).

(b) Revocation. — The court shall revoke a sentence of State intermediate punishment if after a hearing it determines that the participant was expelled from or failed to complete the program.

(c)Proceedings upon revocation. — Upon revocation of a State intermediate punishment sentence, the sentencing alternatives available to the court shall be the same as the alternatives available at the time of initial sentencing. The attorney for the Commonwealth must file notice, at any time prior to resentencing, of the Commonwealth's intention to proceed under an applicable provision of law requiring a mandatory minimum sentence.

7 .Since Appellant received a new sentence of incarceration that was not a SIP sentence he was entitled to all time spent incarcerated on that new sentence. 42 Pa.C.S. § 9760. As of August 7, 2009, Appellant had served approximately twenty-six months imprisonment on the underlying charge.

8 . The statute provides, "When the department determines that a participant has successfully completed the drug offender treatment program, it shall notify the sentencing court, the attorney for the Commonwealth and the commission.” 61 Pa.C.S. § 4105(e).

9 . 61 Pa.C.S. § 4104(a)(1) provides:

Prior to imposing a sentence, the court may, upon motion of the Commonwealth and agreement of the defendant, commit a defendant to the custody of the department for the purpose of evaluating whether the defendant would benefit from a drug offender treatment program and whether placement in the drug offender treatment program is appropriate.