Case Name: The People of the State of New York, Respondent, v. Elbert Foster, Appellant
Court: New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 1993-12-29
Citations: 199 A.D.2d 1063
Docket Number: 
Parties: The People of the State of New York, Respondent, v Elbert Foster, Appellant.
Judges: 
Reporter: Appellate Division Reports
Volume: 199
Pages: 1063–1063

Head Matter:
The People of the State of New York, Respondent, v Elbert Foster, Appellant.
[608 NYS2d 909]

Opinion:
Judgment unanimously reversed on the law and new trial granted. Memorandum: A reconstruction hearing disclosed that defendant was not present in chambers during a Sandoval conference. The court made a Sandoval ruling in the courtroom immediately before trial, permitting the use of some convictions for cross-examination. Defendant did not testify. Because defendant did not have an opportunity to make "a meaningful contribution", reversal is required (People v Favor, 82 NY2d 254, 267; see, People v Dokes, 79 NY2d 656). (Resubmission of Appeal from Judgment of Wayne County Court, Sirkin, J.—Assault, 1st Degree.) Present—Callahan, J. P., Pine, Fallon, Doerr and Boehm, JJ.