X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

By: Brigantti, J.P., Hagler, Michael, JJ. 16-547. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, res, v. JERRY GARCIA, def-app — Judgment of conviction (William McGuire, J.), rendered April 11, 2016, affirmed. Since defendant did not waive prosecution by information, we assess the sufficiency of the accusatory instrument based upon the standard applicable to an information (see People v. Hatton, 26 NY3d 364, 368 [2015]). So viewed, the information charging unlawful possession of an imitation pistol (see Administrative Code of the City of New York §10-131[g][1]) was jurisdictionally valid because it contained “nonconclusory factual allegations that, if assumed to be true, address[ed] each element of the crime charged, thereby affording reasonable cause to believe that defendant committed that offense” (People v. Matthew P., 26 NY3d 332, 335-336 [2015][internal citation omitted]; see People v. Kalin, 12 NY3d 225, 228-229 [2009]). The information recited that on January 4, 2014, a police officer observed defendant with an imitation pistol in his waistband; that defendant stated “I only carry it because I was robbed on Marion”; that the pistol could reasonably be perceived to be an actual firearm in that “the entire exterior surface was black in color,” it was loaded with a removable magazine, and “it feature[d] a magazine release, a trigger, a trigger guard, and the barrel…was open and not enclosed by any material.” These allegations were sufficient to provide defendant with notice to prepare a defense and are adequately detailed to prevent him from being tried twice for the same offense (see People v. Dreyden, 15 NY3d 100, 103 [2010]). Furthermore, by pleading guilty, defendant waived his claims concerning nonjurisdictional defects in the accusatory instrument (see People v. Taylor, 65 NY2d 1, 5 [1985]), including the error in the date of the officer’s verification (see e.g. People v. Martin, 155 AD3d 589 [2017], lv denied 30 NY3d 1117 [2018]; People v. Johnson-McLean, 71 Misc 3d 31 [App Term, 1st Dept 2021], lv denied 37 NY3d 966 [2021]; 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]). Defendant’s contention that his guilty plea was not voluntary, inasmuch as it was entered only after the court set bail, is belied by the minutes of the plea proceeding, which reflects that the plea was entered in a knowing, voluntary and intelligent manner (see People v. Conceicao, 26 NY3d 375 [2015]). Defendant, who was considered a flight risk due to a history of nonappearance, does not contend that the setting of bail was improper or unwarranted by the circumstances, and there is no indication that the bail conditions were being used to unduly persuade defendant to plead guilty (cf. People v. Grant, 61 AD3d 177, 184 [2009]; see People v. Siders, 123 AD3d 408 [2014], lv denied 26 NY3d 935 [2015]; People v. Gannon, 62 Misc 3d 138[A], 2019 NY Slip Op 50044[U] [App Term, 1st Dept 2019], lv denied 33 NY3d 948 [2019]). All concur THIS CONSTITUTES THE DECISION AND ORDER OF THE COURT.

By: Brigantti, J.P., Hagler, Michael, JJ.

 
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

Role TitleAssociate General Counsel, Global EmploymentGrade F13Reporting ToSenior Legal Counsel, Global EmploymentProgram/Tool/ Department/U...


Apply Now ›

Ryan & Conlon, LLP, is a boutique firm specializing in insurance defense. We are a small eclectic practice with a busy and fast paced en...


Apply Now ›

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROSECUTION PARALEGAL - NEW JERSEY OR NEW YORK OFFICESProminent mid-Atlantic law firm with multiple regional office lo...


Apply Now ›