Court Opinion

ID: 5871367
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-01-13 01:48:07.73229+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:44:43.249157
License: Public Domain

Asch and Alexander, JJ.,
dissent in part in a memorandum by Alexander, J., as follows: In my view, it is inappropriate to reverse the conviction and remand this case for a new trial because the trial minutes have been lost, without first having a reconstruction hearing. Defendant was convicted after a seven- or eight-day trial in July, 1981 of criminal possession of a weapon, third degree, and reckless endangerment, first degree, and sentenced to concurrent terms of imprisonment of IVz years to 4Vz years and is currently on parole. His appeal has not been perfected and it appears that the trial minutes are “hopelessly lost”. Defendant seeks summary reversal and dismissal of the indictment since without the minutes the appeal cannot be perfected. The People agree to the reversal but would have a retrial instead of a dismissal. Both sides agree that a reconstruction hearing would pose difficulties because of the lapse of time. No adequate showing is made however that a reconstruction hearing would be unavailing. Indeed the Trial Judge is still available and may well have notes that would adequately facilitate the reconstruction. Should reconstruction prove to be impossible, in fact, resort can then be had to a retrial.