Pennsylvania v. Brooks (majority)
Annotate this CaseThe Commonwealth appealed the reversal of appellee Willie Brooks' sentence and grant of a new trial. Appellee was appointed defense counsel after being charged with criminal attempt to commit homicide, possession of a firearm, possession of an instrument of crime, and loitering and prowling at night. After a pre-trial conference was continued six times, trial was set nearly two and a half years after appellee was originally charged. The day jury selection was to begin, appellee asked for leave to represent himself, and asked for a continuance to prepare his defense. The trial court surmised that appellee's latest request was a delaying tactic and denied the continuance. The Superior Court reversed the trial court's decision, ruling that it was error to deny appellee's last continuance request. The Commonwealth appealed the Superior Court's decision. The Supreme Court concluded the trial court did not abuse its discretion under the circumstances of this case, vacated the Superior Court's reversal, and reinstated appellee's conviction and sentence.
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