People v. Santos

Appeal from a judgment of the County Court of Ulster County (Bruhn, J.), rendered August 1, 2007, convicting defendant upon his plea of guilty of the crime of murder in the second degree.

Defendant was charged in an indictment with murder in the second degree in connection with the brutal stabbing death of his former girlfriend. He pleaded guilty to the crime and, under the terms of the plea agreement, was to be sentenced to 20 years to life in prison. Prior to sentencing, defendant moved to withdraw his plea because he was not satisfied with his attorney. County Court denied the motion and…