The People of the State of New York v. Larry Lawrence McGowen

Summary

The New York Court of Appeals affirmed the Appellate Division's order, holding that the defendant's guilty plea was knowingly and intelligently entered and therefore valid, and that the sentencing court was not required to make a youthful offender determination because the defendant waived that right. The court rejected the defendant's claims that the plea lacked clear statement of elements and that the sentence was defective. Justice Cooke dissented, arguing that deficiencies in the plea proceeding required vacating the judgment and remand.