PEOPLE v. LAWRENCE (2006)

On appeal from a judgment convicting him of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree (Penal Law § 265.02[4] ), defendant contends that he was denied effective assistance of counsel at sentencing.   We agree.   When asked at sentencing whether he wished to speak on defendant's behalf, defense counsel replied:

“Yes. [Defendant], pursuant to a deal we made, was supposed to get a determinant [sic ] sentence of four years but [he] failed to contact me, failed to appear in court and has failed to do any other of the responsibilities that you outlined for him back when we were in court back in March.   And I have explained that to him several times.   I could not reach [defendant].   And in my experience with [defendant], he has showed up in my office intoxicated, threatening me and my secretary.   That is all I have, your Honor.”

Based on those remarks, we conclude that defense counsel “essentially [ ] became a witness against [defendant] and took a position adverse to him,” thereby denying him effective assistance of counsel (People v. Caccavale, 305 A.D.2d 695, 695, 760 N.Y.S.2d 210;  see People v. Coleman, 294 A.D.2d 843, 843-844, 741 N.Y.S.2d 463;  People v. Burton, 251 A.D.2d 1020, 674 N.Y.S.2d 560).   We therefore modify the judgment by vacating the sentence, and we remit the matter to County Court for the assignment of new counsel and resentencing.

It is hereby ORDERED that the judgment so appealed from be and the same hereby 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 further proceedings.

MEMORANDUM: