People v. Gonzalez, 2002-11320.

Decision Date11 October 2005
Docket Number2002-11320.
Citation2005 NY Slip Op 07550,801 N.Y.S.2d 757,22 A.D.3d 597
PartiesTHE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, Respondent, v. LUIS GONZALEZ, Appellant.
CourtNew York Supreme Court — Appellate Division

Ordered that the judgment is affirmed.

Contrary to the defendant's contention, he was not denied the effective assistance of counsel. Viewing the totality of the evidence, the law, and the circumstances of the case, we conclude that the defendant received meaningful representation (see People v Baldi, 54 NY2d 137, 147 [1981]; People v Torres, 13 AD3d 562 [2004]; People v Larkins, 10 AD3d 694 [2004]). Unsuccessful trial strategies and tactics do not constitute ineffective assistance of counsel (see People v Benevento, 91 NY2d 708, 712 [1998]; People v Smith, 12 AD3d 707 [2004]; People v Mack, 235 AD2d 548, 550 [1997]). A defendant cannot establish ineffectiveness merely by showing that his attorney employed "questionable or debatable trial strategies" (People v Sullivan, 153 AD2d 223, 227 [1990]; see People v Hyatt, 2 AD3d 749, 750 [2003]; People v Toellner, 299 AD2d 567, 568 [2002]; People v Mercedes, 182 AD2d 778, 779 [1992]). The defense counsel prepared a trial strategy, pursued that strategy during cross-examination of the People's witnesses, made cogent arguments in his summation, and emphasized his contention that the defendant was the victim of misidentification.

The sentence imposed was not excessive (see People v Suitte, 90 AD2d 80 [1982]).

The remaining contentions raised in the defendant's supplemental pro se brief are without merit.

Schmidt, J.P., Santucci, Luciano and Covello, JJ., concur.

To continue reading

Request your trial
6 cases
  • People v. Defelice
    • United States
    • New York Supreme Court — Appellate Division
    • February 5, 2020
    ...N.Y.3d 393, 405–407, 971 N.Y.S.2d 729, 994 N.E.2d 820 ; People v. Windley, 70 A.D.3d 1060, 1061, 896 N.Y.S.2d 376 ; People v. Gonzalez, 22 A.D.3d 597, 598, 801 N.Y.S.2d 757 ), and, viewing the record as a whole, the defendant received meaningful representation (see People v. Benevento, 91 N......
  • People v. Windley
    • United States
    • New York Supreme Court — Appellate Division
    • February 23, 2010
    ...54 N.Y.2d at 151, 444 N.Y.S.2d 893, 429 N.E.2d 400; Pareja v. City of New York, 49 A.D.3d 470, 854 N.Y.S.2d 380; People v. Gonzalez, 22 A.D.3d 597, 598, 801 N.Y.S.2d 757; People v. Sullivan, 153 A.D.2d at 228, 550 N.Y.S.2d 358). Moreover, when considered as a whole, trial counsel's performa......
  • People v. Gonzalez
    • United States
    • New York Court of Appeals Court of Appeals
    • January 25, 2006
  • People v. Chowdhury
    • United States
    • New York Supreme Court — Appellate Division
    • October 11, 2005
  • Request a trial to view additional results

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT