baseless or meritless claim in Pennsylvania

2026“Counsel cannot be found ineffective for failing to pursue a baseless or meritless claim.” Commonwealth v. Poplawski, - 14 - J-S42028-25 852 A.2d 323, 327 (Pa.Super. 2004) (quoting Commonwealth v. Geathers, 847 A.2d 730, 733 (Pa.Super. 2004)).

2026“Counsel cannot be found ineffective for failing to pursue a baseless or meritless claim.” Commonwealth v. Poplawski, 852 A.2d 323, 327 (Pa.Super. 2004) (quoting Commonwealth v. Geathers, 847 A.2d 730, 733 (Pa.Super. 2004)).

2026It is well-established that “[c]ounsel cannot be found ineffective for failing to pursue a baseless or meritless claim.” Commonwealth v. Kelley, 136 A.3d 1007, 1012 (Pa. Super. 2016) (citation omitted).

2025Because “[c]ounsel cannot be found ineffective for failing to pursue a baseless or meritless claim,” Commonwealth v. Kelley, 136 A.3d 1007, 1012 (Pa. Super. 2016), we will examine whether the underlying allegations about the prosecutor’s summation have any merit. “[I]n order to evaluate whether the comments were improper, we do not look at the comments in a vacuum; rather we must look at them in the context in which they were made.” Commonwealth v. Weiss, 776 A.2d 958, 968 (Pa. 2001).

2026“Counsel cannot be found ineffective for failing to pursue a baseless or meritless claim.” Commonwealth v. Poplawski, 852 A.2d 323, 327 (Pa.Super. 2004) (quoting Commonwealth v. Geathers, 847 A.2d 730, 733 (Pa.Super. 2004)).

2026“Counsel cannot be found ineffective for failing to pursue a baseless or meritless claim.” Commonwealth v. Poplawski, 852 -8- J-S46036- 25 A.2d 323, 327 (Pa.Super. 2004) (quoting Commonwealth v. Geathers, 847 A.2d 730, 733 (Pa.Super. 2004)).

2026“Counsel cannot be found ineffective for failing to pursue a baseless or meritless claim.” Commonwealth v. Taylor, 933 A.2d 1035, 1042 (Pa. Super. 2007) (citation omitted).

2025“Counsel cannot be found ineffective for failing to -7- J-S47008-24 pursue a baseless or meritless claim.” Commonwealth v. Taylor, 933 A.2d 1035, 1042 (Pa. Super. 2007) (citation omitted).

2026Additionally, “[c]ounsel cannot be found ineffective for failing to pursue a baseless or meritless claim.” Commonwealth v. Davis, 262 A.3d 589, 596 (Pa. Super. 2021) (citation omitted).

2025Additionally, “[c]ounsel cannot be found ineffective for failing to pursue a baseless or meritless claim.” Commonwealth v. Davis, 262 A.3d 589, 596 (Pa. Super. 2021) (citation omitted).

2026See Commonwealth v. Epps, 240 A.3d 640, 645 (Pa. Super. 2020) (“Counsel cannot be found ineffective for failing to raise a baseless or meritless claim.”) (citation omitted); Bradley, 261 A.3d at 402 (noting that boilerplate allegations of ineffectiveness do not entitle a petitioner to relief).

2025Because counsel cannot be found ineffective for failing to raise a baseless or meritless claim, Commonwealth v. Epps, 240 A.3d 640, 645 (Pa. Super. 2020), this issue does not afford Sheriff any relief. - 14 - J-S47038-24 Based on the foregoing, we affirm the PCRA court’s order dismissing Sheriff’s PCRA petition without a hearing.

2020Counsel cannot be found ineffective for failing to pursue a baseless or meritless claim.” Commonwealth v. Smith, 167 A.3d 782, 788 (Pa. Super. 2017).

