People v. Malave

The decision to grant youthful offender treatment lies within the discretion of the sentencing court. (CPL 720.20 [1] [a].) In determining whether to grant an application for youthful offender status, "the factors to be considered include the gravity of the crime and manner in which it was committed, *420mitigating circumstances, defendant’s prior criminal record, prior acts of violence, recommendations in the presentence reports, defendant’s reputation, the level of cooperation with authorities, defendant’s attitude toward society and respect for the law, and the prospects for rehabilitation and…