WILLIAMSPORT — A three-judge panel of the state Superior Court has harshly criticized the Lycoming County The district attorney’s office twice this year failed to file required briefs in appeals of criminal cases.

In an opinion issued Tuesday in Wayne O. Crippen’s appeal, the panel stated in bold: “In light of the extremely serious charges, convictions and sentences in this case, it is completely unacceptable that the Commonwealth district) did not present a brief from an attorney.”

The opinion went on to say that the district attorney’s office is required to file a defense brief in future appeals.