X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York, Albany (Matthew McGowan of counsel), for petitioner. Letitia James, Attorney General, Albany (Joseph M. Spadola of counsel), for respondent. Proceeding pursuant to CPLR article 78 (transferred to this Court by order of the Supreme Court, entered in Albany County) to review a determination of respondent finding petitioner guilty of violating certain prison disciplinary rules. Petitioner, an incarcerated individual, was charged in a misbehavior report with assaulting an incarcerated individual, engaging in violent conduct, creating a disturbance and interfering with an employee. According to the report, a correction officer responded to a loud noise in the stairwell, where he observed petitioner standing next to another incarcerated individual who was lying on the ground and a large amount of blood splattered on the walls of the stairwell. The individual on the ground, who shouted an obscenity at petitioner, sustained two long lacerations on his face and one on his chest, and it was concluded that petitioner had assaulted that individual with an unrecovered cutting-type weapon. Following a tier III disciplinary hearing, petitioner was found guilty of assaulting an incarcerated individual, engaging in violent conduct, creating a disturbance and interfering with an employee. Upon administrative review, the charges of creating a disturbance and interfering with an employee were dismissed, and the charges of assaulting an incarcerated individual and engaging in violent conduct were affirmed. This CPLR article 78 proceeding ensued. We confirm. The misbehavior report, hearing testimony and related documentary evidence provide substantial evidence to support the determination of guilt notwithstanding the fact that no weapon was recovered (see Matter of Lundy v. Annucci, 203 AD3d 1364, 1365 [3d Dept 2022]; Matter of Fernandez v. Annucci, 161 AD3d 1431, 1432 [3d Dept 2018]; Matter of Prince v. Annucci, 126 AD3d 1201, 1202 [3d Dept 2015]; Matter of Brown v. Goord, 286 AD2d 843, 844 [3d Dept 2001]). “Although the incident was not witnessed, the circumstantial evidence and the reasonable inferences drawn therefrom provide a sufficient basis for a finding of guilt” (Matter of Hoyes v. Annucci, 213 AD3d 1011, 1012 [3d Dept 2023] [internal quotation marks and citations omitted]). The differing testimony of petitioner presented credibility issues for the Hearing Officer to resolve (see Matter of Barzee v. Venettozzi, 173 AD3d 1580, 1581 [3d Dept 2019]). Petitioner’s remaining arguments either have not been preserved or lack merit. Egan Jr., J.P., Lynch, Reynolds Fitzgerald, Ceresia and McShan, JJ., concur. ADJUDGED that the determination is confirmed, without costs, and petition dismissed.

 
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 05, 2024
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
September 06, 2024
Johannesburg

The African Legal Awards recognise exceptional achievement within Africa s legal community during a period of rapid change.


Learn More
September 12, 2024
New York, NY

Consulting Magazine identifies the best firms to work for in the consulting profession.


Learn More

Wisniewski & Associates, LLC seeks attorney licensed in NJ and NY with 2-5 years experience for its multi-state real estate, land use, ...


Apply Now ›

Labor Relations CounselUS-GA-AtlantaJob ID: 2024-0042Type: 4 (Exempt, Bargaining Unit 1 (EB)# of Openings: 1Category: Contract Administratio...


Apply Now ›

ASSISTANT FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDERS Two posi...


Apply Now ›
06/27/2024
The American Lawyer

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›