People v. Lopez

OPINION OF THE COURT

Chief Judge Kaye.

Can a criminal defendant who has validly waived the right to appeal nonetheless ask the Appellate Division to exercise its interest-of-justice jurisdiction to reduce a sentence? We answer that question in the negative, though in so doing we underscore the critical nature of a court’s colloquy with a defendant explaining the right relinquished by an appeal waiver.

People v Lopez

Following arrest and indictment for possession and sale of a controlled substance in or near school grounds, defendant Lopez pleaded guilty to a reduced charge. In exchange for this…