Defendant Understood the Reference to the “Appellate Division” Was a Reference to a Higher Court—Waiver of Appeal Was Therefore Valid

The Second Department, over a dissent, determined that the defendant’s waiver of appeal was knowingly, voluntarily and intelligently made.  The defendant was asked by the prosecutor if he understood he was waiving the right to appeal his conviction and sentence to “the Appellate Division, Second Department.”  Because the defendant was 27 years old, had prior contact with the criminal justice system, had filed a notice of appeal pro se, and had requested appellate counsel, the court concluded the defendant understood the reference to the “appellate division” was a reference to a higher court. People v Sanders, 2013 NY Slip Op 08276, 2nd Dept 12-11-13