HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-5406JOHN B. RICHWINE, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Appellant, : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
vs.
No. 02 - CIVIL TERM
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA rye
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION,
BUREAU OF DRIVER LICENSING
Appellee
PETITION FOR APPEAL FROM IMPOSITION OF
IGNITION INTERLOCK REQUIREMENT_
1 Appellant herein is John B. Richwine, residing at and having a mailing
address of: 932 Emily Drive, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, PA 17055.
2. Appellee herein is the Department of Transportation of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, having a mailing address of : Department of
Transportation, Bureau of Driver Licensing, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17123.
3. By letter or notice dated October 24, 2002, a copy of which is
attached hereto as Exhibit A, the Department of Transportation suspended Appellant's
operating privileges as a result of his conviction for DUI and sua sponte imposed
ignition interlock requirements.
4. Imposition of ignition interlock requirements is unlawful in that it was
done by PennDOT without legal authority and in the absence of imposition of those
requirements by this Court.
VERIFICATION
I verify that the statements made in this Petition are true and correct.
I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18
Pa.C.S.A. § 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Date John B. Richwine
q:3D
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Bureau of Driver Licensing
Mail Date: OCTOBER 24, 2002
JOHN BRADLEY RICHWINE WID # 022906114644702 001
932 EMILY DRIVE PROCESSING DATE 1011712002
DRIVER LICENSE # 19846429
MECHANICSBURG PA 17055 DATE OF BIRTH 11/06/1961
LICENSE IN BUREAU
Dear MR. RICHWINE:
This is an Official Notice of the Suspension of Your Driving
Privilege as authorized by Section 1532B of the Pennsylvania
Vehicle Code. As a result of your 08/20/20012 conviction of
violating Section 3731 of the Vehicle Code DRIVING UNDER
INFLUENCE on 02/06/2002:
• Your driving privilege is SUSPENDED for a Period of 1
YEAR(S) effective 04/16/2003 at 12:01 a.m.
??e*??***?*e****?*?*****?*?****geeExe?????*??*?**?eE*?ee???eEe¦
I WARNING: If you are convicted of driving while your I
I license is suspended/revoked the penalties will be a I
I MINIMUM of 90 days imprisonment AND a $1,000 fine AND I
I your driving privilege will be suspended/revoked for I
I a MINIMUM 1 year period
eE??e***??**?*?***??eE?***e???****eE?****?????¦*?eE?**e??*???*?
This suspension is in addition to any other suspensions
already on your record.
PRISON RELEASE REQUIREMENT (ACT151)
The Court of CUMBERLAND CTY, Court Number 011040, Court Term
2002 has sentenced you to serve a prison term for this
violation. Pursuant to Section 1541(a.l) of the Vehicle
Code, you will not receive credit for this
suspension/revocation or any additional
suspension/revocation until you complete your prison term.
The Court must certify your completion to PennDOT. You may
wish to contact your probation officer and/or the Court
after your release to make sure that PennDOT is properly
notified.
022906114644702
IGNITION INTERLOCK
Before your driving privilege can be restored you are
required by law to have all vehicle(s) owned by you to be
equipped with an Ignition Interlock System. This is a result
of your conviction for Driving Under the Influence. If you
fail to comply with this requirement, your driving privilege
will remain suspended for an additional year. You will
receive more information regarding this requirement
approximately 30 days before your eligibility date.
PROVIDING PROOF OF INSURANCE
Within the last 30 days of your suspension/revocation, we
will send you a letter asking that you provide proof of
insurance at that time. This letter will list acceptable
documents and what will be needed if you do not own a vehicle
registered in Pennsylvania.
Important: Please make sure that PennDOT is notified if you
move from your current address. You may notify PennDOT of
your address change by calling any of the phone numbers
listed at the end of this letter.
APPEAL
You have the right to appeal this action to the Court of
Common Pleas (Civil Division) within 30 days of the mail
date, OCTOBER 24, 2002, of this letter. If you file an
appeal in the County Court, the Court will give you a
time-Stamped certified copy of the appeal. In order for
your appeal to be valid, you must send this time-stamped
certified copy of the appeal by certified mail to:
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Office of Chief Counsel
Third Floor, Riverfront Office Center
Harrisburg, PA 17104-2516
Remember, this is an OFFICIAL NOTICE OF SUSPENSION.
