Opinion
December 6, 1993
Appeal from the County Court, Nassau County (Thorp, J.).
Ordered that the judgment is affirmed.
Contrary to the defendant's contention, prejudicial error was not committed by the trial court's curtailment of the cross examination of the People's witness by defense counsel (see, People v Ashner, 190 A.D.2d 238). In any event, any alleged error was harmless in light of the overwhelming evidence of the defendant's guilt (People v Crimmins, 36 N.Y.2d 230, 241-242).
Contrary to the defendant's contention, expert testimony regarding the market price of the cocaine was properly admitted to help the jury understand the drug transaction for which the defendant was arrested. It is within a trial court's discretion to permit certain expert testimony when it determines that such testimony will aid the jurors in reaching a resolution on the facts of the case (see, People v Cronin, 60 N.Y.2d 430).
The defendant's contention that the sentence was excessive is without merit (see, People v Pena, 50 N.Y.2d 400, cert denied 449 U.S. 1087). Thompson, J.P., Bracken, Balletta and Joy, JJ., concur.