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People v. West

145 A.D.2d 980 Court N.Y. App. Div. Decision date 1988-12-23 English

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p. 980
The People of the State of New York, Respondent, v Thomas West, Appellant.

Judgment unanimously modified on the law and as modified affirmed and matter remitted to Ontario County Court for further proceedings, in accordance with the following memorandum: The court erred in ordering defendant to pay restitution of $6,081.35 without conducting a hearing to determine the proper amount of restitution (see, Penal Law § 60.27 [2]; cf, CPL 400.30). Where the record is insufficient to support a finding as to the proper amount of restitution, "the court must conduct a hearing” (Penal Law § 60.27 [2]; People v Bentivegna, 145 AD2d 899 ; People v Millar, 144 AD2d 1032 ; People v Dixon, 134 AD2d 877 , 878). " 'Because defendant was convicted on his plea of guilty, there was no proof developed as to the amount of loss sustained’ ” (People v Millar,

p. 981
supra, at 1032 ; People v Dixon, supra). Although the record is not clear, the court appears to have relied on a probation or presentence report in fixing the amount of restitution. Such reports do not provide a sufficient basis upon which to order restitution without a hearing (People v Millar, supra; People v Dixon, supra; People v Sommer, 105 AD2d 1052 , 1053; People v Clougher, 95 AD2d 860 ). Defendant’s failure to request a hearing at the time of sentencing or object to the court’s summary imposition of a restitution condition does not relieve the court of its obligation to conduct a hearing sua sponte because of the " 'essential nature’ ” of defendant’s right to be sentenced as prescribed by law (People v Fuller, 57 NY2d 152 , 156; People v Bentivegna, supra; People v Dixon, supra). (Appeal from judgment of Ontario County Court, Henry, J. — burglary, third degree, and other charges.) Present — Denman, J. P., Boomer, Balio, Lawton and Davis, JJ.

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