Sincerely,
Rebecca L. Bic:kley, Director
Bureau of Driver Licensing
022906114644702
INFORMATION 7:00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.
IN STATE 1-800-932-4600 TDD IN STATE 1-800-228-0676
OUT-OF-STATE 717-391-6190 TDD OUT-OF-STATE 717-391-6191
WEB SITE ADDRESS www.dot.state.pa.us
JOHN B. RICHWINE,
Appellant,
vs.
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION,
BUREAU OF DRIVER LICENSING
Appellee
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 02 - 5-;O? CIVIL TERM
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this /0 day of _2 tz& , 2002, based upon
Appellant's Appeal, a hearing shall be held on the /0-4 day of
°w at /6;& ' m. in Courtroom No. of the
Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
BY THE COURT,
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JOHN RICHWINE,
Appellant,
vs.
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION,
BUREAU OF DRIVER LICENSING
Appellee
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 02 -,fg4CIVIL TERM
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I served a true and correct copy of the Petition For
Appeal From Imposition of Ignition Interlock Requirements filed in the above captioned
case upon Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, by certified mail, return receipt
requested on November 7, 2002 addressed to:
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Office Chief of Chief Counsel
3rd Floor Riverfront Office Center
Harrisburg, PA 17104-2516
and did thereafter receive same as evidenced by the attached Post Office receipt card
dated November 12, 2002.
1 VERIFY THAT THE STATEMENTS MADE IN THE FOREGOING AFFIDAVIT
OF SERVICE ARE TRUE AND CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE,
INFORMATION AND BELIEF, I UNDERSTAND THAT FALSE STATEMENTS HEREIN
MADE ARE SUBJECT TO THE PENALTIES OF 18 PA.C.S. SECTION 4904
RELATING TO UNSWORN FALSIFICATION TO AUTHORITIES.
TURO LAW OFFICES
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Ro ert ulderig, Es ire
28 Sou h Pitt Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 245-9688
Attorney for Appellant
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JOHN RICHWINE,
Appellant
VS.
COM. OF PENNSYLVANIA,
DEPT. OF TRANS., BUREAU OF
DRIVER LICENSING,
Appellee
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
02-5406 CIVIL
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
LICENSE SUSPENSION APPEAL
ORDER
AND NOW, this 1 3 ` day of February, 2003, the ,appeal of John Richwine is
SUSTAINED with respect to that portion of his driver's license suspension which reads as
follows:
Ignition Interlock
Before your driving privilege can be restored you
are required by law to have all vehicle(s) owned by
you to be equipped with an Ignition Interlock
System. This is a result of your conviction for
Driving Under the Influence. If you fail to comply
with this requirement, your driving privilege will
remain suspended for an additional year. You will
receive more information regarding this
requirement approximately 30 days before your
eligibility date.
Said provision of appellant's suspension is VACATED. See Albert Schneider v. Com.
PA, Dept. of Transp., Bureau of Driver Licensing, 11513 C.D. 2.001 (Pa.Cmwlth. 2002). The
appeal with regard to the remaining provisions of the driver's license suspension is DENIED and
said suspension is reinstated.
BY THE COURT,
Kevi . Hess, J.
Ll Nn, nr, , ,
Robert J. Mulderig, Esquire
For the Appellant
George Kabusk, Esquire
For PennDOT
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COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
DEPARTMENT O F TRANSPORTATION
OFFICE OF CHIEF COUNSEL
VEHICLE & TRAFFIC LAW DIVISION
BY: TERRANCE M. EDWARDS
ASSISTANT COUNSEL
APPELLATE SECTION
ATTORNEY IDENTIFICATION NO. 25231
RIVERFRONT OFFICE CENTER - THIRD FLOOR
1101 SOUTH FRONT STREET
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 17104-2516
(717) 787-2830
JOHN RICHWINE,
Appellee :
}
VS. :
}
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA,
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, }
BUREAU OF DRIVER LICENSING,
Appellant }
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
NO. 02-5406 Civil Term
Notice of Ameal
Notice is hereby given that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation,
Bureau of Driver Licensing, hereby appeals to the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania from the order that
was filed in this matter on February 13, 2003. This order is from a statutory appeal and cannot be reduced to
judgment. The order has been entered in the docket and notice of its entry has been given under Pa. R.C.P.
