Opinion
February 16, 2000
CPLR art 78 Proceeding Transferred by Order of Supreme Court, Erie County, Wolfgang, J.
PRESENT: PINE, J. P., WISNER, HURLBUTT, BALIO AND LAWTON, JJ.
Determination unanimously confirmed without costs and petition dismissed.
Memorandum:
Petitioner was found guilty after a Tier III hearing of violating inmate rule 113.12 ( 7 NYCRR 270.2 [B] [14] [iii]). The positive results of two urinalysis tests indicating the presence of marihuana provide substantial evidence to support the determination of the Hearing Officer ( see, Matter of Lahey v. Kelly, 71 N.Y.2d 135, 138; Matter of Montalalou v. Coombe, 242 A.D.2d 917, lv denied 91 N.Y.2d 805). The additional testimony presented at the hearing supports that determination. We reject the contention of petitioner that he was denied equal protection.
Petitioner's conditional right to call witnesses was not violated because the witnesses who were not called would have provided redundant testimony (see, Matter of Rodriguez v. Coombe, 249 A.D.2d 655 ; Matter of Fletcher v. Murphy, 249 A.D.2d 638). Petitioner waived his right to challenge the failure of the Hearing Officer to file a written notice of the reason the witnesses were not allowed to testify because he failed to raise the issue at the hearing ( see, Matter of Henry v. Coughlin, 214 A.D.2d 673, 674). In any event, the reason for the refusal was placed on the record, and petitioner was not prejudiced by the failure to file a written notice ( see, Matter of Kavazanjian v. Goord, 264 A.D.2d 886 [decided Sept. 16, 1999]; see also, Matter of Morrison v. Selsky, 246 A.D.2d 939).
Petitioner's remaining challenges to alleged violations of the rules and regulations are without merit. The misbehavior report provided petitioner with sufficient detail to prepare a defense ( see, Matter of Lahey v. Kelly, supra, at 144). Further, there is no evidence of a break in the chain of custody related to the urine sample, and the proper procedures and documents were utilized.