The People of the State of New York, Respondent v. Lester Williams, Appellant

Summary

The New York Court of Appeals affirmed the Appellate Division's order, holding that the trial court's refusal to charge the jury on innocent possession was not reversible error because the evidence showed the defendant's possession was not innocent. The Court reasoned that innocent possession requires a legal excuse and that the weapon was not handled in a non‑dangerous manner, which were absent here.