In the Village of Scarsdale , you're not allowed to "remove, kill, cut, break or trim any tree, shrub or plant in any street, park or other public place ... without first securing a written permit from the Village Naturalist ...." If that law is violated, you can be criminally prosecuted, as Miriam S. Vagt discovered.
Ms. Vagt was convicted by a Justice Court of the Village of Scarsdale of four counts of "removal, cutting and trimming in public places" in violation of section 281-11 of the Scarsdale Village Code .
On appeal, the Appellate Term, 9th and 10th Judicial Districts, reversed.
While Ms. Vagt purportedly destroyed village-owned trues, they were apparently situated on "private lands" rather than on public property.
Since that conduct did not violate the law , the conviction was reversed and the charges against her dismissed.
So, did an alleged killer get away with murder?
To view a copy of the Appellate Term's decision, please use this link: People v. Vagt