New York Court of Appeals
The People of the State of New York v. Joseph Dumay
June 5, 201423 N.Y.3d 518
Summary
The court held that Dumay knowingly and voluntarily waived prosecution by misdemeanor information when defense counsel stated “So waive” in open court, even though the case had been initiated by information. The accusatory instrument therefore needed only to satisfy the reasonable-cause standard applicable to a misdemeanor complaint, and its allegations sufficiently supported the obstruction charge and provided adequate notice. The court affirmed the conviction. Judge Pigott, dissenting, would have found the allegations insufficient to establish intent and would have dismissed the accusatory instrument.