Matter of Kopald v Town of Highlands N.Y. Zoning Bd. of Appeals

Holding The Appellate Division affirmed the money judgment awarding attorneys’ fees and imposing a monetary sanction on the petitioner for frivolous conduct. The court held that the lower court providently exercised its discretion in determining the amount of fees and sanctions, noting that the failure to submit a retainer agreement was not fatal to the fee application.

The court’s words

The amount of costs or sanctions a court determines to impose is generally entrusted to the court's sound discretion

2026 NY Slip Op 05397, at the official text

the court providently exercised its discretion in awarding the Tonnesons attorneys' fees in the sum of $15,000

2026 NY Slip Op 05397, at the official text

the Supreme Court providently exercised its discretion in imposing a monetary sanction upon the petitioner in the sum of $10,000

2026 NY Slip Op 05397, at the official text