Argued April 24, 1996 Decided June 11, 1996 Appeal from the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court in the Fourth Judicial Department, James W. McCarthy, J. Kimberly A. Jordan, Syracuse, for appellant. William J. Fitzpatrick, District Attorney of Onondaga County, Syracuse ( Gary T. Kelder and James P. Maxwell of counsel), for respondent. Charles J. Hynes, District Attorney of Kings County, Brooklyn, and Steven A. Hovani, Riverhead, for New York State District Attorneys Association, amicus curiae