236. A copy of the docket entries are attached hereto.
TERRANCE M. EDWARDS
Assistant Counsel
Appellate Section r-
Riverside Office Center - Third Floor
1101 South Front Street
:Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17104-2516
(717) 787-2830
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
DEPARTMENT O F TRANSPORTATION
OFFICE OF CHIEF COUNSEL
VEHICLE & TRAFFIC LAW DIVISION
BY: TERRANCE M. EDWARDS
ASSISTANT COUNSEL
APPELLATE SECTION
ATTORNEY IDENTIFICATION NO. 25231
RIVERFRONT OFFICE CENTER - THIRD FLOOR
1101 SOUTH FRONT STREET
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 17104-2516
(717) 787-2830
JOHN RICHWINE,
Appellee
} IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF' CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
}
VS.
}
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA,
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, }
BUREAU OF DRIVER LICENSING,
Appellant } NO. 02-5406 Civil Term
Request for Transcript
A notice of appeal having been filed in this matter, the official court reporter is hereby
requested to produce, certify and file the transcript in this matter in conformity with Pa. R.A.P. 1922.
Prepare only the original for inclusion in the record as the Appellant, Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation, Bureau of Driver Licensing, does not desire a copy of the
transcript.
TERRANCE M. EDWARDS
Assistant Counsel
Appellate Section
Riverside Office Center - Third Floor
1101 South Front Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17104-2516
(717) 787-2830
PYS510 Cumberland County Prothonotary's Office Page 1
Civil Case Inquiry
2002-05406 RICHWINE JOHN B (vs) PENNSYLVANIA COMMONWEALT OF
Reference No..: Filed........: 11/07/2002
Case Type.....: APPEAL - LICENSE SUSP Time.........: 12:25
Judgment...... .00 Execution Date 0/0070000
Judge Assigned: Jury Trial....
Disposed Desc.: Disposed Date. 0/00/0000
------------ Case Comments ------------- Higher Crt 1.:
Higher Crt 2.:
********************************************************************************
General Index Attorney Info
RICHWINE JOHN B APPELLANT MULDERIG ROBERT J
932 EMILY DRIVE
MECHANNICSBURG PA 17055
PENNSYLVANIA COMMONWEALTH OF APPELLEE
DEPT OF TRANS
OFFICE OF CHIEF COUNSEL
3RD FL RIVERFRONT OFFICE CT
HARRISBURG PA 17104 2516
********************************************************************************
* Date Entries
********************************************************************************
- - - - - - - - - - - - - FIRST ENTRY- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
11/07/2002 APPEAL FROM SUSPENSION OF DRIVERS LICENSE
-----------------------------------=-------------------------------
11/14/2002 ORDER OF COURT - DATED 11/14/02 - IN F'E APPEAL - HEARING SHALL BE
HELD ON 2/10/03 AT 10:30 AM IN CR 4 OF' THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY
COURTHOUSE CARLISLE PA - BY THE COURT KEVIN A HESS J COPIES MAILED
-------------------------------------------------------------------
11/18/2002 AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE FOR PETITION FOR APPEAL FROM IMPOSITION OF
IGNITION INTERLOCK REQUIREMENTS - BY ROBERT J MULDERIG ESQ
-------------------------------------------------------------------
2/13/2003 ORDER - DATED 2/13/03 - THE APPEAL OF JOHN RICHWINE IS SUSTAINED
WITH RESPECT TO THAT PORTION OF HIS DRIVER'S LICENSE SUSPENSION
WHICH READS AS FOLLOWS: IGNITION INTERLOCK - BEFORE YOUR DRIVING
PRIVILEGE CAN BE RESTORED YOU ARE REQUIRED BY LAW TO HAVE ALL
VEHICLE(S) OWNED BY YOU TO BE EQUIPPED WITH AN IGNITION INTERLOCK
SYSTEM - THIS IS A RESULT OF YOUR CONVICTION FOR DRIVING UNDER THE
INFLUENCE - IF YOU FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THIS REQUIREMENT YOUR
DRIVING PRIVILEGE WILL REMAIN SUSPENDED FOR AN ADDITIONAL YEAR -
YOU WILL RECEIVE MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THIS REQUIREMENT
APPROXIMATELY 30 DAYS BEFORE YOUR ELIGIBILITY DATE - SAID
PROVISION OF APPELLANT'S SUSPENSION IS VACATED - THE APPEAL WITH
REGARD TO THE REMAINING PROVISIONS OF THE DRIVER'S LICENSE
SUSPENSION IS DENIED AND SAID SUSPENSION IS REINSTATED - BY KEVIN
A HESS J - COPIES MAILED 2/13/03
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - LAST ENTRY.' - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
* Escrow Information
* Fees & Debits Be Bal Py*mts/Adl End Bal
APPEAL LIC SUSP 35.00 35.00 .00
TAX ON APPEAL .50 .50 .00
SETTLEMENT 5.00 5.00 .00
AUTOMATION FEE 5.00 5.00 .00
JCP FEE 10.00 10.00 .00
----- ------------
--------------
55.50 -----
55.50 .00
* End of Case Information
3RD
TRUE COPY FROM RE?
