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.
The PEOPLE, etc., respondent, v. Michael FOSTER, appellant.
Appeal by the defendant from a judgment of the Supreme Court, Kings County (Bruno, J.), rendered March 30, 1998, convicting him of attempted murder in the second degree, robbery in the first degree, assault in the first degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, and grand larceny in the fourth degree, upon a jury verdict, and imposing sentence. The appeal brings up for review the denial, after a hearing, of that branch of the defendant's omnibus motion which was to suppress identification testimony.
ORDERED that the judgment is affirmed.
The defendant's contention that the lineup procedure was unduly suggestive since he was the only participant with protruding or large eyes is without merit. There is no requirement that a defendant be surrounded by individuals identical to himself (see, People v. Chipp, 75 N.Y.2d 327, 553 N.Y.S.2d 72, 552 N.E.2d 608; People v. Graham, 261 A.D.2d 413, 688 N.Y.S.2d 890; People v. Gelzer, 224 A.D.2d 443, 637 N.Y.S.2d 764; People v. Baptiste, 201 A.D.2d 659, 608 N.Y.S.2d 266). All that is required is that the participants resemble each other sufficiently so as not to create a substantial likelihood that the defendant would be singled out for identification (see, People v. Chipp, supra). Here, the fillers were selected based on their similar characteristics to the defendant. All the fillers were of African-American descent, all were of approximately the same height and weight, and had similar complexions, facial hair, and clothing. Thus, even if the defendant was the only participant with large eyes, that fact did not render the lineup suggestive (see, People v. Bookman, 232 A.D.2d 498, 648 N.Y.S.2d 661).
The defendant's remaining contentions are without merit.
MEMORANDUM BY THE COURT.
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.
Decided: May 08, 2000
Court: Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second 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)