After he pled guilty to second-degree assault, William Hassell was sentenced to 3-1/2 years in jail.
Although post-release supervision (PRS) had been discussed during the plea proceedings, the New York County Supreme Court judge neglected to impose a specific term. But when the guy was released from prison, the judge resentenced Hassell and added 5 years of PRS.
On appeal, the Appellate Division, First Department, found no irregularity with the lower court's conduct and confirmed the outcome.
But when the case reached our state's highest court, the Court of Appeals though that once Hassell was released, he couldn't be resentenced--as that violated the Constitution's "Double Jeopardy" clause.
There was no Hasselling him.
To view a copy of the Court of Appeals's decision, please use this link: People v. Hassell