Commonwealth ex rel. Southerland v. Rundle

Opinion

Per Curiam,

This is an appeal from an order of the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County, dismissing relator’s petition for a writ of habeas corpus.

Relator pleaded guilty on October 2, 1963 to charges of burglary, larceny, receiving stolen goods, and conspiracy. He now alleges that he changed his plea to guilty at trial, because of threats from the district attorney that he would receive a heavier sentence if he did not do so. He further asserts that his trial counsel, the Voluntary Defender, was inadequate.

The court below held an extensive hearing on the habeas corpus petition.…