Pearson v. State

The issue presented is whether the trial court committed reversible error by an swering a question from the jury without first consulting the defense attorney and prosecuting attorney. We find that the trial court’s response to a juror’s question without first consulting with the attorneys was per se reversible error. For that reason, we reverse.

Appellant was charged with sale of cocaine within 1000 feet of a park and possession of cocaine. During trial, the jury viewed a video of appellant selling a cocaine rock to two individuals, who at the time were students at the police academy and…