Opinion
April 4, 1996
Appeal from the Supreme Court, New York County (Bonnie Wittner, J.).
The trial record shows that the court carefully evaluated defendant's request for new counsel after jury selection had commenced and properly rejected it ( see, People v. Sides, 75 N.Y.2d 822, 824). The People established that defendant displayed what appeared to be a weapon ( see, People v. Lopez, 73 N.Y.2d 214, 222), by placing his hand inside an envelope and pointing it at the victim while simultaneously telling the victim to respond to his demand or get shot ( see, People v. Wells, 221 A.D.2d 281). We perceive no abuse of discretion in sentencing.
Concur — Sullivan, J.P., Rosenberger, Wallach, Kupferman and Williams, JJ.