2020Counsel cannot be found ineffective for failing to pursue a baseless or meritless claim.” Commonwealth v. Smith, 167 A.3d 782, 788 (Pa. Super. 2017) (citations omitted and formatting altered), appeal denied, 179 A.3d 6 (Pa. 2018). “[B]oilerplate allegations and bald assertions of no reasonable basis and/or ensuing prejudice cannot satisfy a petitioner’s burden to prove that counsel was ineffective.” Commonwealth v. Paddy, 15 A.3d 431, 443 (Pa. 2011).

2023With respect to ineffective assistance of appellate counsel, “the petitioner must show that there is a reasonable probability that the outcome of the direct appeal proceeding would have been different but for counsel’s deficient performance.” Commonwealth v. Blakeney, 108 A.3d 739, 750 (Pa. 2014).

2023Where an appellant claims ineffective assistance of appellate counsel, “the petitioner must show that there is a reasonable probability that the outcome of the direct appeal proceeding would have been different but for counsel’s deficient performance.” Commonwealth v. Blakeney, 108 A.3d 739, 750 (Pa. 2014). -7- J-S19031-23 Regarding claims of ineffective assistance of PCRA counsel, in Commonwealth v. Bradley, 261 A.3d 381 (Pa. 2021), our Supreme Court held “a PCRA petitioner may, after a PCRA court denies relief, and after obtaining new counsel or acting pro se, raise claims of PCRA counsel’s

2021See id.

2020See id.

2020Commonwealth v. Roney, 79 A.3d 595, 604 (Pa. 2013); Commonwealth v. Washington, 927 A.2d 586, 603 (Pa. 2007); Commonwealth v. Harvey, 812 A.2d 1190, 1199 (Pa. 2002).

2016Commonwealth v. Roney, 79 A.3d 595, 604 (Pa. 2013); Commonwealth v. Washington, 927 A.2d 586, 603 (Pa. 2007); Commonwealth v. Harvey, 812 A.2d 1190, 1199 (Pa. 2002).

2023Counsel cannot be found ineffective for failing to pursue a baseless or meritless claim.” Commonwealth v. Bickerstaff, 204 A.3d 988, 992 (Pa. Super. 2019) (citations omitted and formatting altered). -8- J-S21029-23 The law of the case doctrine is “a family of rules which embody the concept that a court involved in the later phases of a litigated matter should not reopen questions decided by another judge of that same court or by a higher court in the earlier phases of the matter.” Commonwealth v. Fears, 86 A.3d 795 , 815 n.23 (Pa. 2014) (citation and quotation marks omitted).

2019Commonwealth v. Bickerstaff, 204 A.3d 988, 992 (Pa. Super. 2019).

2020Commonwealth v. Roney, 79 A.3d 595, 604 (Pa. 2013); Commonwealth v. Washington, 927 A.2d 586, 603 (Pa. 2007); Commonwealth v. Harvey, 812 A.2d 1190, 1199 (Pa. 2002).

2016Commonwealth v. Roney, 79 A.3d 595, 604 (Pa. 2013); Commonwealth v. Washington, 927 A.2d 586, 603 (Pa. 2007); Commonwealth v. Harvey, 812 A.2d 1190, 1199 (Pa. 2002).

2020It is well settled that “[c]ounsel cannot be found ineffective for failing to pursue a baseless or meritless claim.” Commonwealth v. Adams-Smith, 209 A.3d 1011, 1019 (Pa. Super. 2019) (quoting Commonwealth v. Poplawski, 852 A.2d 323, 327 (Pa. Super. 2004)).

2020“The threshold inquiry in ineffectiveness claims is whether the issue/argument/tactic which counsel has foregone and which forms the basis for the assertion of ineffectiveness is of arguable merit[.] Counsel cannot be found ineffective for failing to pursue a baseless or meritless claim.” Commonwealth v. Adams-Smith, 209 A.3d 1011, 1019 (Pa. Super. 2019) (citation omitted).

2020Commonwealth v. Roney, 79 A.3d 595, 604 (Pa. 2013); Commonwealth v. Washington, 927 A.2d 586, 603 (Pa. 2007); Commonwealth v. Harvey, 812 A.2d 1190, 1199 (Pa. 2002).

