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. Thomas SMITH, appellant.
Appeal by the defendant from a judgment of the County Court, Rockland County (Resnik, J.), rendered September 28, 2004, convicting him of assault in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree (two counts), upon a jury verdict, and imposing sentence.
ORDERED that the judgment is affirmed.
The defendant's claim that his intoxication precluded him from forming the intent required to commit the crimes of which he was convicted is unpreserved for appellate review, as he did not request an intoxication charge or object when the court did not give such a charge (see CPL 470.05[2]; People v. Dorst, 194 A.D.2d 622, 598 N.Y.S.2d 800; People v. Angel, 185 A.D.2d 356, 586 N.Y.S.2d 622). In any event, the trial court did not err in failing to give an intoxication instruction to the jury (see Penal Law § 15.25). Such an instruction need not be given where, as here, the evidence of alcohol consumption was minimal and no reasonable person would have entertained a doubt as to the element of intent on that basis (see People v. Gaines, 83 N.Y.2d 925, 927, 615 N.Y.S.2d 309, 638 N.E.2d 954; People v. Rodriguez, 76 N.Y.2d 918, 921, 563 N.Y.S.2d 48, 564 N.E.2d 658; People v. Perry, 61 N.Y.2d 849, 850, 473 N.Y.S.2d 966, 462 N.E.2d 143; People v. Salco, 302 A.D.2d 613, 755 N.Y.S.2d 309).
The defendant's remaining contentions are unpreserved for appellate review and, in any event, are without merit.
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: January 09, 2007
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)