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COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
DEPARTMENT O F TRANSPORTATION
OFFICE OF CHIEF COUNSEL
VEHICLE & TRAFFIC LAW DIVISION
BY: TERRANCE M. EDWARDS
ASSISTANT COUNSEL
APPELLATE SECTION
ATTORNEY IDENTIFICATION NO. 25231
RIVERFRONT OFFICE CENTER - THIRD FLOOR
1101 SOUTH FRONT STREET
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 17104-2516
(717) 787-2830
JOHN RICHWINE, } IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Appellee OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
}
VS.
}
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA,
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, }
BUREAU OF DRIVER LICENSING,
Appellant } NO. 02-5406 Civil Term
Proof of Service
I hereby certify that I have on this day and date duly served a true and correct copy of the
foregoing documents upon the persons and in the manner indicated below, which service satisfies the
requirements of Pa. R.A.P. 121:
First Class Mail; Postage Pre-Paid;
Addressed as Follows:
Judge Kevin A. Hess Court Reporter Robert J. Mulderig, Esquire
Cumberland County Courthouse Cumberland County Courthouse Att. for Appellee Richwine
1 Courthouse Square 1 Courthouse Square 28 South Pitt Street
Carlisle, PA 17013 Carlisle, PA 17013 Carlisle, PA 17013
DANA M. BRESSLER
Appellate Paralegal for Vehicle & Traffic Law Division
Date: February 24, 2003
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JOHN RICHWINE,
Appellant
V.
COMMONWEALTH OF
PENNSYLVANIA, DEPARTMENT
OF TRANSPORTATION, BUREAU:
OF DRIVER LICENSING,
Appellee
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
02-5406 CIVIL TERM
LICENSE SUSPENSION APPEAL
IN RE: TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS
Proceedings held before the
HONORABLE KEVIN A. HESS, J.,
Cumberland County Courthouse,
Carlisle, Pennsylvania,
on Monday, February 10, 2003,
in Courtroom Number 4.
APPEARANCES:
GEORGE KABUSK, Esquire
For PennDOT
ROBERT J. MULDERIG, Esquire
For the Appellant
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INDEX OF EXHIBITS
FOR PENNDOT MARKED ADMITTED
Ex. No. 1 - certified
driving record
1 (Whereupon, Commonwealth's Exhibit No. 1
2 was marked for identification.)
3 THE COURT: Good morning.
4 MR. KABUSK: Good morning, Your Honor. This
5 is the case of John B. Richwine versus Commonwealth of
6 Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation, Case No.
7 02-5406.
8 What has been marked as Commonwealth Exhibit
9 No. 1 is a packet of documents under seal and
10 certification. I have provided a copy to the petitioner.
11 Sub-Exhibit No. 1 is the official notice of
12 suspension dated and mailed 10/24/02, effective 4/16/03.
