PEOPLE v. POWELL (2020)

ORDERED that the judgment of conviction is affirmed.

Following a nonjury trial, during which it was established that defendant and the complaining witness each hit or slapped the other, defendant was convicted of attempted assault in the third degree (Penal Law §§ 110.00, 120.00 [1]) and harassment in the second degree (Penal Law § 240.26 [1]).

Defendant argues that the trial evidence demonstrates that the complaining witness slapped defendant first, and that therefore defendant's conduct was justified. As defendant gave a different account of the events from that presented by the People's witnesses, defendant correctly notes that the issue presented was primarily one of credibility. Upon the exercise of our factual review power (see CPL 470.15 [5]; People v. Danielson, 9 NY3d 342, 348-349 [2007]), we accord great deference to the factfinder's opportunity to view the witnesses, hear their testimony, observe their demeanor, and assess their credibility (see People v. Lane, 7 NY3d 888, 890 [2006]; People v. Mateo, 2 NY3d 383, 410 [2004]; People v. Bleakley, 69 NY2d 490, 495 [1987]). We find that, even though the court refused to charge itself at the close of the People's case with the defense of justification, the People disproved defendant's justification defense beyond a reasonable doubt (see Penal Law §§ 25.00 [1]; 35.00). Consequently, the verdict convicting defendant of attempted assault in the third degree and harassment in the second degree was not against the weight of the evidence (see People v. Romero, 7 NY3d 633, 643-646 [2006]).

Accordingly, the judgment of conviction is affirmed.

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