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People v. Sansone

Citation: 2018 NY Slip Op 5368Docket: 107910

Court: Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York; July 19, 2018; New York; State Appellate Court

Original Court Document: View Document

Narrative Opinion Summary

In this case, the appellant was convicted by the County Court of Franklin County for vehicular assault in the second degree, driving while ability impaired by drugs, and a traffic infraction following a collision involving a dump truck and a van, which resulted in serious injuries to the van's driver. The incident led to a trial where the appellant, who admitted to consuming marijuana prior to the crash, was acquitted of speeding but found guilty on other charges. Sentenced to 2 to 4 years in prison as a second felony offender, the appellant contested the County Court's Sandoval ruling concerning his prior convictions on appeal. However, this challenge was not preserved for review due to the absence of an objection at the Sandoval hearing. Additionally, the appellant argued that the sentence was overly severe given his lack of criminal activity and stable employment since his last release from prison. The Appellate Division, finding no abuse of discretion or extraordinary circumstances, upheld the original judgment and sentence, affirming the lower court's decision.

Legal Issues Addressed

Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs

Application: The defendant admitted to smoking marijuana earlier on the day of the incident, contributing to his conviction for driving while ability impaired.

Reasoning: Following the collision, Sansone admitted to smoking marijuana earlier that day.

Sandoval Ruling and Preservation for Review

Application: The defendant's challenge to the Sandoval ruling regarding prior convictions was unpreserved for appellate review due to a lack of objection during the hearing.

Reasoning: Sansone's appeal included a challenge to the County Court's Sandoval ruling regarding prior convictions, which was deemed unpreserved for review due to lack of objection before the close of the Sandoval hearing.

Sentencing and Appellate Review

Application: The appellate court affirmed the sentence, finding no abuse of discretion or extraordinary circumstances warranting modification, despite the defendant's arguments regarding his rehabilitation.

Reasoning: The Appellate Division found no abuse of discretion or extraordinary circumstances justifying a sentence modification. The judgment was affirmed.

Vehicular Assault in the Second Degree

Application: The defendant was convicted of vehicular assault in the second degree following an incident where his impaired driving resulted in serious injuries to another party.

Reasoning: Appeal by Allen P. Sansone from a judgment of the County Court of Franklin County, which convicted him of vehicular assault in the second degree, driving while ability impaired by drugs, and the traffic infraction of failure to keep right.