Commonwealth v. Beauford

CIRILLO, Judge:

These consolidated, direct appeals raise an issue of first impression in this Commonwealth: whether the utilization by law enforcement agencies of pen registers or dialed number recorders (DNRs) requires a judicial order based upon probable cause. We hold that such an order is required, and reverse the judgments of sentence.

Each of the six appellants was arrested in March of 1981 after searches of their individual residences revealed vari ous illegal gambling paraphernalia and, as to certain appellants, controlled substances. After separate non-jury trials, each appellant was…