People in Pennsylvania who find themselves arrested for serious felony crimes must always try to remember that the criminal justice process offers them opportunities for a fair defense. This includes appeals that can be made even after a trial is complete and a sentence has been handed down. For some defendants, this can offer the opportunity for a new sentence or even a new trial.
One man who was a former resident of Bethlehem was convicted of the murder of another man from an incident that occurred three years ago. The original trial ended with him being sentenced on different charges. One sentence was for a charge of first degree murder. Two other sentences were for weapons charges. In all, the man was to serve a minimum of 51 years in prison, with a potential of spending the rest of his life incarcerated.
A ruling handed down by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, however, has potentially changed that. One of the weapons charges for which the man was convicted will now be changed. Instead of being considered a felony, the judge ordered it to be considered a misdemeanor. That will change the sentencing for the crime. Because the three sentences were to happen consecutively, the defendant will get all new sentences for the other charges as well.
While it is never known how a trial or an appeal will work out for a defendant, it may be helpful to work with an attorney during the process. The complicated nature of criminal cases may be better explained to defendants by a trusted defense attorney.
Source: The Morning Call, “Teen killer to get new sentence on weapons offense,” Peter Hall, April 12, 2015
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a sentence be changed after a conviction is final?
Yes, in certain circumstances. A defendant may pursue a direct appeal, and if the appellate court finds that a charge was misclassified or a legal error occurred, the case can be sent back to the trial court for resentencing on the affected charge or charges.
What happens when one charge in a consecutive sentence is changed on appeal?
When sentences are structured to run consecutively, a change to one component can require the trial court to resentence the defendant on the remaining charges as well, since the original sentencing scheme was calculated as an interconnected whole.
How long does a criminal appeal typically take in Pennsylvania?
Appeal timelines vary widely depending on the complexity of the legal issues, the court’s caseload, and whether the case is further appealed to a higher court. Some appeals resolve within a year, while more complex cases can take considerably longer.
Does a successful appeal mean the defendant is found not guilty?
Not necessarily. An appeal often addresses specific legal errors, such as how a charge was classified or how a sentence was calculated, rather than the underlying question of guilt. A successful appeal can result in a new sentence, a new trial, or dismissal of specific charges, depending on the issue raised.
When should someone consult an attorney about a potential appeal?
As soon as possible after conviction or sentencing, since Pennsylvania imposes strict deadlines for filing post-sentence motions and notices of appeal. Missing these deadlines can permanently forfeit the right to challenge a conviction or sentence.
Contact a Pennsylvania Criminal Appeals Attorney at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C.
Navigating a criminal appeal or resentencing requires skilled legal guidance. At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., our attorneys have over 65 years of experience representing clients throughout every stage of the Pennsylvania criminal justice process. Call us at (215) 822-7575 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
August 24, 2026
