New York Court of Appeals

The People of the State of New York, Respondent v. Dario Berroa, Appellant

November 21, 200299 N.Y.2d 134

Summary

The New York Court of Appeals held that defense counsel's stipulation, which contradicted the testimony of the defendant's own witnesses, created a conflict of interest that deprived the defendant of effective assistance of counsel. The Court distinguished prior decisions and reversed the Appellate Division, ordering a new trial.