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IN RE: Daniel CARTER, Appellant, v. Robert DENNISON, as Chair of the New York State Board of Parole, Respondent.
Appeal from a judgment of the Supreme Court (Cannizzaro, J.), entered November 15, 2004 in Albany County, which dismissed petitioner's application, in a proceeding pursuant to CPLR article 78, to review a determination of the Board of Parole denying his request for parole release.
Petitioner is serving a prison sentence of 15 years to life for his 1989 conviction of murder in the second degree. In September 2003, petitioner made his initial appearance before the Board of Parole and his request for release was denied. After an unsuccessful administrative appeal, petitioner commenced this CPLR article 78 proceeding challenging the Board's determination. Supreme Court dismissed the petition, prompting this appeal.
We affirm. It is well settled that a parole determination is not subject to further judicial review if made in accordance with the statutory requirements (see Executive Law § 259-i[5] ), unless “there is a ‘showing of irrationality bordering on impropriety’ ” (Matter of Silmon v. Travis, 95 N.Y.2d 470, 476, 718 N.Y.S.2d 704, 741 N.E.2d 501 [2000], quoting Matter of Russo v. New York State Bd. of Parole, 50 N.Y.2d 69, 77, 427 N.Y.S.2d 982, 405 N.E.2d 225 [1980] ). Contrary to petitioner's contention, a review of the record and parole hearing transcript establishes that the Board considered his institutional record, participation in various institutional programs and plans upon release, as well as petitioner's explanation of the crime and statement of remorse. Although the determination placed particular emphasis on the nature of the instant offense, the Board is not required to discuss or give equal weight to every factor it considered in rendering its determination (see Matter of Legette v. Travis, 11 A.D.3d 849, 850, 783 N.Y.S.2d 153 [2004]; Matter of Zhang v. Travis, 10 A.D.3d 828, 829, 782 N.Y.S.2d 156 [2004] ). Inasmuch as the discretionary release determination was made in accordance with the relevant statutory factors (see Executive Law § 259-i[2][c][A] ), it will not be disturbed (see Matter of Waters v. New York State Div. of Parole, 271 A.D.2d 779, 706 N.Y.S.2d 213 [2000]; Matter of Hawkins v. Travis, 259 A.D.2d 813, 686 N.Y.S.2d 198 [1999], appeal dismissed 93 N.Y.2d 1033, 697 N.Y.S.2d 556, 719 N.E.2d 915 [1999] ).
ORDERED that the judgment is affirmed, without costs.
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Decided: June 30, 2005
Court: Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Department, New York.
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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.
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