PEOPLE v. JAMHARIAN (2023)

ORDERED that the judgment of conviction is reversed, on the facts, the accusatory instrument is dismissed, and the fine, if paid, is remitted.

Defendant was charged in a simplified traffic information with violating Section 15-172 (a) (11) of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Long Beach (double parking). Following a nonjury trial, during which the police officer who had issued the simplified traffic information to defendant was the sole witness, the court found defendant guilty and sentenced defendant to a fine in the amount of $100.

Upon a defendant's request, this court must conduct a weight of the evidence review and, thus, “a defendant will be given one appellate review of adverse factual findings” (People v Danielson, 9 NY3d 342, 348 [2007]). “Necessarily, in conducting its weight of the evidence review, a court must consider the elements of the [offense], for even if the prosecution's witnesses were credible their testimony must prove the elements of the [offense] beyond a reasonable doubt” (id. at 349). If it appears that the factfinder failed to give the evidence the weight it should be accorded, this court may set aside the verdict and dismiss the accusatory instrument (see CPL 470.20 [5]; People v Romero, 7 NY3d 633, 643-644 [2006]; People v Mateo, 2 NY3d 383, 410 [2004]). Application of these principles here warrants the conclusion that the verdict convicting defendant of double parking in violation of section 15-172 (a) (11) of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Long Beach was against the weight of the evidence, as there was no proof that defendant's vehicle was parked “[o]n the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of street” (Code of Ordinances of the City of Long Beach § 15-172 [a] [11]).

In light of the foregoing, defendant's other contention is rendered academic and we do not pass upon it.

Accordingly, the judgment of conviction is reversed and the accusatory instrument is dismissed.

GARGUILO, P.J., McCORMACK and WALSH, JJ., concur.