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2020 PA Super 8
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
: PENNSYLVANIA
:
v. :
:
:
CURTIS MATTHEWS :
:
Appellant : No. 161 WDA 2019
Appeal from the Judgment of Sentence Entered May 20, 2015
In the Court of Common Pleas of Crawford County Criminal Division at
No(s): CP-20-CR-0001114-2013
BEFORE: SHOGAN, J., McLAUGHLIN, J., and FORD ELLIOTT, P.J.E.
OPINION BY McLAUGHLIN, J.: FILED JANUARY 17, 2020
Curtis Matthews appeals from the judgment of sentence imposed
following his convictions for fleeing or attempting to elude police officer,
driving under the influence of alcohol (“DUI”) – general impairment, and DUI
- refusal of blood testing.1 We vacate Matthews’ conviction for DUI - refusal
of blood testing and remand for resentencing. We affirm on all other issues.
Matthews represented himself at his 2015 jury trial, at which the
Commonwealth presented evidence that an on-duty police officer saw
Matthews, while driving an SUV, fail to stop at a stop sign. The officer pulled
over Matthews’ vehicle, but as the officer was calling in the numbers on
Matthews’ registration plate, Matthews drove away. Thus commenced a five-
mile, high-speed chase during which Matthews failed to stop at several stop
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1 See 75 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 3733(a.2)(2), 3802(a)(1), and 3803(b)(2) (previous
version, eff. Oct. 27, 2014).
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signs and a red light, drove in the lane of oncoming traffic, failed to signal,
and nearly struck other vehicles. When Matthews finally stopped, the arresting
officers noted alcohol on Matthews’ breath, and observed him having difficulty
in walking and standing. Matthews admitted to having drunk one beer and to
having an open container of beer in his vehicle. He refused to have his blood
tested for alcohol content.
At the conclusion of trial, the jury convicted Matthews of Count 1,
fleeing and eluding. Matthews had waived his right to a jury trial on the other
charges, and the court, sitting as fact-finder, convicted Matthews of DUI –
general impairment and DUI – refusal of blood testing, at Counts 2 and 3. The
court also convicted Matthews of 15 summary traffic offenses.
Matthews was represented by counsel at his sentencing hearing. The
court sentenced Matthews to serve 42 to 84 months’ incarceration and to pay
a $1,000 fine for fleeing or eluding. The court determined that the two DUI
convictions—Counts 2 and 3—merged for sentencing purposes, and imposed
a single sentence, at Count 2, of three to six months’ incarceration and a
$1,500 fine.2 The court ordered that the DUI sentence be served consecutively
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2 The court initially imposed sentence on May 15, 2015, and entered its
sentencing order on the docket on May 18, 2015. The court entered an
amended sentencing order on May 20, 2015.
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to the fleeing and eluding sentence. Matthews filed post-sentence motions,
which the court denied, and Matthews appealed.3
Matthews raises the following issues:
1. Was it error for the Trial Court to require the physically disabled,
59 year old, Pro Se Appellant to appear before the jury in jail garb,
shackles and handcuffs?
2. Does the use of two forms that violate the future holdings in
Birchfield v. North Dakota, 136 S. Ct. 2160 (2016)[,] mandate
that [Matthews’] conviction be reversed and his enhanced
sentence be determined illegal?
3. When Defense counsel, without the consent and outside the
presence of the Defendant, discloses to the Court and the
Commonwealth confidential communications between the
defendant and his attorney intimating that the defendant is guilty,
should the court recuse itself su[a] sponte?
4. If standby counsel fails to take action necessary for a fair
adjudication to take place, is the defendant entitled to a new trial?
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3 Matthews was represented by counsel on his direct appeal. This Court
dismissed the appeal due to Matthews’ failure to file a brief. See
Commonwealth v. Matthews, No. 1245 WDA 2015 (filed February 1, 2016)
(per curiam). Matthews filed a timely petition under the Post Conviction Relief
Act (“PCRA”). The PCRA court found Matthews’ appellate counsel ineffective
and reinstated his direct appeal rights nunc pro tunc. Matthews accordingly
filed a second direct appeal, but the pattern repeated a second time—this
Court again dismissed the appeal for failure to file a brief, see
Commonwealth v. Matthews, No. 687 WDA 2017 (filed December 5, 2017)
(per curiam), and the PCRA court again reinstated Matthews’ appeal rights
following a timely PCRA petition. After his appeal rights were reinstated the
second time, Matthews’ counsel failed to file a timely notice of appeal. The
PCRA court, having received pro se correspondence from Matthews, but no
correspondence from counsel, deemed counsel ineffective. The court
appointed new counsel, and once again reinstated Matthews’ direct appeal
rights. Matthews thereafter filed a timely notice of appeal, and, finally, an
appellant brief.
