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, New York County (Curtis Farber, J.), rendered September 27, 2017, after a jury trial, convicting him of reckless driving, and imposing sentence. PER CURIAM Judgment of conviction (Curtis Farber, J.), rendered September 27, 2017, affirmed. The verdict convicting defendant of reckless driving (see Vehicle and Traffic Law §1212) was supported by legally sufficient evidence and was not against the weight of the evidence (see People v. Danielson, 9 NY3d 342, 348-349 [2007]). There is no basis to disturb the jury’s credibility determinations. The credited police testimony established that defendant drove his vehicle around a car that was properly stopped at a traffic light, went up onto the curb of the sidewalk and proceeded through the red light. When the officers activated their lights and siren, and pursued him, defendant sped up, proceeded through a second red light and then swerved and jumped the right lane curb onto the sidewalk to avoid hitting two sanitation workers and their truck. By failing to object and by agreeing to the court’s ruling, defendant failed to preserve his contention that he was deprived of due process when the court modified its earlier pretrial ruling to permit evidence that defendant smelled of alcohol and was unsteady on his feet (see People v. Dunston, 136 AD3d 529 [2016]). We decline to exercise our interest of justice jurisdiction to review this unpreserved claim. As an alternative holding, we find that the court properly modified its earlier ruling. Defendant’s voluntary use of alcohol is a proper factor to consider in a reckless driving analysis (see People v. Goldblatt, 98 AD3d 817, 819 [2012], lv denied 20 NY3d 932 [2012]), and the relevance and probative value of the evidence became apparent after defense counsel opened the door by indicating that defendant would testify that he consumed alcohol (see People v. Massie, 2 NY3d 179, 183-185 [2004]). In any event, any error in the receipt of this evidence was harmless in view of the overwhelming evidence of guilt (see People v. Crimmins, 36 NY2d 230, 241-242 [1975]). Defendant’s challenges to the prosecutor’s summation are unpreserved because defendant failed to object, only made general objections, or failed to request further relief after the court sustained his objections (see People v. Romero, 7 NY3d 911, 912 [2006]), and we decline to review these claims in the interest of justice. As an alternative holding, we find no basis for reversal (see People v. Overlee, 236 AD2d 133 [1997], lv denied 91 NY2d 976 [1998]; People v. D’Alessandro, 184 AD2d 114, 118-120 [1992], lv denied 81 NY2d 884 [1993]). THIS CONSTITUTES THE DECISION AND ORDER OF THE COURT. Dated: September 28, 2021

 
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
November 27, 2024
London

Celebrating achievement, excellence, and innovation in the legal profession in the UK.


Learn More
December 02, 2024 - December 03, 2024
Scottsdale, AZ

Join the industry's top owners, investors, developers, brokers and financiers for the real estate healthcare event of the year!


Learn More
December 11, 2024
Las Vegas, NV

This event shines a spotlight on how individuals and firms are changing the investment advisory industry where it matters most.


Learn More

We are seeking two attorneys with a minimum of two to three years of experience to join our prominent and thriving education law practice in...


Apply Now ›

Description: Fox Rothschild has an opening in the New York office for a Real Estate Litigation Associate with three to six years of commerci...


Apply Now ›

Downtown NY property and casualty defense law firm seeks a Litigation Associate with 3+ years' experience to become a part of our team! You ...


Apply Now ›