PEOPLE v. RIVERA

Defendant's challenge to the constitutionality of the predicate conviction is unpersuasive. We are persuaded by the statements contained in the plea as a whole and the sentencing minutes that defendant's claim of intoxication did not amount to a valid defense, that defendant understood the nature of the charges against him and that he knowingly and intelligently pleaded guilty.

Concur — Murphy, P.J., Ross, Ellerin, Smith and Rubin, JJ.