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People v. Headley

74 N.Y.2d 858 Court N.Y. Decision date 1989-10-12 English

Contents

Majority

p. 858
The People of the State of New York, Appellant, v Grafton Headley, Respondent, et al., Defendants.
Argued September 13, 1989;
decided October 12, 1989
p. 859
859
APPEARANCES OF COUNSEL
John J. Santucci, District Attorney (Emil Bricker of counsel), for appellant.
Respondent precluded.

OPINION OF THE COURT

Memorandum.

The order of the Appellate Division should be affirmed.

We agree that the People’s evidence was legally insufficient to establish defendant’s constructive possession of either the narcotics or weapons found in the apartment where defendant was arrested, and that the trial order of dismissal was therefore properly granted (CPL 290.10 [1]). The People presented no evidence of defendant’s dominion and control over the contraband. Proof that the premises were used for drug dealing was not sufficient to establish that defendant himself was guilty of unlawful drug and weapons possession.

Chief Judge Wachtler and Judges Simons, Kaye, Alexander, Titone, Hancock, Jr., and Bellacosa concur.

Order affirmed in a memorandum.