13 In that notice the Department notified the petitioner that
14 as a result of his 8/20/2002 conviction of violating
15 Section 3731 of the Vehicle Code relating to Driving Under
16 the Influence on 2/6/2002 his driving privilege was
17 suspended for a period of one year. Additionally, that
18 notice informed the petitioner of the requirement for the
19 Ignition Interlock.
20 Sub-Exhibit No. 2 is an acknowledgment of
21 suspension. Sub-Exhibit No. 3 is Report of Clerk of Court
22 of Cumberland County, convicted 8/20/02. Seal attached to
23 the original. I would direct the Court's attention to Box
24 G, and the box no has been checked underneath the heading
25 Act 63 Ignition Interlock required.
3
1 Sub-Exhibit 4 is official notice of
2 suspension dated and mailed 3/12/02, effective 4/16/02.
3 Sub-Exhibit 5 is report of chemical test refusal.
4 And Sub-Exhibit No. 6 is driving record,
5 which appears in the file of the defendant, John Bradley
6 Richwine, operators number 19846429, date of birth 11/6/61,
7 in the Bureau of Driver Licensing, Harrisburg,
8 Pennsylvania.
9 I move for the admission of what's been
10 marked Commonwealth's Exhibit No. 1.
11 MR. MULDERIG: No objection.
12 THE COURT: It is admitted.
13 MR. KABUSK: By way of further information,
14 Your Honor, the petitioner is currently suspended for the
15 one-year suspension as a result of the refusal. The
16 Department did take the petition and has restored the
17 petitioner on the one-year suspension for the Section 3731.
18 I believe, and I don't want to speak out of turn --
19 MR. MULDERIG: Your Honor, all I appealed
20 was the interlock. And I think that's clear from my
21 petition. And I realize that we are not here to talk about
22 that suspension.
23 THE COURT: But we just had this discussion
24 in another case this morning. And it is interesting that
25 apparently when there is an appeal, even though it is clear
4
1 from the face of it, but it is limited to the interlock
2 language, the Department nonetheless treats it as an appeal
3 of all of the underlying suspension.
4 Now, I normally put that they are authorized
5 to reinstate the existing suspension for DUI. Is that your
6 request?
7 MR. MULDERIG: Yes. Well, it is not my
8 request, but I have no objection to it.
9 THE COURT: We will see what they do about
10 it. Anything you want to add, Mr. Mulderig?
11 MR. MULDERIG: No, Your Honor. I think it
12 is clear.
13 THE COURT: I will enter the usual order.
14 Thank you.
15 (End of proceedings.)
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
5
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the proceedings are
contained fully and accurately in the notes taken by me on
the above cause and that this is a correct transcript of
same.
Barbara E. Graham
Official Stenographer
The foregoing record of the proceedings on
the hearing of the within matter is hereby approved and
directed to be filed.
/?'tGA.. G ZWO3 ? f
Date
Ke n A. Hess, J.
nth Judicial District
6
GEORGIANNA BRAUND IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
(formerly SWANK), CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Petitioner
02-5246 CIVIL
vs. CIVIL ACTION - LAW
COM. OF PA., DEPT. OF TRANS.
BUREAU OF DRIVER
LICENSING,
Respondent LICENSE SUSPENSION APPEAL
RANDALL CARL VATHIS,
Petitioner
vs.
COM. OF PENNSYLVANIA,
DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION,
BUREAU OF DRIVER
LICENSING,
Respondent
JOHN RICHWINE,
Petitioner
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: 02-5289 CIVIL
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
LICENSE SUSPENSION APPEAL
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
vs. 02-5406 CIVIL V
COM. OF PENNSYLVANIA, CIVIL ACTION -LAW
DEPT. OF TRANS., BUREAU OF
DRIVER LICENSING,
Respondent LICENSE SUSPENSION APPEAL
MICHAEL J. HEIN,
Petitioner
vs.
COM. OF PENNSYLVANIA,
DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION,
BUREAU OF DRIVER
LICENSING,
Respondent
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
02-5000 CIVIL
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
LICENSE SUSPENSION APPEAL
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IN RE: OPINION PURSUANT TO RULE 1925
An appeal is pending in the Commonwealth Court with respect to all four of the above
captioned matters. They are all cases in which the petitioner received a notice that as a result of
a conviction for driving under the influence, the petitioner's driving privileges would be
suspended for a period of one year. In addition, the notice indicated that, before driving
privileges could be restored, there had to be compliance with a requirement that all vehicles
owned by the petitioner be equipped with an ignition interlock system.
