People v Hassett

Holding The court affirmed the convictions for criminal obstruction of breathing, aggravated criminal contempt, and first-degree criminal contempt, finding the evidence sufficient and the trial court’s denial of the defendant’s request for self-representation proper. The court also rejected claims of ineffective assistance of counsel and improper admission of evidence regarding the defendant’s attempts to lift the order of protection.

The court’s words

we defer to the jury's credibility determinations and, examining the trial evidence in a neutral light

2026 NY Slip Op 06354, at the official text

Because defendant repeatedly changed his position regarding pro se representation, his request to proceed pro se cannot be deemed unequivocal

2026 NY Slip Op 06354, at the official text

The victim's account, however, was fully explored on cross-examination, resulting in her admission that she visited the hospital for an unrelated issue

2026 NY Slip Op 06354, at the official text

counsel cannot be held ineffective for declining to pursue arguments with little to no chance of success

2026 NY Slip Op 06354, at the official text

Obedience to the lawful mandate of the court is required even though it is later held that the order was erroneous

2026 NY Slip Op 06354, at the official text