People v. Smyth

This is an appeal in a coram nobis proceeding from an order of the Appellate Division which reversed an order of the Bronx County Court dismissing defendant-respondent’s petition, and ordered a hearing “ solely on the issue of defendant’s alleged mental incompetence at the time of arraignment, plea of guilty and sentence.” Although charged with armed robbery, he was permitted to plead guilty to the crime of robbery in the second degree.

Under interrogation by the court, defendant admitted at the time of his arraignment that he “ participated in that stick-up ” and described the circumstances…