In all of the cases, we entered an order sustaining the petitioner's appeal with respect to
that portion of his or her driver's license suspension which reads as follows:
Ignition Interlock
Before your driving privilege can be restored you
are required by law to have all vehicle(s) owned by
you to be equipped with an Ignition Interlock
System. This is a result of your conviction for
Driving Under the Influence. If you fail to comply
with this requirement, your driving privilege will
remain suspended for an additional year. You will
receive more information regarding this
requirement approximately 30 days before your
eligibility date.
Transp., Bureau of Driver Licensing, 790 A.2d 363 (Pa.Cmwlth. 2002). In that case, the
Commonwealth Court was presented with the same situation that pertains in the matters sub
judice. Namely, though the sentencing court failed to impose an ignition interlock requirement,
PennDOT has sought to impose the requirement absent a court order. In Sc`, the court
held expressly that PennDOT has no unilateral authority to impose ignition interlock device
Our orders were entered in accordance with Albert Schneider v. Com. of Pa.,-Dept. of
requirements if the trial court fails to do so.
It was because of this express holding that we
entered our orders in the above cases.
March 28, 2003
John Mancke, Esquire
For Petitioner Braund
Austin Grogan, Esquire
For Petition Vathis
Robert Mulderig, Esquire
For Petitioners Richwine and Hein
Terrance M. Edwards, Esquire
For PennDOT
Kevin
Hess, J.
3--2JI43
Am
Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania
Michael Krimmel
Deputy Prothonotary/Chief Cleri,
May 23, 2007
Certificate of Remittal/Remand of Record
TO:
RE: Richwine v. DOT
No.436 CD 2003
File Copy
Irvis Office Building, Room 624
Harrisbure. PA 17120
717-255-1650
Trial Court/Agency Dkt. Number: 02-5406
Trial Court/Agency Name:
Intermediate Appellate Court Number:
Annexed hereto pursuant to Pennsylvania Rules of Appellate Procedure 2571 and 2572
is the entire record for the above matter.
Contents of Original Record:
Original Record Item Filed Date Description
Trial Court Record April 3, 2003 one
Date of Remand of Record: 5/23/2007
ORIGINAL RECIPIENT ONLY - Please acknowledge receipt by signing, dating, and
returning the enclosed copy of this certificate to our office. Copy recipients (noted below) need
not acknowledge receipt.
Signature
Date
Printed Name
7
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IN THE COMMONWEALTH COURT OF PENNSYLVANIA
John Richwine
V.
No. 436 C.D. 2003
Submitted: June 6, 2003
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
Department of Transportation, Bureau
of Driver Licensing,
Appellant
BEFORE: HONORABLE JAMES GARDNER COLINS, President Judge
HONORABLE ROCHELLE S. FRIEDMAN, Judge
HONORABLE JIM FLAHERTY, Senior Judge
OPINION NOT REPORTED
MEMORANDUM OPINION
BY SENIOR JUDGE FLAHERTY
FILED: August 15, 2003
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation,
Bureau of Driver Licensing (DOT) appeals from a decision of the Court of
Common Pleas of Cumberland County (trial court) which removed the provision
regarding the ignition interlock system from John B. Richwine's (Licensee) Notice
of Suspension.' We affirm.
Licensee was convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol
(DUI) a total of four times. The most recent conviction occurred on August 20,
2002. At Licensee's criminal proceeding, the trial court apparently did not order
that Licensee install the ignition interlock device on the vehicles owned by him
upon the restoration of his driving privileges. By notice dated October 24, 2002,
' An "ignition interlock system" is "[a] system approved by the department that prevents
a vehicle from being started or operated unless the operator first provides a breath sample
indicating that the operator has an alcohol level of less than .025%." 42 Pa. C.S. § 7001.
DOT informed Licensee that his driving privileges were being suspended for one
year effective April 16, 2003. Additionally, the notice also contained the following
information regarding the ignition interlock system:
IGNITION INTERLOCK
Before your driving privilege can be restored you are
required by law to have all vehicle(s) owned by you to be
equipped with an Ignition Interlock System. This is a
result of your conviction for Driving Under the Influence.
If you fail to comply with this requirement, your driving
privilege will remain suspended for an additional year.
