Asfaw v. Commonwealth

KELSEY, Judge.

A jury convicted Michael Kidus Asfaw of four counts of robbery and one count of use of a firearm during a robbery. On appeal, Asfaw contends the trial court erroneously denied his pretrial request for a transcript of his preliminary hearing. We agree with Asfaw, reverse his convictions, and remand for retrial after the transcript has been made available to him.

I

Just over two weeks before trial, Asfaw’s counsel filed a motion seeking the preparation of a transcript of his preliminary hearing. The court had previously found Asfaw to be indigent and appointed counsel to represent…