Commonwealth v. Black

Appellant robbed Thomas Schmuck of $204 by holding a knife to Schmuck’s throat and threatening his life. Appellant was charged with robbery and pled nolo contendere. York County Judge Joseph E. Erb refused to accept the plea bargain appellant had worked out with the district attorney. Appellant stood on his plea, and on June 6, 1980, Judge Erb sentenced him to serve three to six years in a state penitentiary. Appellant challenges the judgment of sentence.

It is well settled that Pennsylvania trial judges are vested with broad sentencing discretion with which the appellate courts will not…