You will receive more information regarding this
requirement approximately 30 days before your
eligibility date.
Licensee appealed DOT's action to the trial court, which issued an
order dated February 13, 2003 sustaining Licensee's appeal with respect to that
portion of his driver's license suspension referencing the ignition interlock device
and vacating that provision of Licensee's suspension.2 In support of its decision,
the trial court cited our recent decision in Schneider v. Department of
Transportation, Bureau of Driver Licensing, 790 A.2d 363 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2002).
This appeal followed.' Thereafter, pursuant to Pa. R.A.P. 1925(a), the trial court
issued an opinion in support of its order explaining that, pursuant to Schneider,
2 The trial court also denied Licensee's appeal with regard to the remaining provisions of
his driver's license suspension and reinstated the suspension.
3 Our scope of review is limited to determining whether the trial court's findings are
supported by competent evidence, whether errors of law have been committed, or whether the
trial court's determinations demonstrate a manifest abuse of discretion. Mazza v. Dgpartment of
Transportation Bureau of Driver Licensing, 692 A.2d 251 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1997).
2
DOT has no unilateral authority to impose the ignition interlock device
requirement if the trial court fails to do so.
On appeal, DOT argues that Section 7003 of the Ignition Interlock
Device Act (Act)' vests it with the independent authority to ensure compliance
with the Act regardless of the existence of a trial court order mandating the
installation of an ignition interlock device. DOT also states that the trial court
refused to comply with Section 7002(b) and order that Licensee install an ignition
interlock device. In its brief, DOT explains that the criminal trial courts of the
Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County have not been ordering DUI
defendants to comply with the Ignition Interlock Law since that court, sitting en
Banc, found provisions of the Ignition Interlock Law to be unconstitutional. See
Commonwealth v. Mockaitis, 54 Pa. D. & C.4th 115 (2001).5
a 42 Pa. C.S. §§ 7001-7003.
5 Sections 7002 and 7003 of the Act provide, in relevant part, that:
§ 7002. Ignition interlock systems for driving under the
influence
(b) Second or subsequent offense.--In addition to any other
requirements imposed by the court, where a person has been
convicted of a second or subsequent violation of 75 Pa.C.S. §
3731, the court shall order the installation of an approved ignition
interlock device on each motor vehicle owned by the person to be
effective upon the restoration of operating privileges by the
department. A record shall be submitted to the department when
the court has ordered the installation of an approved interlock
ignition device. Before the department may restore such person's
operating privilege, the department must receive a certification
from the court that the ignition interlock system has been installed.
§ 7003. Additional driver's license restoration requirements
(Footnote continued on next page...)
3
(continued...)
In addition to any other requirements established for the restoration
of a person's operating privileges under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1548 (relating
to requirements for driving under influence offenders):
(1) Where a person's operating privileges are suspended for a
second or subsequent violation of 75 Pa.C.S. § 3731 (relating to
driving under influence of alcohol or controlled substance), or a
similar out-of-State offense, and the person seeks a restoration of
operating privileges, the court shall certify to the department that
each motor vehicle owned by the person has been equipped with
an approved ignition interlock system.
(2) A person seeking restoration of operating` privileges shall
apply to the department for an ignition interlock restricted license
under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1951(d) (relating to driver's license and
learner's permit) which will be clearly marked to restrict the person
to operating only motor vehicles equipped with an approved
interlock ignition system.
(3) During the year immediately following restoration of the
person's operating privilege and thereafter until the person obtains
an unrestricted license, the person shall not operate any motor
vehicle on a highway within this Commonwealth unless the motor
vehicle is equipped with an approved ignition interlock system.
(4) One year from the date of issuance of an ignition interlock
restricted license under this section, if otherwise eligible, a person
may apply for an additional replacement license under 75 Pa.C.S. §
1951(d) that does not contain the ignition interlock system
restriction.
(5) A person whose operating privileis suspended for a second
or subsequent violation of 75 Pa.C.S. § 3731 or a similar out-of-
State offense who does not apply for an ignition interlock restricted
license shall not be eligible to apply for the restoration of operating
privileges for an additional year after otherwise being eligible for
restoration under paragraph (1).
