Fourth Department - Ineffective assistance of counsel: People v. Blount

Daily Record Staff//July 12, 2022//

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New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Judicial Department

Ineffective assistance of counsel

Court’s minimal inquiry

People v. Blount

KA 20-00979

Appealed from Onondaga County Court

Background: The defendant appealed from his conviction of criminal possession of stolen property. He argues that the county court improperly failed to inquire into his complaints about defense counsel at sentencing.

Ruling: The Appellate Division affirmed. The court held that the unexplained allegations of rudeness and belligerence by defense counsel are precisely the sort of vague and conclusory claims that do not trigger the court’s duty to make a minimal inquiry. Further, the defendant never asked to represent himself and the issue of self-representation never arose.

Paul J. Connolly, of the Frank H. Hiscock Legal Aid Society, for the defendant-appellant; Darienn P. Balin, of the district attorney’s office, for the respondent.