In re Jonathan M.
Opinion of the Court
The juvenile delinquency petition was not jurisdictionally defective (see Matter of Jahron S., 79 NY2d 632, 637-638 [1992]). Contrary to appellant’s contention, the allegation that he swung a knife, described as a dangerous instrument, at the victim’s ribs, without further describing the knife, was sufficient to establish the offenses charged. The manner in which the knife was used qualified it as a dangerous instrument (see People v Carter, 53 NY2d 113 [1981]). The factual allegations supported an inference that appellant attempted to cause impairment of physical condition or substantial pain, and placed or attempted to place the complainant in reasonable fear of imminent injury (see People v Bracey, 41 NY2d 296 [1977]).
The court’s finding was supported by legally sufficient evidence. Appellant’s intent to cause physical injury to the victim and to place him in fear of physical injury can be readily inferred from the fact that appellant displayed and swung a knife at the victim, causing him to wrestle with appellant in self-defense.
The third-degree attempted assault and menacing counts should have been dismissed as lesser included offenses of the second-degree attempted assault and menacing counts. Concur— Buckley, P.J., Sullivan, Williams and Gonzalez, JJ.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.