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5. When Counsel is denied a continuance to fully investigate the
prior record of the defendant, is the sentence illegal and an abuse
of discretion?
6. Was the sentence illegal because the reason for [sic] given for
departing from the guidelines is part the crime[?]
Matthews’ Br. at 2 (answers of PCRA court omitted).
I. Matthews’ Courtroom Attire
In his first issue, Matthews claims the court ruled he must appear in
court in a prison uniform and wearing either handcuffs and shackles, or a
shock belt. Matthews’ Br. at 8. Matthews argues he objected to these alleged
requirements prior to trial. Id. Although he does not quote or cite the trial
transcript, Matthews also contends that the court informed the jury, during its
opening comments, that Matthews had decided to be restrained, and was
wearing a shocking device in order to prevent him from engaging in unsafe
conduct. Id. at 8-9. Matthews argues that the court’s alleged requirements
and statements to the jury prejudiced him, as they led the jury to believe he
was dangerous. Id. at 9. Matthews also asserts the restraints prevented him
from reading or taking notes during trial, where he was representing himself,
and that the court only ordered that a podium be positioned between him and
the jury, which prevented him from seeing the jury. Id.
Matthews has waived these issues. Contrary to his current argument,
Matthews insisted on wearing his prison uniform during trial, and rejected the
court’s offer of street clothing. See Order, filed 11/7/14, at 1; Order Denying
Post Sentence Motions, filed 7/17/15, at 2; N.T. (pretrial conference),
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11/7/14, at 43-46, 49.4 The court ordered that if Matthews changed his mind,
he would have access to street clothes. Order, filed 11/7/14, at 1. Matthews
does not allege that he changed his mind and requested other clothing, or
specify where in the record he may have done so. See Pa.R.A.P. 2117(c)
(requiring appellant to include in brief manner in which issues were
preserved).
While the court required Matthews to comply with the directive of the
sheriff’s department by wearing either handcuffs and shackles or a shock belt,
Matthews does not argue that the court erred in deferring to the safety
decisions of the sheriff’s department when requiring some form of restraint,
or provide any legal argument on this point. See Commonwealth v. Miller,
212 A.3d 1114, 1131 (Pa.Super. 2019). According to the trial court, the
sheriff’s department required these precautions in response to Matthews’
multiple prosecutions for assaults upon law enforcement officers, and his
“prior disregard of courtroom decorum.” See Order Denying Post Sentence
Motions, filed 7/17/15, at 2. Matthews chose to wear handcuffs and shackles
rather than a shock belt, which would have been invisible to the jury. Id. at
2-3; see also N.T. (pretrial conference), 11/7/14, at 50-52; N.T. (pretrial
conference), 3/5/15, at 15-17.
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4 In rejecting the offer of street clothing, Matthews said, “No. No. No. No. I
want the jury to see the real deal. I’m wearing what I got on. I want them to
know I have been in jail seven months about some bullshit, because the police
want to play peekaboo at the stop sign.” N.T. (pretrial conference), 11/7/14,
at 43.
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Matthews complains the court caused prejudice when it remarked on his
appearance to the jury; however, the transcript of voir dire is not included in
the certified record. Regardless, in its order denying post-sentence motions,
the court quoted the relevant portion of its statements to the jury on this
issue, and explained that it raised the issue of Matthews’ appearance in order
to voir dire the potential jurors to ensure no juror would be prejudiced against
Matthews by the sight of the prison uniform and restraints. See Order Denying
Post Sentence Motions, 7/17/15, at 3-4.
Furthermore, by electing to wear handcuffs rather than a shock belt,
Matthews waived his argument that the handcuffs prevented him from
effective self-representation. It was not until the third day of trial that
Matthews requested the handcuffs be removed to allow him “to represent
[him]self, shuffle [his] papers better,” and “to demonstrate to the jury when
[the arresting officer] told [him] to get down on [his] hands and knees[.]”
