New York Court of Appeals
The People of the State of New York, Respondent v. Roy C. Letterlough, Appellant
June 13, 199586 N.Y.2d 259
Summary
The Court held that a probation condition requiring the defendant to affix a fluorescent "CONVICTED DWI" sign to any vehicle’s license plates is not reasonably related to rehabilitation and exceeds the court’s statutory authority, thus reversing the Appellate Division’s decision, vacating the plea, and remanding for further proceedings. The majority emphasized the rehabilitative purpose of probation and rejected the punitive "scarlet letter" approach. Justice Bellacosa dissented, arguing the condition was permissible and should be affirmed. The dissent is summarized separately.