PEOPLE v. MORALES (2026)

DECISION & ORDER

Appeal by the defendant from a judgment of the Supreme Court, Queens County (Stephen A. Knopf, J.), rendered February 15, 2019, convicting him of robbery in the second degree (two counts), grand larceny in the fourth degree, criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, unauthorized use of a vehicle in the third degree, criminal mischief in the fourth degree, driving while intoxicated (two counts), and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, upon a jury verdict, and imposing sentence.

ORDERED that the judgment is reversed, as a matter of discretion in the interest of justice, and the matter is remitted to the Supreme Court, Queens County, for a new trial before a different Justice.

The defendant was convicted of robbery in the second degree, grand larceny in the fourth degree, and criminal possession of stolen property in fourth degree, among other crimes, arising out of the defendant's theft of a taxicab from its driver.

Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution (see People v. Contes, 60 N.Y.2d 620, 621, 467 N.Y.S.2d 349, 454 N.E.2d 932), we find that the evidence was legally sufficient to establish the defendant's guilt of robbery in the second degree, grand larceny in the fourth degree, and criminal possession of stolen property in fourth degree beyond a reasonable doubt.  Moreover, in fulfilling our responsibility to conduct an independent review of the weight of the evidence (see CPL 470.15[5];  People v. Danielson, 9 N.Y.3d 342, 348, 849 N.Y.S.2d 480, 880 N.E.2d 1), we nevertheless accord great deference to the jury's opportunity to view the witnesses, hear the testimony, and observe demeanor (see People v. Bleakley, 69 N.Y.2d 490, 495, 515 N.Y.S.2d 761, 508 N.E.2d 672).  Upon reviewing the record here, we are satisfied that the verdict of guilt was not against the weight of the evidence (see People v. Romero, 7 N.Y.3d 633, 643–644, 826 N.Y.S.2d 163, 859 N.E.2d 902).

The defendant failed to preserve for appellate review his contention that he was deprived of a fair trial by the Supreme Court's participation in the questioning of trial witnesses (see CPL 470.05[2];  People v. Parker, 197 A.D.3d 732,733, 153 N.Y.S.3d 138).  However, we reach that issue in the exercise of our interest of justice jurisdiction.

“ ‘[A] trial judge is permitted to question witnesses to clarify testimony and to facilitate the progress of trial, and, if necessary, to develop factual information,’ so long as the judge does not take on the function or appearance of an advocate” (People v. Pulliam, 217 A.D.3d 968, 970, 192 N.Y.S.3d 157, quoting People v. Adams, 117 A.D.3d 104, 109, 983 N.Y.S.2d 246 [internal quotation marks omitted];  see People v. Coleman, ––– A.D.3d ––––, 246 N.Y.S.3d 482).  Here, the Supreme Court engaged extensively in its own areas of inquiry, asked numerous leading questions of the People's witnesses, including the complainant and a police officer, as to their observations of the defendant, elicited identification testimony, and guided the prosecution at length in its questioning.

Viewing the record as a whole, the Supreme Court improperly took on the function and appearance of an advocate.  The court's conduct left the impression that its opinion favored the credibility of the People's witnesses and the merits of the People's case (see People v. Moulton, 43 N.Y.2d 944, 945, 403 N.Y.S.2d 892, 374 N.E.2d 1243;  People v. Coleman, ––– A.D.3d ––––, 246 N.Y.S.3d 482), thus depriving the defendant of a fair trial (see People v. Yut Wai Tom, 53 N.Y.2d 44, 439 N.Y.S.2d 896, 422 N.E.2d 556;  People v. Coleman, ––– A.D.3d ––––, 246 N.Y.S.3d 482;  People v. Pulliam, 217 A.D.3d at 970, 192 N.Y.S.3d 157).

Accordingly, a new trial is warranted.

The defendant's remaining contentions need not be addressed in light of our determination.

BARROS, J.P., DOWLING, VENTURA and MCCORMACK, JJ., concur.