42 Pa. C.S. §§ 7002 and 7003 (emphasis added).
4
In Schneider, this Court held that: "PennDOT has no unilateral
authority to impose ignition interlock device requirements if the trial court fails to
do so. If the trial court fails to impose this requirement in a criminal proceeding,
the district attorney can appeal the trial court's failure to do so as it would if the
trial court failed to impose any other mandatory sentence." Id., 790 A.2d at 366-
367 (emphasis added). In its brief, DOT concedes that the Schneider case is
controlling here and states that it filed this appeal to preserve this issue for further
appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, which has not yet addressed this issue.
In Sloan v. Department of Transportation, Bureau of Driver
Licensing, 822 A.2d 105(Pa. Cmwlth. 2003), this Court, sitting en banc,
considered and rejected DOT's argument and held that it does not have the power
to impose the ignition interlock requirement. Thus, the trial court did not err by
ordering that the provision regarding the interlock system be removed as a
condition from the restoration of Licensee's license.'
Accordingly, the order of the trial court is affirmed.
J FLAHERTY, Sene Judge
6 DOT also argues that our decision in Alexander v. Department of Transportation,
Bureau of Driver Licensing, 822 A.2d 92 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2003) was wrongly decided. In that case,
we held that the Ignition Interlock Law, which mandates the installation of the ignition interlock
device upon the second or subsequent DUI conviction, did not apply to Alexander because two
of his three DUI convictions occurred before effective date of Section 7002(b). DOT argues that
the holding in that case should not be applied to the case now before this Court to preclude the
Ignition Interlock Law from applying to Licensee, who had three DUI convictions before the
effective date of the Ignition Interlock Law. Although there is nothing in the record to indicate
that this was the reason why the trial court did not mandate the imposition of the ignition
interlock device at Licensee's criminal proceeding, we note that after DOT filed its brief in this
case this Court denied its Application for Reconsideration in the Alexander case by order dated
May 20, 2003. Accordingly, we will not address this issue further.
5
IN THE COMMONWEALTH COURT OF PENNSYLVANIA
John Richwine :
V.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
Department of Transportation, Bureau
of Driver Licensing,
Appellant
No. 436 C.D. 2003
(.il
.a ...1-.. !-i
CJl .-
ORDER
Co
AND NOW, August 15, 2003 , the order of the Court of Common
Pleas of Cumberland County docketed at 02-5406 Civil and dated February 13,
2003 is hereby AFFIRMED.
". ? 2 " -
JI LAHE Y, Senior Ju e
Irene M. Bizzoso
Deputy Prothonotary
Norina K. Blynn
Chief Clerk
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
Middle District
May 1, 2007
Mr. Curtis R. Long
Prothonotary
Cumberland County Courthouse
1 Courthouse Square
Carlisle, PA 17013
RE: John Richwine, Respondent
G2-9406
P.O. Box 624
Harrisbure. PA 17108
717-787-6181
www.aopc.org
V.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation, Bureau of Driver
Licensing, Petitioner
Commonwealth Docket Number - 436 CD 2003
Trial Court/Agency Dkt. Number: 02-5406
No. 658 MAL 2003
Appeal Docket No.:
Date Petition for Allowance of Appeal Filed: September 9, 2003
Disposition: PAA Granted - Summary Disposition
Date: May 1, 2007
Reargument/Reconsideration Disposition:
Reargument/Reconsideration
Disposition Date:
/eez
• '-*
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF PENNSYLVANIA
MIDDLE DISTRICT
JOHN RICHWINE,
Respondent
V.
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, :
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION,
BUREAU OF DRIVER LICENSING,
Petitioner
No. 658 MAL 2003
Petition for Allowance of Appeal from the
Order of the Commonwealth Court
entered August 15, 2003 at No. 436 CD
2003, affirming the Order of the Court of
Common Pleas of Cumberland County
entered February 13, 2003 at No. 02-
5406.
ORDER
PER CURIAM
DECIDED: May 1, 2007
The Petition for Allowance of Appeal is GRANTED, and the order of the
Commonwealth Court is REVERSED pursuant to McGrory v. PennDOT, 915 A.2d 1115
(Pa. 2007). Jurisdiction relinquished.
JUDGMENT ENTERED:
May 1, 2007
Nori K. Blynn, Chi Clerk
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