People v Zaman

Holding The court affirmed the judgment, finding the guilty plea was valid and the sentence not excessive, but determined that the defendant’s appeal waiver was ineffective because the trial court mischaracterized the right to appeal. Consequently, the appellate court reviewed the excessive sentence claim on the merits despite the purported waiver.

The court’s words

The record does not establish that the defendant's waiver of his right to appeal was knowing, voluntary, and intelligent.

2026 NY Slip Op 05199, at the official text

the Supreme Court mischaracterized the nature of the right to appeal by stating that the defendant's conviction would be final

2026 NY Slip Op 05199, at the official text

the court failed to confirm that the defendant understood the contents of the written waiver

2026 NY Slip Op 05199, at the official text