Commonwealth v. Lawrence
99 A.3d 116
| Pa. Super. Ct. | 2014Background
- Appellant Byshere Lawrence charged 9/26/2011 with first-degree murder, firearms not to be carried without a license, PIC, plus conspiracy, minor firearm possession, public carrying in Philadelphia, and REAP.
- 7/31/2012 jury found guilty of first-degree murder, firearms not to be carried without a license, and PIC; conspiracy acquitted; other charges nolle prossed.
- 5/24/2013 aggregate sentence: 45 years to life; concurrent terms for other offenses.
- 6/3/2013 post-sentence motion arguing §1102.1(a)(1) violates the Eighth Amendment; 9/18/2013 trial court denied; 9/24/2013 notice of appeal filed.
- Appellant raises three constitutional challenges to § 1102.1: Eighth Amendment, Equal Protection, and Ex Post Facto doctrines; Miller v. Alabama framework discussed.
- Court reviews statute de novo with presumption of constitutionality and considers whether §1102.1 is unconstitutional on its face or as applied.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether § 1102.1 violates the Eighth Amendment | Lawrence argues mandatory 35-year minimum disregards youth factors | Section 1102.1 allows age-related findings under §1102.1(d) and does not impose a blanket lifer without parole | Not unconstitutional; Miller tailoring not required for homicide sentences; statute constitutional |
| Whether § 1102.1 violates Equal Protection/Ex Post Facto | Lawrence claims disparate treatment and retroactive punishment | Waived defense; statute and sentencing scheme withstand challenges | Waived; claims not reviewable on appeal |
| Whether Alleyne/Apprendi principles render § 1102.1 unconstitutional | Mandatory minimum based on age triggers Alleyne error | Age conceded at sentencing; harmless error; not due to trial court fact-finding | Alleyne concern rendered harmless; not reversible; Miller framework not extended |
Key Cases Cited
- Commonwealth v. Turner, 80 A.3d 754 (Pa. 2013) (presumption of constitutionality of statutes; high burden to show unconstitutionality)
- Commonwealth v. Neiman, 84 A.3d 603 (Pa. 2013) (statutory presumptions and standard of review in constitutional challenges)
- Miller v. Alabama, 132 S. Ct. 2455 (2012) (mandatory life-without-parole for juveniles violated under certain conditions; required individualized consideration)
- Graham v. Florida, 560 U.S. 48 (2010) (juvenile life-without-parole for non-homicide crimes incompatible with consideration of youth)
- Roper v. Simmons, 543 U.S. 551 (2005) (death penalty for juveniles unconstitutional; youth factors relevant)
- Hall v. Florida, 134 S. Ct. 1986 (2014) (Eighth Amendment as applied to juveniles; dignity and maturity considerations)
- Alleyne v. United States, 133 S. Ct. 2151 (2013) (any fact increasing mandatory minimum is an element requiring jury finding)
- Apprendi v. New Jersey, 530 U.S. 466 (2000) (fundamental Apprendi line of sentencing enhancements)
- Commonwealth v. Cartrette, 83 A.3d 1030 (Pa. 2013) (distinction between legality of sentence and discretionary sentencing)
- Commonwealth v. Williams, 787 A.2d 1085 (Pa. Super. 2001) (non-waivable sentencing issues in some contexts; limits on review for legality)
- Commonwealth v. Robinson, 931 A.2d 15 (Pa. Super. 2007) (illegal sentencing doctrine; three categories of legality claims)
- Watley v. Commonwealth, 81 A.3d 108 (Pa. Super. 2013) (waiver considerations for sentencing claims involving constitutionality)