IN RE: J.M. (2025)

Order of disposition, Family Court, Bronx County (Cynthia Lopez, J.), entered on or about November 21, 2024, which adjudicated appellant a juvenile delinquent upon his admission that he committed an act that, if committed by an adult, would constitute the crime of aggravated harassment in the second degree, and placed him on level 2 probation for a period of 12 months, unanimously affirmed, without costs.

The court providently exercised its discretion when it adjudicated appellant a juvenile delinquent and placed him on level 2 probation for 12 months, which was the least restrictive available alternative consistent with his best interests and the need for protection of the community (see Matter of Katherine W., 62 N.Y.2d 947, 948, 479 N.Y.S.2d 190, 468 N.E.2d 28 [1984]).  The record establishes that the court properly considered both the seriousness of the underlying offense and the evidence establishing appellant's need for supervision and services in adopting the least restrictive alternative (see Matter of Michael F., 230 A.D.3d 414, 416, 215 N.Y.S.3d 103 [1st Dept. 2024]).