People v. Morales

Judgment of conviction, Supreme Court, New York County, rendered April 8, 1974, after jury trial, unanimously reversed, on the law and in the interest of justice, and a new trial ordered. Defendant was convicted of both sale and possession of a controlled substance, being one methadone pill, sold to an undercover policeman for $10. Concurrent mandatory sentences of one year to life were imposed. With this grave penalty hanging in the balance, a fair trial was of particular importance; defendant did not receive one. Most of the points raised are without merit, but two necessitate reversal. The…