Commonwealth v. Gentile (Lawyers Weekly No. 10-011-14)
Trooper's subjective belief that resident was lying insufficient to establish reasonable belief that arrest warrant subject was present in home at time of entry.
Commonwealth
Commonwealth v. Pariseau (Lawyers Weekly No. 10-008-14)
Trial judge's delayed decision in sexually dangerous person commitment case violated thirty-day deadline but did not warrant dismissal; alternative remedies available.
Commonwealth v. Berry (Lawyers Weekly No. 10-004-14)
Murder conviction reduced from first to second degree where defendant's severe mental illness and brain tumor were closely intertwined with her violent conduct.
Commonwealth v. Denehy (Lawyers Weekly No. 10-002-14)
Defendant entitled to speedy trial dismissal where Commonwealth failed to justify delay exceeding twelve-month rule 36 period. Trial counsel's withdrawal of meritorious speedy trial motion constituted ineffective assistance.
Commonwealth v. Maldonado (Lawyers Weekly No. 10-003-14)
Murder conviction affirmed where defendant challenged courtroom identification requirement for spectators, grand jury testimony admission, hearsay evidence, and juror questioning procedures in gang-related shooting case.
Commonwealth v. Oyewole (Lawyers Weekly No. 11-001-14)
Conviction for operating with suspended license affirmed. Docket entry showing OUI disposition with sixty-day suspension, combined with defendant's court appearance, sufficiently proved suspension and notice.
Commonwealth v. Woods (Lawyers Weekly No. 10-001-14)
Murder conviction affirmed where circumstantial evidence showed defendant had motive, opportunity, made prior threats, and demonstrated consciousness of guilt through false statements.
Commonwealth v. Povez (Lawyers Weekly No. 11-150-13)
Prosecutor's peremptory challenge of Hispanic juror based on father's federal courthouse employment violated equal protection principles; judge's failure to adequately analyze genuineness of reason warranted reversal.
Commonwealth v. Rose (Lawyers Weekly No. 11-149-13)
Conspiracy to distribute drugs is not duplicative of distribution charge when evidence shows pre-arranged agreement to commit the substantive offense.
Commonwealth v. Brown (Lawyers Weekly No. 10-203-13)
Juvenile convicted of murder in first degree sentenced to life without parole under mandatory scheme. Court applies severability doctrine rather than creating new procedures, resulting in life with parole eligibility after fifteen years.