PEOPLE v. TATE (2022)

ORDERED that the judgment of conviction, insofar as appealed from, is affirmed.

Following a nonjury trial, defendant was convicted of driving while ability impaired (Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1192 [1]) and double parking (34 RCNY 4-08 [f] [1]). As limited by the brief, defendant appeals from so much of the judgment as convicted him of driving while ability impaired, contending that the conviction was based on legally insufficient evidence and was against the weight of the evidence because the People failed to prove that he had operated a vehicle while impaired by alcohol.

Viewed in the light most favorable to the prosecution (see People v Contes, 60 NY2d 620, 621 [1983]), the evidence established that defendant was discovered by police officers unconscious in the driver's seat of a vehicle, which was double parked, with the engine on; that defendant exhibited various indicia of intoxication upon being administered field sobriety tests; and that defendant had admitted to having had a “couple of drinks.” This evidence was legally sufficient to support defendant's conviction of driving while ability impaired (see People v Thomas, 70 Misc 3d 142[A], 2021 NY Slip Op 50153[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2021]; People v Fasano, 60 Misc 3d 149[A], 2020 NY Slip Op 50271[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2020]). Additionally, we find, upon a review of the record, that defendant's conviction of this offense was not against the weight of the evidence (see People v General, 67 Misc 3d 129[A], 2020 NY Slip 50412[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2020]; People v Ramlall, 47 Misc 3d 141[A], 2015 NY Slip Op 50621[U] [App Term, 2d Dept, 2d, 11th & 13th Jud Dists 2015]).

Accordingly, the judgment of conviction, insofar as appealed from, is affirmed.

ALIOTTA, P.J., WESTON and TOUSSAINT, JJ., concur.