2016Commonwealth v. Roney, 79 A.3d 595, 604 (Pa. 2013); Commonwealth v. Washington, 927 A.2d 586, 603 (Pa. 2007); Commonwealth v. Harvey, 812 A.2d 1190, 1199 (Pa. 2002).

2019“With regard to the second, reasonable basis prong, we do not question whether there were other more logical courses of action which counsel could - 15 - J-S14024-19 have pursued; rather, we must examine whether counsel’s decisions had any reasonable basis.” Commonwealth v. Chmiel, 30 A.3d 1111, 1127 (Pa. 2011) (citation and quotation marks omitted).

2019“With regard to the second, reasonable basis prong, we do not question whether there were other more logical courses of action which counsel could -8- J-S51029-18 have pursued; rather, we must examine whether counsel’s decisions had any reasonable basis.” Commonwealth v. Chmiel, 30 A.3d 1111, 1127 (Pa. 2011) (citation and quotation marks omitted).

2020“Allegations of ineffectiveness in connection with the entry of a guilty plea will serve as a basis for relief only if the ineffectiveness caused the defendant to enter an involuntary or unknowing plea.” Commonwealth v. Moser, 921 A.2d 526, 531 (Pa.Super. 2007) (internal citation omitted).

2020“Allegations of ineffectiveness in connection with the entry of a guilty plea will serve as a basis for relief only if the ineffectiveness caused the defendant to enter an involuntary or unknowing plea.” Commonwealth v. Moser, 921 A.2d 526, 531 (Pa.Super. 2007) (internal citation omitted).

2003Commonwealth v. Thomas, 783 A.2d 328, 332-333 (Pa.Super.2001). ¶ 9 Appellant first claims that counsel was ineffective for failing to call witnesses on Appellant’s behalf at trial.

2003Commonwealth v. Thomas, 783 A.2d 328, 332-33 (Pa.Super.2001). ¶ 5 Additionally, To establish ineffective assistance of counsel for the failure to present an expert witness, appellant must present facts establishing that counsel knew or should have known of the particular witness.

2020“Counsel cannot be found ineffective for failing to pursue a baseless or meritless claim.” Commonwealth v. Taylor, 933 A.2d 1035, 1042 (Pa.Super. 2007), appeal denied, 597 Pa. 715 , 951 A.2d 1163 (2008) (quoting Commonwealth v. Poplawski, 852 A.2d 323, 327 (Pa.Super. 2004)).

2020“Counsel cannot be found ineffective for failing to pursue a baseless or meritless claim.” Commonwealth v. Taylor, 933 A.2d 1035, 1042 (Pa.Super. 2007), appeal -5- J-S40019-20 denied, 597 Pa. 715 , 951 A.2d 1163 (2008) (quoting Commonwealth v. Poplawski, 852 A.2d 323, 327 (Pa.Super. 2004)).

2004Id. at 957 . ¶ 9 Our Supreme Court has set forth the following standards relating to jury instructions: A trial court has wide discretion in phrasing jury instructions.

2004Id. at 957.

2017“Counsel cannot be found ineffective for failing to pursue a baseless or meritless claim.” Id.

2017See Spotz, supra; Commonwealth v. Weiss, 606 A.2d 439, 441 (Pa. 1992) (stating that “[c]ounsel cannot be found ineffective for failing to pursue a baseless or meritless claim.”).

2010See Commonwealth v. Fisher, 863 A.2d 574, 576 (Pa. Super.2004) (“Trial counsel cannot be found ineffective for failing to pursue a baseless or meritless claim.”), citing Commonwealth v. Pierce, 515 Pa. 153 , 527 A.2d 973 (1987).

2010See Commonwealth v. Fisher, 863 A.2d 574, 576 (Pa. Super.2004) (“Trial counsel cannot be found ineffective for failing to pursue a baseless or meritless claim.”), citing Commonwealth v. Pierce, 515 Pa. 153 , 527 A.2d 973 (1987).

