People v. De Shields

OPINION OF THE COURT

Rena K. Uviller, J.

This motion challenging defendant’s predicate felon status poses another and still unresolved facet of a recurrent question: Whether the failure to accord an eligible defendant an express determination of his youthful offender status nullifies the conviction for purposes of calculating his subsequent predicate felony status. (CPL 400.21, subd 7.) Also at issue here are the elusive standards for assessing attorney competence in the plea negotiation process, especially when a youth is concerned. What are the respective duties of court and counsel in…