Commonwealth v. Rhoads

323 A.2d 249, 227 Pa. Super. 197, 1974 Pa. Super. LEXIS 2046

Opinions

Opinion by

Hoffman, J.,

Appellant and a co-defendant entered guilty pleas on April 19, 1973 to two charges of aggravated robbery before the Honorable Earl S. Keim, specially presiding. Both were scheduled for sentence before Judge Keim on April 19, 1973. Because of a procedural problem, however, the appellant was prevented from appearing before Judge Keim, who sentenced the co-defendant to four to eight years imprisonment. Subsequently, appellant appeared before the Honorable Ethan Allen Doty who imposed a sentence of six to twenty years. At no time did appellant file an objection to Judge Doty’s imposing sentence.

Appellant contends that the substitution of judges at the sentencing was prejudicial error. We agree that “[t]he sentencing or suspension thereof of a person convicted of crime is a judicial act of serious import in the administration of justice, and can only be performed by the judge who tries the case, except in cases of imperative necessity.” Commonwealth v. Thompson, 328 Pa. 27, 31, 195 A. 115 (1937). Where, however, as in the instant case, there is no objection to the substitution of judges at sentencing, the issue is deemed to be waived for purposes of appellate review. Commonwealth v. Clay, 224 Pa. Superior Ct. 461, 307 A. 2d 341 (1973).

The judgment of sentence is affirmed.