Opinion
June 18, 1998
Appeal from the County Court of Chemung County (Castellino, J.).
Defendant pleaded guilty to the crime of forgery in the second degree in satisfaction of a three-count indictment and several uncharged crimes and was sentenced as a second felony offender to a prison term of 3 1/2 to 7 years. On appeal, defendant contends that the sentence was harsh and excessive because she suffers from mental and physical ailments and has been sexually abused throughout her life. Defendant's unfortunate circumstances may aid in understanding her reasons for committing the instant offense but do not excuse her conduct ( see, People v. Hendrickson, 227 A.D.2d 801, 802). Given defendant's lengthy criminal history, including two prior forgery convictions, we do not find the sentence imposed harsh or excessive ( see, People v. Lindow, 177 A.D.2d 812, lv denied 79 N.Y.2d 921).
Cardona, P. J., Mercure, Yesawich Jr., Peters and Carpinello, JJ., concur.
Ordered that the judgment is affirmed.