N.T. (Trial), 3/11/15 (Morning), at 19-20. The judge denied the request,
stating, “I promised this jury we’re going to start at 9:00 . . . . [Y]ou waived
that[, and] I can’t drop everything now and put a shock belt on you.” Id. at
20-21. Moreover, the court observed, “I have been watching you throughout
this trial, you have been well able to use both of your hands. . . . You have
been well able to write.” Id. at 19-20.
Finally, Matthews does not indicate where in the record he preserved
the issue that the location of the podium prevented him from seeing the jury.
See Pa.R.A.P. 302(a) (issues cannot be raised for the first time on appeal). At
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any rate, the record reflects the court instructed both Matthews and the
Commonwealth to stand behind the podium when making argument,
examining witnesses, and addressing the jury. See N.T. (pretrial conference),
3/9/15, at 2. We therefore fail to see how any relief is due.
II. Birchfield
Matthews next argues that the Commonwealth impermissibly argued,
and the court erroneously instructed the jury, that his refusal to submit to
blood testing was evidence of his consciousness of guilt. Matthews’ Br. at 10.
Matthews also argues that he should not have been subjected to enhanced
penalties for refusing to provide a blood sample. Id.
The first argument warrants no relief. Evidence that a defendant refused
to submit to a warrantless blood test is admissible at trial. See 75 Pa.C.S.A.
§ 1547(e); Commonwealth v. Bell, 211 A.3d 761, 763-64 (Pa. 2019).
However, we conclude Matthews’ conviction for DUI - refusal of blood
testing cannot stand. First, a refusal to submit to blood testing, at the time of
Matthews’ arrest, was not a separate criminal offense, but a fact which
enhanced the penalties applicable for violations of the DUI statute, 75
Pa.C.S.A. § 3802. See 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3803(b), amended Dec. 24, 2018; 75
Pa.C.S.A. § 3804(c), amended Dec. 24, 2018. Even today, evidence of refusal
of blood testing still does not constitute a substantive criminal offense, but
acts to elevate the grading and enhance the penalties for a DUI conviction.
See 75 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 3803(b), 3804(c).
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Here, the court convicted Matthews at Count 2 of violating Section
3802(a)(1), general impairment. See Information, filed 1/9/14. The court also
convicted Matthews at Count 3, wherein he was charged with violating the
exact same subsection of the DUI statute, but included the allegation that
Matthews had refused of blood testing. See id. However, Matthews did not
commit two distinct DUI offenses, or violate two separate subsections of the
DUI statute, and the court therefore erred in convicting Matthews of two
counts of DUI. As the error implicates the legality of Matthews’ sentence, we
hold one of the DUI convictions must be vacated. See Commonwealth v.
Farrow, 168 A.3d 207, 213, 215-18 (Pa.Super. 2017) (stating issue
implicates legality of sentence; vacating duplicative DUI convictions where
Commonwealth charged DUI-general impairment as well as two separate
counts reflecting sentencing enhancements).5
In addition, in the wake of Birchfield, we have held that the previous
versions of Sections 3803 and 3804 are unconstitutional, insofar as they
impose enhanced criminal penalties upon defendants who refused to consent
to a warrantless blood test. See Commonwealth v. Giron, 155 A.3d 635,
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5That the court only imposed one sentence on the two counts does not remedy
that Matthews’ criminal record now reflects an extra conviction. See Farrow,
168 A.3d at 215-18 (vacating duplicate DUI convictions and remanding for
resentencing despite that trial court found DUI convictions merged and
imposed only one sentence with “no further penalty” on remaining
convictions).
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640 (Pa.Super. 2017).6 Any application of the unconstitutional enhancements
renders a sentence illegal. Id. As the issue is one implicating the legality of
the sentence, it is nonwaiveable. Commonwealth v. Monarch, 200 A.3d 51,
56 (Pa. 2019); see, e.g., Giron, 155 A.3d at 638 (raising sua sponte issue of
application of Sections 3803 and 3804 to sentence which was imposed prior
to Birchfield).7 We therefore conclude Matthews’ conviction at Count 3 for
DUI – refusal should be vacated, and the conviction at Count 2 for DUI –
general impairment should remain.
