People v. Medina

OPINION OF THE COURT

Fuchsberg, J.

After a trial by jury, Jose Medina was convicted of rape in the first degree (Penal Law, § 130.35) and burglary in the first degree (Penal Law, § 140.30). Dismissing a lesser included count, the Appellate Division affirmed. On this appeal to us, the appellant now asserts that (1) he was denied effective assistance of counsel because the Trial Judge refused to replace his court-appointed lawyer and thus improperly compelled him to defend himself and (2) the evidence was insufficient to meet the corroboration standards then required to support a conviction for…