Commonwealth ex rel. Gass v. Maroney

Opinion by

Hoffman, J.,

This is an appeal by William Gass from an order of the lower court dismissing his petition for writ of habeas corpus without a hearing.

Appellant and his co-defendant, Gerald McNeil, were caught by police in the act of removing knives, radios and money from a store. They were indicted on a single bill charging burglary, larceny and receiving stolen goods. A member of the staff of the Defender Association of Philadelphia was appointed to represent them.

Upon the advice of counsel, appellant pleaded guilty and McNeil pleaded not guilty. Appellant then took the stand and…