New York Court of Appeals
The People of the State of New York v. David M. Harnett
February 10, 201116 N.Y.3d 200
Summary
The Court affirmed the Appellate Division, holding that a failure to advise a defendant of possible civil confinement under the Sex Offender Management and Treatment Act (SOMTA) does not automatically render a guilty plea invalid because such consequences are collateral. The majority emphasized that only a case‑by‑case showing that the undisclosed consequence would have altered the defendant’s decision could justify withdrawal. Justice Ciparick dissented, arguing that the potential for indefinite confinement is a direct consequence that requires warning and that the plea should be vacated.