As the court imposed a “merged” sentence for Counts 2 and 3, we must
next determine whether the court imposed an enhanced sentence based on
Matthews’ refusal of blood testing. As a first DUI offender, at the time of
Matthews’ sentencing, his exposure at Count 2, for DUI - general impairment,
without considering his refusal, was a mandatory minimum sentence of six
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6 Accordingly, the current versions of these statutes only impose enhanced
penalties on defendants who refuse to consent either to breath testing, or to
blood testing pursuant to a valid search warrant.
7 In its Rule 1925(a) opinion, the trial court found that Matthews had waived
any relief under Birchfield by failing to raise the issue before the court prior
to Rule 1925(b) statement of errors complained of on appeal. Trial Court
Opinion, 3/4/19, at 4. In so finding, the court relied on Commonwealth v.
Moyer, 171 A.3d 849 (Pa.Super. 2017). However, Moyer held that a
defendant is not entitled to raise the protections of Birchfield for the first
time on appeal when the defendant had failed to challenge during trial the
admissibility of the results of the blood test. Moyer, 171 A.3d at 855. Moyer
therefore dealt with the implications of Birchfield on the admissibility of blood
test results at trial, not the legality of a sentence enhanced by the defendant’s
refusal of blood testing, and Moyer’s holding regarding waiver does not apply
here.
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months’ probation and a $300 fine, see 75 Pa.C.S.A. 3804(a)(1), and a
maximum sentence of six months’ incarceration, see 75 Pa.C.S.A. §
3803(a)(1).8 The offense was to be graded as a misdemeanor. Id. His
exposure at Count 3, for DUI - refusal, was a mandatory minimum of 72 hours
incarceration and a $1,000 to $5,000 fine, see § 3804(c)(1), amended Dec.
24, 2018, and a maximum sentence of six months’ incarceration, see §
3803(b)(2), amended Dec. 24, 2018. With the enhancement, the offense was
still graded as a misdemeanor. Id. The grading and maximum sentence,
therefore, were not increased by Matthews’ refusal; both applicable
subsections provided his DUI was graded as a misdemeanor, and allowed for
a maximum sentence of six months’ incarceration. However, under the
enhancement, the minimum sentence increased from a mandatory six
month’s probation to a mandatory 72 hours’ imprisonment, and from a $300
fine to a $1,000 to $5,000 fine. The Sentencing Guidelines, both with and
without the enhancement, reflected a standard range sentence of a minimum
of three months’ imprisonment.9
The court imposed the “merged” sentence at Count 2. It imposed the
standard guidelines sentence of three to six months’ incarceration, and a
$1,500 fine. On the face of the sentence, therefore, it is impossible to tell
whether the term of three to six months’ incarceration was influenced by the
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8 The penalties are the same under the current versions of the statutes.
9 The court found the Sentencing Guidelines categorized Matthews’ as a
Repeat Felony 1/Felony 2 Offender (“RFEL”). See 204 Pa. Code § 303.4(a)(2).
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enhanced mandatory minimum. However, the court did impose an enhanced
fine. We conclude that the appropriate course of action in this case is to vacate
Matthews’ judgment of sentence on Count 2 and remand for resentencing, to
ensure Matthews is not subject to an enhanced sentence based on his refusal
to consent to a warrantless blood test.
As the sentence at Count 2 was consecutive to that at Count 1, we
remand for resentencing on both counts, to ensure the court’s overall
sentencing scheme is not disturbed. See Commonwealth v. Thur, 906 A.2d
552, 569-70 (Pa.Super. 2006). In sum, we vacate Matthews’ conviction on
Count 3 and remand for resentencing on Counts 1 and 2.
III. Recusal
Matthews claims that prior to trial, his previous counsel moved to
withdraw, and when doing so, had a discussion with the court in which counsel
disclosed the contents of a confidential conversation he had had with
Matthews. Matthews’ Br. at 11. Specifically, according to Matthews, his
counsel informed the court he had told Matthews he did not have a defense
to the charges, and Matthews had agreed that he had no defense. Id.
Matthews argues this disclosure constituted a violation of the rules of
professional conduct, and the trial judge had a duty to recuse himself. Id. at
11-12. Matthews asserts that he did not raise the issue earlier because he was
not present during the discussion between the court and counsel, and only
became aware of it when reading the transcript of trial. Id. at 12.
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This claim is waived. A recusal motion must be made clearly and on the
record. Otherwise, “the trial judge may fail to engage in the independent
analysis and self-reflection necessary to make a cognizable ruling on the
motion.” Commonwealth v. Luketic, 162 A.3d 1149, 1158 (Pa.Super.
