Opinion
July 14, 1997
Appeal from the Supreme Court, Queens County (Flaherty, J.).
Ordered that the judgment is affirmed.
Contrary to the defendant's contention, the trial court did not err in failing to order a competency hearing sua sponte (see, People v. Armlin, 37 N.Y.2d 167). There was no indication that the defendant lacked sufficient present ability to consult with his lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding to enable him to prepare or present a defense, or that he failed to understand the proceedings against him (see, CPL 730.10; People v. Picozzi, 106 A.D.2d 413). Similarly, the defendant's claim of ineffective assistance of counsel is without merit. Viewing defense counsel's performance "in its entirety, in conjunction with the evidence, the law, and the circumstances of the case", the defendant enjoyed meaningful representation at all stages of the trial (People v. Vanterpool, 143 A.D.2d 282; People v. Baldi, 54 N.Y.2d 137).
Miller, J. P., Friedmann, Krausman and Florio, JJ., concur.