Opinion

Commonwealth v. Boyle

  • 394 Pa. Super. 513
  • 576 A.2d 967
  • 1990 Pa. Super. LEXIS 924
Court
Superior Court of Pennsylvania
Filed
May 2, 1990
Status
Published
Author
McEwen
On the bench
Files, McEwen, Montgomery, Popovich
Cited by
2 cases

The opinion

McEWEN, Judge,

dissenting:

Since the expression of the majority view mirrors a most careful study, as well as an insightful analysis of the issues presented in this appeal, I am most hesitant to differ. However, the nagging impression that two aspects of the evidentiary presentation effected substantial prejudice upon appellant matures to conclusion in the light of the verdict of the jury acquitting appellant of all fourteen counts of failure to pay sales tax, while finding him guilty of the seven counts of failure to file sales tax returns. First, the cautionary instruction provided by the trial judge did not adequately redress the prejudice which befell appellant when the prosecution elicited from a Commonwealth witness testimony that appellant had been delinquent in connection with the returns for a period which was not the *538 subject of the prosecution. Second, the issue of “wilfulness” is as applicable to the counts of failing to file a return-as it is to the failure to pay the tax, and, as a result, the testimony of appellant about his effort to secure loans to pay the tax was relevant and thereby admissible. Thus, I would grant appellant a new trial.

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.

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