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Nauman Hussain, the operator of the limousine involved in the tragic 2018 Schoharie crash that killed 20 people, is appealing his conviction to New York's highest court. Hussain, 35, is currently serving a five-to-15-year sentence after being found guilty of second-degree manslaughter in May 2023. His attorney, Steven Sharp, argues that Hussain's right to legal counsel was compromised by state Supreme Court Justice Peter Lynch during the trial.
The crash, which occurred on October 6, 2018, is considered the worst highway transportation disaster in the U.S. in over a decade. Hussain's limousine was not properly registered or certified, and the driver was not licensed to carry passengers in the 31-foot stretch Ford Excursion limo. The vehicle crashed into a restaurant parking lot at over 100 mph, killing all 18 occupants and two bystanders.
Hussain's legal team contends that Justice Lynch improperly handled a plea agreement. Initially, Hussain had agreed to plead guilty to a lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide, which would have resulted in probation and community service. However, Lynch unexpectedly rejected the plea deal, giving Hussain only 20 minutes to decide whether to accept a harsher sentence or go to trial. Hussain's appeal to the Appellate Division was denied, but his attorney hopes the Court of Appeals will review the case.
The Appellate Division acknowledged Lynch's impatience but did not find it sufficient to overturn the conviction. The decision limits Hussain's appeal options, and he is not eligible for parole until May 2028. Hussain's attorney remains hopeful that the state's top court will address the issue of judicial discretion and its impact on legal counsel rights.