X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

Decided and Entered: May 24, 2007 501135 ________________________________ In the Matter of JASTON COLEMAN, Petitioner, v DONALD SELSKY, as Director of Special Housing and Inmate Disciplinary Programs, Respondent. ________________________________ Calendar Date: May 1, 2007 Before: Cardona, P.J., Mercure, Crew III, Peters and Carpinello, JJ. __________ Jaston Coleman, Dannemora, petitioner pro se. Andrew M. Cuomo, Attorney General, Albany (Patrick Barnett-Mulligan of counsel), for respondent. __________ Peters, J. Proceeding pursuant to CPLR article 78 (transferred to this Court by order of the Supreme Court, entered in Albany County) to review a determination of the Commissioner of Correctional Services which found petitioner guilty of violating certain prison disciplinary rules. A search of petitioner’s prison cell revealed unauthorized items and papers, resulting in disciplinary proceedings. Petitioner challenges a determination finding him guilty of possessing unauthorized literature, possessing property in an unauthorized area, possessing contraband, tampering with an electrical device and possessing impermissible identification, all violations of prison disciplinary rules. We confirm. The misbehavior report, together with the documentary evidence and the testimony of the correction officer who conducted the search, provide substantial evidence supporting the determination of guilt (see Matter of Vizcaino v Selsky, 26 AD3d 574 [2006], lv denied 7 NY3d 708; Matter of Smith v Goord, 255 AD2d 1007 [1998]). Petitioner’s exculpatory statements as to the nature and source of the items presented a credibility issue for the Hearing Officer to resolve (see Matter of Miller v New York State Dept. of Correctional Servs., 295 AD2d 714, 714-715 [2002]; Matter of McGoey v Selsky, 260 AD2d 814, 815 [1999]). Petitioner’s procedural objections are unpersuasive. The record demonstrates that the hearing was conducted in a fair and impartial manner and the determination did not flow from any alleged bias on the part of the Hearing Officer (see Matter of Cayenne v Goord, 16 AD3d 782, 783-784 [2005]; Matter of Sanchez v Selsky, 8 AD3d 846, 846 [2004]). Additionally, the record shows that petitioner received meaningful assistance inasmuch as he was provided with the documentation that he requested. Finally, petitioner’s contention that the misbehavior report inadequately described the charges is without merit in that it provided him with sufficient detail to make an effective defense (see Matter of Abdur-Raheem v Mann, 85 NY2d 113, 123 [1995]; Matter of Parker v Laundree, 234 AD2d 727, 727 [1996]). Petitioner’s remaining contentions have been reviewed and determined to be without merit. Cardona, P.J., Mercure, Crew III and Carpinello, JJ., concur. ADJUDGED that the determination is confirmed, without costs, and petition dismissed.

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

More From ALM

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
September 05, 2024
New York, NY

The New York Law Journal honors attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in New York.


Learn More
April 25, 2024
Dubai

Law firms & in-house legal departments with a presence in the middle east celebrate outstanding achievement within the profession.


Learn More
April 29, 2024 - May 01, 2024
Aurora, CO

The premier educational and networking event for employee benefits brokers and agents.


Learn More

Atlanta s John Marshall Law School is seeking to hire one or more full-time, visiting Legal WritingInstructors to teach Legal Research, Anal...


Apply Now ›

Lower Manhattan firm seeks a premises liability litigator (i.e., depositions, SJ motions, and/or trials) with at least 3-6 years of experien...


Apply Now ›

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of CaliforniaThe current term of office for United States Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen in...


Apply Now ›
04/15/2024
Connecticut Law Tribune

MELICK & PORTER, LLP PROMOTES CONNECTICUT PARTNERS HOLLY ROGERS, STEVEN BANKS, and ALEXANDER AHRENS


View Announcement ›
04/11/2024
New Jersey Law Journal

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
04/08/2024
Daily Report

Daily Report 1/2 Page Professional Announcement 60 Days


View Announcement ›