X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

Defendant appeals from a judgment of the Criminal Court of the City of New York, Bronx County (Tara A. Collins, J.), rendered April 19, 2019, after a nonjury trial, convicting him of criminal trespass in the third degree and trespass, and imposing sentence. PER CURIAM Judgment of conviction (Tara A. Collins, J.), rendered April 19, 2019, modified, on the law, to the extent of vacating defendant’s conviction for trespass and dismissing that count of the accusatory instrument, and otherwise affirmed. The verdict convicting defendant of criminal trespass in the third degree (see Penal Law §140.10) was supported by legally sufficient evidence and was not against the weight of the evidence (see People v. Danielson, 9 NY3d 342, 348 [2007]). There is no basis to disturb the court’s credibility determinations. The evidence at trial established that the Hunts Point Terminal Market was “fenced or otherwise enclosed” (Penal Law §140.10[a]) in a manner designed to exclude those who do not have a valid Market ID or Day/Visitor’s Pass permitting entry, and was not a place “open to the public” pursuant to Penal Law §140.00 (see People v. Licata, 28 NY2d 113, 115 n 2 [1971]). Defendant’s presence inside the Market on October 17, 2016, without the requisite Market ID or visitor’s pass, established that he “enter[ed] or remain[ed] unlawfully” in the premises (see William C. Donnino, Practice Commentaries, McKinney’s Cons Laws of NY, Book 39, Penal Law §140.00 [2010 ed.], at 13). Defendant’s knowledge that he entered or remained unlawfully is properly inferred from the surrounding circumstances, including the conspicuously posted signs, his prior possession of a Market ID, before it was revoked, and his prior purchases of Day Passes. Inasmuch as the Market was not open to the public, we need not reach defendant’s arguments concerning the validity of a prior directive banning him from the Market (see People v. Leonard, 62 NY2d 404, 408 [1984]). We reject defendant’s contention that he was deprived of a fair trial based upon the Criminal Court’s refusal to permit one Peter Alphas, a former co-operator and Board Member of the Market, to testify by Skype. Defendant neither demonstrated necessity for this extraordinary procedure (see People v. Wrotten, 14 NY3d 33, 40 [2009], cert denied 560 US 959 [2010]; People v. Giurdanella, 144 AD3d 479 [2016], lv denied 29 NY3d 948 [2017]), nor that Alphas possessed any relevant information about the underlying incident. To the extent that Alphas possessed any information not properly deemed collateral, the People and defendant agreed to stipulate to those facts. Defendant’s conviction of third-degree criminal trespass requires dismissal of the lesser included charge of trespass (see CPL 300.40[3][b]). We modify accordingly. All concur. THIS CONSTITUTES THE DECISION AND ORDER OF THE COURT.

 
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 ›