The People of the State of New York v. Stephen Sullivan

Summary

The Court reversed the Appellate Division and reinstated the grand‑jury indictment for reckless manslaughter, holding that a grand jury may lawfully return a lesser‑included charge when the evidence supports it and that the evidence here could support a finding of reckless conduct. The opinion also affirmed that the grand jury’s discretion to indict on a lesser offense is permissible under CPL 190.65. Chief Judge Wachtler dissented, arguing the indictment should remain dismissed.