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In re Yohannes A.

Citations: 243 A.D.2d 316; 664 N.Y.S.2d 530; 1997 N.Y. App. Div. LEXIS 9874

Court: Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York; October 16, 1997; New York; State Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

The Family Court of New York County, presided by Judge Leah Marks, issued an Order of Disposition on January 12, 1996, affirming that the appellant violated probation terms and placing him in the custody of the Division for Youth for 18 months. The court employed the standard of proof by a preponderance of the evidence, referencing the case Matter of Alpheaus M. The appellant’s attendance records were admissible under CPLR 2307, 4518, and Education Law 3211 [2]. The court determined that placement was the least restrictive alternative due to the appellant's lack of improvement, evidenced by violations of all probation conditions, along with supporting conclusions from the probation officer and examining psychologist. The decision was unanimously affirmed by Justices Murphy, Wallach, Nardelli, Tom, and Colabella, with no costs awarded.

Legal Issues Addressed

Admissibility of Attendance Records

Application: The appellant's attendance records were admitted as evidence under specific statutes, which facilitated the court's findings regarding probation violations.

Reasoning: The appellant’s attendance records were admissible under CPLR 2307, 4518, and Education Law 3211 [2].

Affirmation of Lower Court’s Decision

Application: The decision to place the appellant in custody was affirmed by the appellate court without any costs awarded, indicating agreement with the lower court's findings and conclusions.

Reasoning: The decision was unanimously affirmed by Justices Murphy, Wallach, Nardelli, Tom, and Colabella, with no costs awarded.

Least Restrictive Alternative in Juvenile Disposition

Application: The court determined that placing the appellant in the custody of the Division for Youth was the least restrictive alternative, based on the appellant's failure to comply with probation conditions.

Reasoning: The court determined that placement was the least restrictive alternative due to the appellant's lack of improvement, evidenced by violations of all probation conditions, along with supporting conclusions from the probation officer and examining psychologist.

Standard of Proof by Preponderance of the Evidence

Application: The Family Court applied the standard of proof by a preponderance of the evidence to determine the appellant's violation of probation terms.

Reasoning: The court employed the standard of proof by a preponderance of the evidence, referencing the case Matter of Alpheaus M.