Commonwealth v. Smalis

OPINION

McDERMOTT, Justice.

In this appeal we are asked to decide whether appellant’s constitutional rights will be violated if her bench trial is resumed following an extended stay of the proceedings occasioned by the Commonwealth’s appeal from an order sustaining demurrers to certain, but not all, criminal charges.

Appellant, Despina Smalis, along with her husband, owned adjoining buildings located in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh. The premises housed the “Chances R” restaurant and lounge on the first floor and seven moderately-priced rental apartments on the second floor. On the morning…