Concerning defendant's absence from the charge conference, the record clearly shows that his attorney, in his presence, specifically waived his right to be present thereat, that defendant acknowledged this waiver, and that the court, both at the time of the waiver as well as prior to the conference, specifically stated, without objection, that defendant had personally waived his right to be present. In other words, there was a knowing, voluntary and intelligent waiver of the right to be present (see, e.g., People v. Martinez, 179 A.D.2d 519, 520, lv denied 79 N.Y.2d 1003; People v. Peterson, 151 A.D.2d 512). Defendant's remaining contentions, to the extent preserved, are without merit. Concur — Sullivan, J.P., Ellerin, Kupferman, Ross and Asch, JJ.