New York Court of Appeals
The People of the State of New York, Respondent v. Juan Carlos Pichardo, Appellant
December 2, 20031 N.Y.3d 126
Summary
The Court held that a guilty plea induced by a promise of a concurrent sentence must be vacated when the related conviction is later overturned, reversing the Appellate Division and reinstating the lower court's order vacating the drug conviction. The Court relied on prior decisions that treat such promises as essential conditions of the plea. Justice Graffeo dissented, arguing that the defendant had received the full benefit of the bargain and that vacatur was unwarranted. The dissent is summarized separately.