2017). Matthews did not preserve this issue in the trial court, and has not
offered any legal authority to support the proposition that the court was
responsible to recuse sua sponte.
Moreover, according to the trial court opinion, Matthews was advised of
the hearing on counsel’s request to withdraw, but failed to appear. At the
hearing, Matthews’ counsel requested to withdraw due to lack of payment. He
stated his strategy had been to secure a nolle prosequi on drug charges that
Matthews had initially been facing, he had been successful in that regard, and
Matthews had thereafter agreed to accept a plea deal, as, according to
counsel, he “wouldn’t have a defense to the other charges.” Tr. Ct. Op. at 5
(quoting N.T. (Withdrawal Hearing), 5/23/14, at 7).10 Counsel related
Matthews had since changed his mind, and desired to present a defense
through new counsel rather than plead guilty. Id. Matthews’ counsel therefore
did not disclose any confidential admission of guilt by Matthews. And, in
reviewing this issue, the court explained that the foregoing statements did not
influence its decision when finding Matthews guilty on the DUI and traffic
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10Counsel also stated, “[T]hat was always my instructions to him that he
would have a very difficult time defending the two other charges and then the
multiple summaries in this case and that’s where one of the conflicts arise.”
N.T. (Withdrawal Hearing), 5/23/2014, at 7.
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charges. Id. We therefore conclude that even if Matthews had preserved the
issue by making a timely motion for recusal, it would merit no relief.
IV. Standby Counsel
Matthews next argues that although he cannot raise a claim of
ineffectiveness of standby counsel, the court erred in failing to ensure that
Matthews’ standby counsel adequately assisted him in serving subpoenas on
witnesses. Matthews’ Br. at 13. Although he does not quote or cite to the
record, Matthews claims he repeatedly raised during trial that standby counsel
had not been serving the subpoenas Matthews had requested, and the court
erred in failing to determine whether or not it was standby counsel’s obligation
to serve subpoenas on Matthews’ behalf. Id.11
As Matthews acknowledges, there is no cognizable claim for ineffective
assistance of standby counsel. See Commonwealth v. Blakeney, 108 A.3d
739, 749 (Pa. 2014). To the extent Matthews argues that the court somehow
thwarted his ability to serve subpoenas by misleading him as to the
responsibilities of standby counsel, Matthews has not established that he
preserved this issue as a claim of trial court error, rather than as a prohibited
claim of standby counsel ineffectiveness.
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11 Matthews also argues that standby counsel participated in a sidebar
conference without Matthews, which led the jury to believe Matthews was not
competently representing himself. Matthews’ Br. at 13. Matthews has waived
this argument by his failure to raise the issue in his Rule 1925(b) statement
of errors. See Pa.R.A.P. 1925(b)(4)(vii).
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Furthermore, Matthews has failed to establish that the claim warrants
relief, as Matthews has not asserted that the court interfered with his ability
to serve a subpoena upon any specific witness, such that the witness failed to
appear for trial. Nor does he argue that any missing witness’s testimony would
have affected the outcome of the proceedings. Regardless, such an argument
would likely fail, as, according to the court, “Matthews was questioned about
who he wished to have testify, and [standby counsel] informed the court that,
except for one or two of the treating physicians, he had arranged for them all
to appear[.]” Tr. Ct. Op. at 7 (footnote and citations to trial transcripts
omitted). The court also noted that it had indicated that the testimony of
multiple physicians would be cumulative. Id. at 7 n.12. We therefore refute
Matthews’ attempt to reframe a claim of ineffectiveness of standby counsel as
a vague claim of trial court error, and deny relief on this issue.
V. Continuance Request
Matthews argues the court abused its discretion in denying his request
to continue his sentencing hearing. Matthews’ Br. at 14. Matthews states his
counsel requested the continuance in order to investigate Matthews’ criminal
record, for the purposes of recalculating Matthews’ prior record score (“PRS”).
Id. Matthews argues that because his criminal history is old and includes
convictions from other states, Matthews had informed his counsel, on the day
of sentencing, that the PRS calculated by the court was incorrect. Id.
The trial court has discretion to grant or deny a continuance request,
and its decision will not be reversed absent a showing an abuse of that
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discretion. Commonwealth v. Antidormi, 84 A.3d 736, 745 (Pa.Super.
