Commonwealth v. Connor

We are asked to consider whether acceptance of a written withdrawal of an appeal to a jury of six session in a District Court must be accompanied by a colloquy between the judge and the defendant to ascertain if, in withdrawing his appeal, the defendant acted voluntarily and with understanding. We conclude that such a colloquy is required.

On December 21, 1979, Connor Construction Company, Inc. (the company), of which the defendant Eugene R. Connor was president, held Christmas revels during which the peaceful sentiments of the season apparently became submerged. Before the party was over,…