The People, etc., respondent, v. Abner Alvarez, appellant. (2011)

Argued—September 27, 2011

DECISION & ORDER

Appeal by the defendant from a judgment of the County Court, Orange County (Freehill, J.), rendered December 16, 2008, convicting him of murder in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree (two counts), upon a jury verdict, and imposing sentence.

ORDERED that the judgment is affirmed.

The defendant's contention that the evidence was not legally sufficient to support his convictions is unpreserved for appellate review, as defense counsel merely made a general motion for a trial order of dismissal at the close of the People's case (see CPL 470.05[2];  People v. Hawkins, 11 NY3d 484, 491–492;  People v. Devers, 82 AD3d 1261).   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 the evidence was legally sufficient to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.   Moreover, upon our independent review of the evidence pursuant to CPL 470.15(5), 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 certain evidence of gang membership was erroneously admitted at trial is unpreserved for appellate review (see CPL 470.05[2] ).   In any event, any error in admitting such evidence was harmless, as there was overwhelming evidence of the defendant's guilt and no significant probability that the alleged error contributed to his conviction (see People v. Crimmins, 36 N.Y.2d 230, 241–242).   Further, the defendant failed to establish that he was deprived of the effective assistance of counsel (see Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687–694;  People v. Benevento, 91 N.Y.2d 708, 714).

RIVERA, J.P., FLORIO, AUSTIN and SGROI, JJ., concur.

ENTER:

Matthew G. Kiernan

Clerk of the Court