2014). An appellant must establish he was prejudiced by the denial of the
motion, by showing “specifically in what manner he was unable to prepare . .
. or how he would have prepared differently had he been given more time.”
Id. at 745 (quoting Commonwealth v. Ross, 57 A.3d 85, 91 (Pa.Super.
2012)).
According to the trial court opinion, the court denied the request for a
continuance because (1) Matthews’ initial sentencing hearing had already
been continued once because Matthews had contested his PRS and requested
counsel; (2) some time prior to sentencing, the court provided counsel with
the explanation of the Adult Probation/Parole Department’s PRS calculation;
(3) the court also advised the parties, via a letter, that the court concluded
Matthews fell into the category of an RFEL; and (4) on the day before
sentencing, Matthew’s counsel provided the court with a three-page
memorandum regarding the PRS calculation. Tr. Ct. Op. at 9. Furthermore,
the sentencing transcript reflects that the court undertook a thorough review
of Matthews’ PRS prior to the hearing, and considered additional arguments
Matthews raised against his classification as an RFEL at the hearing. See N.T.
(Sentencing), 5/15/15, at 12-13, 16-17, 26-31.12 Therefore, Matthews’ PRS
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12The court also stated, “[T]here’s nothing so complex about this presentence
report that would require us to postpone sentencing as a consequence of such
complexity that we have to have a special hearing just to address whether or
not the presentence investigation report is accurate or not. I’m prepared to
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had been duly at issue for some time, and the court was not obligated to
comply with the last-minute request for another continuance.
Moreover, Matthews has failed to allege prejudice, by way of asserting
that the court erred in determining he was in the RFEL category. 13 The court
also noted that even if the court had considered his PRS as 5, as Matthews
argued at the hearing, it would not have affected Matthews’ sentence, as (1)
the court had discretion to consider criminal history not included in the PRS
calculation, and (2) the court chose to impose a sentence that exceeded the
guidelines when computed using either a PRS as 5 or the RFEL category. Tr.
Ct. Op. at 8. We therefore find the court did not abuse its discretion in denying
the request for a continuance.
VI. Sentence
In his final issue, Matthews argues the court imposed an illegal
sentence. Matthews’ Br. at 14. Matthews claims the court imposed a sentence
for fleeing and eluding that was in excess of the aggravated range, on the
basis that Matthews engaged in a high-speed chase that endangered law
enforcement or the public. Id. at 15. Matthews states that because these
factors statutorily enhance the grading of the crime for which he was
convicted, they were already contemplated by the offense gravity score, and
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address the prior record score today. If we happen to make an error, you can
raise that in your post-sentence motion[.]” N.T. (Sentencing) at 17.
13Although Matthews has not directly challenged the court’s calculation of his
PRS, which is a discretionary sentencing claim, here it is relevant insofar as
whether the court’s denial of the continuance request prejudiced Matthews.
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the court’s considering these factors as a basis for imposing an aggravated
sentence constituted impermissible “double counting.” Id. (quoting
Commonwealth v. Goggins, 748 A.2d 721, 732 (Pa.Super. 2000) (en
banc)).
We reject Matthews’ attempt to frame this issue as a challenge to the
legality of his sentence, as the assertion that the trial court considered
impermissible factors at sentencing is properly categorized as a challenge to
the discretionary aspects of a sentence. See, e.g., Goggins, 748 A.2d at 731;
Commonwealth v. Impellizzeri, 661 A.2d 422, 433 (Pa.Super. 1995);
Commonwealth v. Dotter, 589 A.2d 726, 730-31 (Pa.Super. 1991).
Although Matthews has included a Rule 2119(f) statement in his brief, arguing
that we should exercise our discretion to review the sentence because it raises
a substantial question, Matthews did not preserve this issue by raising it
before the trial court at sentencing, or in his post-sentence motion or amended
post-sentence motion. He also failed to include this issue in his Rule 1925(b)
statement of errors. Accordingly, the trial court did not address this claim in
its Rule 1925(a) opinion. The issue is therefore waived, and we decline to
review it.
Judgment of sentence vacated. Conviction on DUI - refusal of blood
testing vacated. Remanded for resentencing. Jurisdiction relinquished.
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Judgment Entered.
Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
Prothonotary
Date: 1/17/2020
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