People v. Gonzalez

Sep 24, 2020
110237
Versions:186 A.D.3d 1832
129 N.Y.S.3d 357
2020 NY Slip Op 05092

A

In full satisfaction of a 15-count indictment charging him with numerous drug-related crimes, defendant agreed to plead guilty to one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the second degree with the understanding that he would be sentenced to a prison term of eight years followed by five years of postrelease supervision — with a recommendation that he be allowed to participate in a shock incarceration program. The plea agreement also required defendant to waive his right to appeal. Defendant pleaded guilty in conformity with the plea agreement, and County Court imposed the contemplated sentence. Defendant appeals.

The People, citing People v Thomas (34 NY3d 545 [2019]), concede that defendant‘s waiver of the right to appeal is invalid and, therefore, his challenge to the severity of the sentence imposed is not precluded. That said, defendant was afforded a favorable resolution to an indictment charging him with multiple, drug-related felonies, and he agreed to the sentence imposed (see People v Goldwire, 168 AD3d 1286, 1286 [2019], lv denied 33 NY3d 976 [2019]), which was less than the statutory maximum (see Penal Law §§ 70.71 [2] [b] [ii]; 220.41 [1]). We therefore find no extraordinary circumstances or abuse of discretion warranting a reduction of the agreed-upon sentence in the interest of justice (see People v Gresham, 163 AD3d 1064, 1065 [2018]) — notwithstanding defendant‘s lack of a prior criminal history. Accordingly, the judgment of conviction is affirmed.

Lynch, J.P., Clark, Mulvey, Pritzker and Colangelo, JJ., concur.

ORDERED that the judgment is affirmed.