People v Best

Holding The appellate court held that the defendant’s appeal waiver was invalid because it was discussed only after she admitted guilt, rather than as part of the plea agreement. Consequently, the court reviewed the excessive sentence claim but affirmed the judgment because the sentence was not excessive.

The court’s words

the record does not demonstrate that the defendant knowingly, voluntarily, and intelligently waived her right to appeal

2026 NY Slip Op 05804, at the official text

the County Court did not mention the appeal waiver as part of the plea agreement being offered

2026 NY Slip Op 05804, at the official text

the purported waiver does not preclude appellate review of the defendant's excessive sentence claim

2026 NY Slip Op 05804, at the official text