The People, etc., respondent, v. Zeran Peters, appellant. (2010)

Argued-December 15, 2009

DECISION & ORDER

Appeal by the defendant from a judgment of the Supreme Court, Kings County (Carroll, J.), rendered February 28, 2007, convicting him of robbery in the second degree, upon a jury verdict, and imposing sentence.

ORDERED that the judgment is affirmed.

The defendant's contention that the evidence was legally insufficient to support his conviction of robbery in the second degree is unpreserved for appellate review (see CPL 470.05[2];  People v. Hawkins, 11 NY3d 484, 492;  People v. Laviscount, 57 AD3d 1007, 1008).   In any event, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution (see People v. Contes, 60 N.Y.2d 620), we find that it was legally sufficient to establish the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt (see Penal Law § 160.00[2], 160.10[2];  People v. Mattis, 46 AD3d 929 931-932).   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 NY3d 342), we nevertheless accord great deference to the factfinder's opportunity to view the witnesses, hear the testimony, and observe demeanor (see People v. Mateo, 3 NY3d 383, 410, cert denied 542 U.S. 946;  People v. Bleakley, 69 N.Y.2d 490, 495).   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 NY3d 633).

The defendant's contention that reversal is required because the verdicts on the two counts of robbery in the second degree were repugnant is without merit.   Viewing the verdicts solely in terms of the elements as charged to the jury (see People v. Tucker, 55 N.Y.2d 1, 7), the acquittal returned on one of the counts of robbery in the second degree (see Penal Law § 160.10[1] ) did not negate any essential element of the charge of robbery in the second degree of which the defendant was convicted (see Penal Law § 160.10[2] [a] ).   Moreover, the court submitted the two robbery counts in the alternative without objection by the defendant, thus making it clear before deliberations commenced that the jury would not be permitted to convict the defendant of both counts of robbery in the second degree regardless of its factual determinations.   Under such circumstances, there is “no principled basis” to give the defendant the benefit of any perceived inconsistency in the verdicts (cf.  People v. Rayam, 94 N.Y.2d 557, 562-563;  United States v. Powell, 469 U.S. 57, 65).

The defendant was not denied his right to be present at a material stage of the trial when the court made an inquiry of a sworn juror (see CPL 270.35 [1];  People v. Harris, 99 N.Y.2d 202, 212;  People v. Oakes, 57 AD3d 1425, 1426;  People v. Rodriguez, 2 AD3d 296, 298).   Nor did the sentencing court improvidently exercise its discretion in denying the defendant's request for youthful offender treatment (see People v. Huffman, 47 AD3d 646;  People v. Polansky, 125 A.D.2d 342, 343).

The defendant's remaining contentions are without merit.

FISHER, J.P., MILLER, ENG and HALL, JJ., concur.

ENTER:

James Edward Pelzer

Clerk of the Court