People v. Rice

*385Based upon this court’s independent review of the record, we conclude that arguable issues exist with respect, inter alia, to the excessiveness of the sentences imposed. Under the circumstances, the motion of the defendant’s assigned counsel to be relieved as counsel is granted and new appellate counsel is assigned (see, People v Gonzalez, 47 NY2d 606; People v Casiano, 67 NY2d 906; People v Miller, 99 AD2d 1021). Mellen, P. J., Lawrence, Eiber, Sullivan and Balletta, JJ., concur.