Learn About the Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
IN RE: J. W., Respondent–Appellant, a Person Alleged to be a Juvenile Delinquent. Presentment Agency
Order of disposition, Family Court, Bronx County (Peter J. Passidomo, J.), entered on or about September 23, 2024, which adjudicated appellant a juvenile delinquent upon a fact-finding determination that appellant committed acts which, if committed by an adult, would constitute the crimes of criminal sexual act in the first and third degrees; sexual abuse in the first, second, and third degrees; sexual misconduct; and endangering the welfare of a child, and ordered a conditional discharge for a period of 12 months, unanimously modified, on the law, to the extent of amending the fact-finding and dispositional orders to reflect that the second count of the petition charged a violation of Penal Law § 130.65(1) rather than Penal Law § 130.65(3), and otherwise affirmed, without costs.
Family Court's findings comported with the weight of the evidence (see People v. Danielson, 9 N.Y.3d 342, 348–349, 849 N.Y.S.2d 480, 880 N.E.2d 1 [2007]). The victim, age 12 at the time of the incident, provided a detailed account of the conduct leading to the sexual abuse, and her account was corroborated by her largely identical statements to medical professionals at the hospital. In addition, the victim's seven-month delay in reporting the incident was satisfactorily explained. There is no basis for disturbing the court's credibility determinations (see Matter of Trevor McK. [Teanja N.T.], 120 A.D.3d 416, 417, 991 N.Y.S.2d 312 [1st Dept 2014]).
The petition contained a typographical error to the extent that it listed Penal Law § 130.65(3) (sexual abuse when the other person is less than 11 years old) rather than Penal Law § 130.65(1) (sexual abuse by forcible compulsion) as the second count. However, the text of that count clearly alleged that respondent subjected the victim to sexual contact by forcible compulsion, and the supporting deposition contained the requisite factual allegations, which were consistent with conduct proscribed by Penal Law § 130.65(1). Moreover, the petition correctly charges first-degree criminal sexual act, which also requires forcible compulsion, and Family Court found sufficient proof to support that charge (former Penal Law § 130.50[1]). Appellant cites no prejudice from the typographical error in the petition. Accordingly, we modify the orders of fact-finding and disposition (see Matter of Jonathan F., 290 A.D.2d 385, 386, 737 N.Y.S.2d 273 [1st Dept 2002]).
Thank you for your feedback!
As the largest network of trusted legal brands, we help firms build authority across the platforms consumers and AI systems rely on most. Our network helps attorneys strengthen visibility, credibility, and preference where legal decisions begin.
Docket No: 5843
Decided: February 17, 2026
Court: Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department, New York.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)
Harness the power of our directory with your own profile. Select the button below to sign up.
Learn more about FindLaw’s newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)