Case Name: The People of the State of New York, Respondent, v. Stephen J. Riale, Appellant
Court: New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 2000-07-07
Citations: 274 A.D.2d 970
Docket Number: Appeal No. 1
Parties: The People of the State of New York, Respondent, v Stephen J. Riale, Appellant.
Judges: 
Reporter: Appellate Division Reports
Volume: 274
Pages: 970–970

Head Matter:
The People of the State of New York, Respondent, v Stephen J. Riale, Appellant.
(Appeal No. 1.)
[711 NYS2d 654]

Opinion:
—Judgment unanimously reversed as a matter of discretion in the interest of justice and new trial granted. Memorandum: County Court erred in denying defendant's Sandoval motion with respect to a prior forgery conviction on the ground that defendant "waived" or "forfeited" that motion by asserting an agency defense. The record establishes that defendant never asserted an agency defense. In any event, that defense has no application to the crimes of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree (Penal Law § 170.25), grand larceny in the third degree (Penal Law § 155.35) and grand larceny in the fourth degree (Penal Law § 155.30 [1]), which are charged herein (see, People v Andujas, 79 NY2d 113, 117). (Appeal from Judgment of Onondaga County Court, Hafner, Jr., J. — Criminal Possession Forged Instrument, 2nd Degree.) Present — Pigott, Jr., P. J., Pine, Wisner, Scudder and Lawton, JJ.