Case ID: ad2d_112/html/0758-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

The People of the State of New York, Respondent, v Walter Moore, Appellant.
   Judgment unanimously reversed, on the law, and new trial granted. Memorandum: Defendant was deprived of his right to testify because of the court’s erroneous ruling that statements made by the defendant as a basis for a plea of guilty which was later withdrawn could be used for purposes of impeachment at trial. Once a guilty plea has been withdrawn, it ceases to be evidence and "is out of the case forever and for all purposes” (People v Spitaleri, 9 NY2d 168, 173; see also, People v Droz, 39 NY2d 457; People v Papo, 80 AD2d 623). People v Evans (58 NY2d 14) is not to the contrary. The statement in Evans was not a part of the actual plea colloquy as are the statements which the People sought to use here. To permit the substance of the plea colloquy to be used at a subsequent trial would render the withdrawal of the plea a mockery. (Appeal from judgment of Erie County Court, Forma, J. — burglary, third degree.) Present — Dillon, P. J., Hancock, Jr., Doerr, Denman and O’Donnell, JJ.