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People v. Martinez

Citations: 246 A.D.2d 456; 667 N.Y.S.2d 247; 1998 N.Y. App. Div. LEXIS 619

Court: Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York; January 26, 1998; New York; State Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

The Supreme Court of New York County, under Justice Micki Scherer, issued an order on June 3, 1996, affirming the defendant's motion to suppress physical evidence. The court upheld the hearing court's findings regarding the credibility and factual basis for determining that the stop was pretextual. It referenced the case People v. Prochilo to support this determination. The court's use of a subjective test to assess the legality of the stop aligns with prior rulings, including People v. Rijo and People v. Laws. Furthermore, the ruling noted that the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Whren v. United States did not necessitate a different conclusion. The decision was unanimous, with Justices Milonas, Ellerin, Wallach, and Rubin concurring.

Legal Issues Addressed

Credibility and Factual Basis in Determining Pretextual Stops

Application: The court upheld the hearing court's findings regarding the credibility and factual basis, determining that the stop was pretextual.

Reasoning: The court upheld the hearing court's findings regarding the credibility and factual basis for determining that the stop was pretextual.

Impact of Whren v. United States on Pretextual Stops

Application: The court concluded that the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Whren v. United States did not affect the outcome of the case.

Reasoning: Furthermore, the ruling noted that the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Whren v. United States did not necessitate a different conclusion.

Subjective Test for Legality of Stops

Application: The court applied a subjective test to assess the legality of the stop, consistent with previous rulings.

Reasoning: The court's use of a subjective test to assess the legality of the stop aligns with prior rulings, including People v. Rijo and People v. Laws.

Suppression of Physical Evidence

Application: The court affirmed the suppression of physical evidence based on the finding that the stop of the defendant was pretextual, aligning with established precedents.

Reasoning: The Supreme Court of New York County, under Justice Micki Scherer, issued an order on June 3, 1996, affirming the defendant's motion to suppress physical evidence.