People v. Perez

Sep 15, 2009
Reporters:
,

Ordered that the judgment is affirmed.

The defendant‘s contention that the Supreme Court erred in failing to inquire into his mental competency to plead guilty is unpreserved for appellate review (see CPL 470.05; People v Matthews, 21 AD3d 499, 500 [2005]; People v Bristol, 273 AD2d 248, 249 [2000]; People v Durant, 198 AD2d 515 [1993]; People v Willingham, 194 AD2d 703 [1993]). In any event, this contention is without merit. The defendant provided unequivocal and appropriate responses throughout the proceedings, indicating that he understood his rights, which he knowingly, voluntarily, and intelligently waived. Moreover, he meaningfully participated in the proceedings by filing pro se motions. Thus, the court had no basis upon which to conduct an inquiry about the defendant‘s mental competency (see People v Matos, 27 AD3d 485 [2006]; People v Wheeler, 249 AD2d 774 [1998]).

Contrary to the defendant‘s contention, he was not denied the effective assistance of counsel. Counsel filed pretrial motions on the defendant‘s behalf, obtained a suppression hearing, and negotiated a favorable plea agreement which limited the defendant‘s term of imprisonment. Thus, defense counsel‘s representation was meaningful (see People v Caban, 5 NY3d 143, 152 [2005]; People v Benevento, 91 NY2d 708, 712 [1998]).

The defendant‘s remaining contentions, including those raised in his supplemental pro se brief, are without merit. Rivera, J.P., Florio, Dickerson and Austin, JJ., concur.