The People, etc., respondent, v. Kevin Duhaney, appellant. (2025)

Submitted—October 10, 2024

DECISION & ORDER ON MOTION

ORDERED that Michelle Parisien, 70 Second Street, P.O. Box 166, South Jamesport, N.Y. 11970, is assigned as counsel to prosecute the appeal;  and it is further,

ORDERED that the respondent is directed to furnish a copy of the certified transcript of the proceedings to the appellant's new assigned counsel;  and it is further,

ORDERED that new counsel shall serve and file a brief on behalf of the appellant within 90 days of the date of this decision and order on motion, and the respondent shall serve and file its brief within 30 days after the brief on behalf of the appellant is served and filed.  By order dated April 27, 2021, the Supreme Court, Nassau County, granted an application pursuant to CPL former 380.55 for poor person relief.  By prior decision and order on motion dated June 2, 2021, this Court directed that the appeal be heard on the original papers, including a certified transcript of the proceedings, and on the briefs of the parties.  The parties are directed to upload, through the digital portal on this Court's website, digital copies of their respective briefs, with proof of service of one hard copy on each other (see 22 NYCRR 670.9[a] ).

In reviewing an attorney's motion to be relieved pursuant to Anders v. California (386 U.S. 738), this Court must first “ ‘satisfy itself that the attorney has provided the client with a diligent and thorough search of the record for any arguable claim that might support the client's appeal’ ” (Matter of Giovanni S. [Jasmin A.], 89 AD3d 252, 255, quoting Penson v. Ohio, 488 U.S. 75, 83 [alterations omitted] ).  “[C]ounsel must, at a minimum, draw the Court's attention to the relevant evidence, with specific references to the record;  identify and assess the efficacy of any significant objections, applications, or motions;  and identify possible issues for appeal, with reference to the facts of the case and relevant legal authority” (id. at 258;  see People v. Murray, 169 AD3d 227, 231–232;  People v. Randolph, 156 AD3d 818, 819).  “Counsel cannot merely recite the underlying facts, and state a bare conclusion that, after reviewing the record and discussing the case with the client, it is the writer's opinion that there are no nonfrivolous issues to be raised on appeal” (Matter of Giovanni S. [Jasmin A.], 89 AD3d at 258).  If assigned counsel's brief is deficient in this respect, “new counsel must be assigned to perform a new appellate review” (People v. Murray, 169 AD3d at 232).

The brief submitted by the defendant's counsel pursuant to Anders v. California is deficient because it fails to analyze potential appellate issues with reference to the facts of the case and relevant legal authority (see People v. Trent, 220 AD3d 889, 890;  People v. Chicas, 203 AD3d 1064, 1066;  Matter of Giovanni S. [Jasmin A.], 89 AD3d at 256).  After reciting the facts relating to the defendant's plea and sentence, the brief merely states in conclusory fashion that no nonfrivolous issues exist (see People v. Chicas, 203 AD3d at 1066;  People v. Santos, 180 AD3d 941, 942;  Matter of Giovanni S. [Jasmin A.], 89 AD3d at 256).  Since the brief does not demonstrate that assigned counsel fulfilled his obligations under Anders v. California, we must assign new counsel to represent the defendant (see People v. Trent, 220 AD3d at 890;  People v. Chicas, 203 AD3d at 1066;  Matter of Giovanni S. [Jasmin A.], 89 AD3d at 256).

DUFFY, J.P., CHRISTOPHER, WARHIT and TAYLOR, JJ., concur.

ENTER:

Darrell M. Joseph

Clerk of the Court