X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

Cambareri & Brenneck, Syracuse (Melissa K. Swartz of Counsel), for Defendant-Appellant. William J. Fitzpatrick, District Attorney, Syracuse (David D. Bassett of Counsel), for Respondent. Appeal from a judgment of the Onondaga County Court (Thomas J. Miller, J.), rendered October 7, 2022. The judgment convicted defendant, upon his plea of guilty, of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. It is hereby ORDERED that the judgment so appealed from is unanimously modified on the law by vacating the sentence, and as modified the judgment is affirmed, and the matter is remitted to Onondaga County Court for resentencing. Memorandum: Defendant appeals from a judgment convicting him, upon a plea of guilty, of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree (Penal Law § 265.03 [3]). We agree with defendant that his “purported waiver of the right to appeal is not enforceable inasmuch as the totality of the circumstances fails to reveal that defendant ‘understood the nature of the appellate rights being waived’ ” (People v. Youngs, 183 AD3d 1228, 1228 [4th Dept 2020], lv denied 35 NY3d 1050 [2020], quoting People v. Thomas, 34 NY3d 545, 559 [2019], cert denied — US —, 140 S Ct 2634 [2020]; see People v. Williams, 136 AD3d 1280, 1281 [4th Dept 2016], lv denied 27 NY3d 1141 [2016], lv denied 29 NY3d 954 [2017]). “Although ambiguities in a court’s explanation may be cured by adequate clarifying language, which may be provided either in a written waiver or in the oral colloquy,” we conclude that “such language is absent from the record in the appeal[ ] before us” (People v. Parker, 189 AD3d 2065, 2066 [4th Dept 2020], lv denied 36 NY3d 1122 [2021]). Nevertheless, we reject defendant’s contention that the bargained-for sentence of incarceration is unduly harsh and severe. We note, however, that a discrepancy between the sentencing minutes and the certificate of conviction requires vacatur of the sentence imposed. At sentencing, County Court sentenced defendant to a determinate sentence of nine years of incarceration, plus four years of postrelease supervision. The certificate of conviction, however, recites that the sentence for the conviction is nine years of incarceration, plus five years of postrelease supervision. Given the discrepancy between the sentencing minutes and the certificate of conviction, we modify the judgment by vacating the sentence, and we remit the matter to County Court for resentencing (see People v. Delp, 156 AD3d 1450, 1453 [4th Dept 2017], lv denied 31 NY3d 983 [2018]; see generally People v. Bradford, 118 AD3d 1254, 1257-1258 [4th Dept 2014], lv denied 24 NY3d 1082 [2014]). We have considered defendant’s remaining contention and conclude that it does not warrant reversal or further modification of the judgment.

 
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
October 24, 2024
Georgetown, Washington D.C.

The National Law Journal honors attorneys & judges who've made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in the D.C. area.


Learn More
October 29, 2024
East Brunswick, NJ

New Jersey Law Journal honors lawyers leaving a mark on the legal community in New Jersey with their dedication to the profession.


Learn More
November 07, 2024
Orlando, FL

This event shines a spotlight on the individuals, teams, projects and organizations that are changing the financial industry.


Learn More

Dynamic Boutique law firm with offices in NYC, Westchester County and Dutchess County, is seeking a mid level litigation associate to work ...


Apply Now ›

Company Description Hyderally & Associates, P.C. is a law firm located in Montclair, NJ that specializes in labor and employment law. T...


Apply Now ›

Experienced tax attorney to assist growing corporate practice. Candidate should have a minimum of 7 years' experience in corporate and par...


Apply Now ›