X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

  The People appeal from an order of the Criminal Court of the City of New York, Bronx County (Shari Ruth Michels, J.), dated June 19, 2019, which granted defendant’s motion to dismiss the accusatory instrument based upon statutory speedy trial grounds. PER CURIAM Order (Shari Ruth Michels, J.), dated June 19, 2019, reversed, on the law, motion denied, the accusatory instrument reinstated, and matter remanded to Criminal Court for further proceedings. The misdemeanor complaint charged defendant with various offenses based upon allegations that he sold marijuana to an undercover police officer. The complaint, sworn to by a police detective, contained statements attributed to an “undercover police officer,” indicating that the latter had a drug-related conversation with defendant regarding the purchase of marijuana, and said undercover police officer handed defendant a sum of pre-recorded buy money in exchange for one ziplock bag containing marijuana. On November 13, 2018, the people filed a notice of readiness along with a supporting deposition of “UC #373,” wherein said individual indicated that “the facts stated in that complaint to be on information furnished by me are true upon my personal knowledge.” Defendant’s motion to dismiss the accusatory instrument on speedy trial grounds should have been denied. The People’s November 13, 2018 notice of readiness filed along with the supporting deposition of “UC #373,” effectively stopped the “speedy trial” clock, inasmuch as the counts of the accusatory instrument were “deemed” converted to an information on that date (CPL 170.65[1]; People v. Vargas, 55 Misc 3d 130[A], 2017 NY Slip Op 50387[U] [App Term, 1st Dept 2017], lv denied 29 NY3d 1088 [2017]). Contrary to the conclusion reached below, the supporting deposition converted the complaint to an information even though UC #373 did not expressly indicate that he was the “undercover officer” described in the complaint. Giving the accusatory instrument “a fair and not overly restrictive or technical reading” (People v. Casey, 95 NY2d 354, 360 [2000]), we find “as a matter of common sense and reasonable pleading” (People v. Davis, 13 NY3d 17, 31 [2009]) that UC #373 is indeed that informant (see People v. Pachesa, 50 Misc 3d 238, 242-243 [2015]). The deponent in the complaint refers only to one “undercover police officer” informant, and UC #373 signed the supporting deposition under penalty of perjury (see CPL §100.30[1][d]), acknowledging that he read the misdemeanor complaint and that the facts stated therein were based on information “furnished by” him and were true upon his “personal knowledge.” All concur. THIS CONSTITUTES THE DECISION AND ORDER OF THE COURT. Dated: April 27, 2020

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

More From ALM

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
September 04, 2025
New York, NY

The New York Law Journal honors attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in New York.


Learn More
February 24, 2025 - February 26, 2025
Las Vegas, NV

This conference aims to help insurers and litigators better manage complex claims and litigation.


Learn More
March 24, 2025
New York, NY

Recognizing innovation in the legal technology sector for working on precedent-setting, game-changing projects and initiatives.


Learn More

The Court of Appeal, First Appellate District in San Francisco is accepting applications for a full-time regular Judicial Secretary I, Judic...


Apply Now ›

The County is looking for a skilled and seasoned County Attorney to oversee the Law Department in delivering top-tier legal services, repres...


Apply Now ›

Position Summary: The Corporate General Counsel will manage and coordinate all legal and compliance matters affecting the company. The Gen...


Apply Now ›