Opinion
2012-03-23
The PEOPLE of the State of New York, Respondent, v. Brian T. SMITH, Defendant–Appellant.
Timothy P. Donaher, Public Defender, Rochester (James Eckert of Counsel), for Defendant–Appellant. Brian T. Smith, Defendant–Appellant pro se.
Timothy P. Donaher, Public Defender, Rochester (James Eckert of Counsel), for Defendant–Appellant. Brian T. Smith, Defendant–Appellant pro se. Michael C. Green, District Attorney, Rochester (Leslie E. Swift of Counsel), for Respondent.
PRESENT: SMITH, J.P., PERADOTTO, CARNI, AND SCONIERS, JJ.
MEMORANDUM:
Defendant appeals from a judgment convicting him upon a jury verdict of manslaughter in the first degree (Penal Law § 125.20[1] ) and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree (§ 265.03 [former (2) ] ). We agree with defendant that the sentence imposed for criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree must run concurrently with the sentence imposed for manslaughter in the first degree, and we therefore modify the judgment accordingly ( see People v. Green, 72 A.D.3d 1601, 1601, 899 N.Y.S.2d 704).
We otherwise affirm the judgment. Viewing the evidence in light of the elements of the crimes as charged to the jury ( see People v. Danielson, 9 N.Y.3d 342, 349, 849 N.Y.S.2d 480, 880 N.E.2d 1), and affording appropriate deference to the jury's credibility determinations ( see People v. Hill, 74 A.D.3d 1782, 1782–1783, 902 N.Y.S.2d 755, lv. denied 15 N.Y.3d 805, 908 N.Y.S.2d 165, 934 N.E.2d 899), we conclude that the verdict is not against the weight of the evidence ( see generally People v. Bleakley, 69 N.Y.2d 490, 495, 515 N.Y.S.2d 761, 508 N.E.2d 672). Defendant contends in his pro se supplemental brief that he was denied effective assistance of counsel. We reject that contention inasmuch as defendant failed to establish the absence of a strategic or other legitimate explanation for defense counsel's alleged shortcomings ( see generally People v. Benevento, 91 N.Y.2d 708, 712–713, 674 N.Y.S.2d 629, 697 N.E.2d 584). Viewing the evidence, the law and the circumstances of this case, in totality and as of the time of the representation, we conclude that defendant received meaningful representation ( see generally People v. Baldi, 54 N.Y.2d 137, 147, 444 N.Y.S.2d 893, 429 N.E.2d 400). The further contention of defendant in his pro se supplemental brief that County Court erred in issuing a protective order concealing the identity of a witness is moot because that witness never testified at trial ( see People v. Poventud, 300 A.D.2d 223, 223–224, 752 N.Y.S.2d 654, lv. denied 1 N.Y.3d 578, 775 N.Y.S.2d 794, 807 N.E.2d 907; People v. Pena, 300 A.D.2d 132, 751 N.Y.S.2d 474). In any event, defendant failed to provide a factual record sufficient to permit us to review his contention ( see generally People v. Kinchen, 60 N.Y.2d 772, 773–774, 469 N.Y.S.2d 680, 457 N.E.2d 786).
The remaining contention of defendant in his main brief is not preserved for our review ( see CPL 470.05[2] ), and we decline to exercise our power to review it as a matter of discretion in the interest of justice ( see CPL 470.15[6][a] ). We have reviewed defendant's remaining contention in his pro se supplemental brief and conclude that it is lacking in merit.
It is hereby ORDERED that the judgment so appealed from is unanimously modified on the law by directing that the sentences imposed shall run concurrently and as modified the judgment is affirmed.