Commonwealth v. Edwards

CAVANAUGH, Judge:

These two consolidated appeals present the issue of the propriety of conviction and sentence for the crime of summary criminal contempt at bench warrant hearings where the appellants had violated conditions of bah and there was no pre-hearing notice that liability for criminal contempt and sentencing would be considered at the hearing.

Each appellant was adjudged guilty of criminal contempt and sentenced to five months and twenty-nine days of imprisonment. They had each failed to appear as required at previous court proceedings. Appellants first argue that the convictions are…