PEOPLE v. WILLIAMS (2012)

Appeal by the defendant from a judgment of the Supreme Court, Queens County (Braun, J.), rendered March 8, 2011, convicting him of robbery in the second degree (two counts), attempted robbery in the second degree (two counts), criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree, and unlawful sale or possession of an air pistol or rifle, after a nonjury trial, and imposing sentence.

ORDERED that the judgment is affirmed.

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; People v. Samuel, 84 AD3d 841; People v. Barksdale, 50 AD3d 400, 401; People v. Green, 277 A.D.2d 82, 83). 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, 2 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).