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: Victor VALERIO, Appellant, v. NEW YORK STATE DIVISION OF PAROLE, Respondent.
Appeal from a judgment of the Supreme Court (Cahill, J.), entered May 22, 2008 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 petitioner's request for parole release.
While under probation supervision stemming from his prior conviction for criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, petitioner stole a motor vehicle at gunpoint and then robbed one toll booth and attempted to rob another. As a result, petitioner pleaded guilty to robbery in the first degree (two counts), attempted robbery in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. Petitioner was sentenced to an aggregate term of imprisonment of 11 to 24 years. In April 2007, petitioner made his second appearance before the Board of Parole seeking release to parole supervision. The Board denied his request and ordered that he be held an additional 24 months. When petitioner did not receive a response to his ensuing administrative appeal, he commenced this CPLR article 78 proceeding challenging the denial of his request for parole release. Following joinder of issue, Supreme Court dismissed the petition. Petitioner now appeals.
We affirm. In denying petitioner parole release, the Board considered the pertinent statutory factors set forth in Executive Law § 259-i, including the nature of petitioner's crimes and his prior criminal history, along with his prison disciplinary record, program achievements and postrelease plans (see Matter of MacKenzie v. Dennison, 55 A.D.3d 1092, 1092, 866 N.Y.S.2d 384 [2008] ). Regarding petitioner's claim that the Board improperly failed to consider his sentencing minutes in rendering its decision, any failure in this regard was harmless inasmuch as the sentencing court made no parole recommendations (see Matter of Motti v. Alexander, 54 A.D.3d 1114, 1115, 863 N.Y.S.2d 839 [2008] ). Accordingly, given that the Board's decision does not exhibit “ ‘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] ), we find no reason to disturb it.
Petitioner's remaining contentions, to the extent not specifically addressed herein, have been examined and found to be unavailing.
ORDERED that the judgment is affirmed, without costs.
Thank you for your feedback!
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes visit FindLaw's Learn About the Law.
Decided: February 11, 2009
Court: Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third 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)