2026Significantly, “[o]ur rules of criminal procedure require that a motion to suppress ‘state specifically and with particularity … the grounds for suppression[] and the facts and events in support thereof.’” Commonwealth v. Hill, 348 A.3d 264 , 286 (Pa. Super. 2025) (quoting Pa.R.Crim.P. 581(D)). “[F]ailure to comply with the specificity requirement of Rule 581(D) will result in waiver, as those requirements have been held to be mandatory.” Commonwealth v. Carmenates, 266 A.3d 1117, 1126 (Pa. Super. 2021) (citation omitted). “[A]ppellate review of an order denying suppression is limited to exami

2026Significantly, “[o]ur rules of criminal procedure require that a motion to suppress ‘state specifically and with particularity … the grounds for suppression[] and the facts and events in support thereof.’” Commonwealth v. Hill, 348 A.3d 264 , 286 (Pa. Super. 2025) (quoting Pa.R.Crim.P. 581(D)). “[F]ailure to comply with the specificity requirement of Rule 581(D) will result in waiver, as those requirements have been held to be mandatory.” Commonwealth v. Carmenates, 266 A.3d 1117, 1126 (Pa. Super. 2021) (citation omitted). “[A]ppellate review of an order denying suppression is limited to exami

2026“Moreover, a PCRA petitioner bears the burden of demonstrating counsel’s ineffectiveness.” Commonwealth v. Miller, 212 A.3d 1114, 1126 (Pa. Super. 2019) (citation omitted). -6- J-S01021-26 We find no abuse of discretion.

2026“Counsel cannot be found ineffective for failing to pursue a baseless or meritless claim.” Commonwealth v. Poplawski, 852 -8- J-S46036- 25 A.2d 323, 327 (Pa.Super. 2004) (quoting Commonwealth v. Geathers, 847 A.2d 730, 733 (Pa.Super. 2004)).

2025“Counsel cannot be found ineffective for failing to pursue a baseless or meritless claim.” Commonwealth v. Poplawski, 852 A.2d 323, 327 (Pa.Super. 2004) (quoting Commonwealth v. Geathers, 847 A.2d 730, 733 (Pa.Super. 2004)). “[P]retrial exploration of taint … is necessary in those cases where there is some evidence that improper interview techniques, suggestive questioning, vilification of the accused and interviewer bias may have influenced a child witness to such a degree that the proffered testimony may be irreparably compromised.” Commonwealth v. Delbridge, 578 Pa. 641, 661 , 855 A.2d 27,

2025“Counsel cannot be found ineffective for failing to pursue a baseless or meritless claim.” Commonwealth v. Poplawski, 852 A.2d 323, 327 (Pa.Super. 2004) (quoting Commonwealth v. Geathers, 847 A.2d 730, 733 (Pa.Super. 2004)). “[P]retrial exploration of taint … is necessary in those cases where there is some evidence that improper interview techniques, suggestive questioning, vilification of the accused and interviewer bias may have influenced a child witness to such a degree that the proffered testimony may be irreparably compromised.” Commonwealth v. Delbridge, 578 Pa. 641, 661 , 855 A.2d 27,

2025A prosecutor enjoys substantial latitude to present argument with “logical force and vigor.” Commonwealth v. Bryant, 67 A.3d 726, 728 (Pa. 2013) (citation omitted); Commonwealth v. Marshall, 633 A.2d 1100, 1107 (Pa. 1993) (citations omitted).

2025Because “[c]ounsel cannot be found ineffective for failing to pursue a baseless or meritless claim,” Commonwealth v. Kelley, 136 A.3d 1007, 1012 (Pa. Super. 2016), we will examine whether the underlying allegations about the prosecutor’s summation have any merit. “[I]n order to evaluate whether the comments were improper, we do not look at the comments in a vacuum; rather we must look at them in the context in which they were made.” Commonwealth v. Weiss, 776 A.2d 958, 968 (Pa. 2001).