Head v. Commonwealth

Opinion

DUFF, J.

On November 13, 1984, a jury convicted David Pratt Head, in his absence, of robbery and recommended a sentence of five years in the penitentiary. The court imposed the sentence, in his absence, on January 15, 1985. Head’s absence gives rise to the issues involved in this appeal.

The issues presented are: (1) whether Head voluntarily waived his sixth amendment right to confront the witnesses against him; (2) whether Head waived his statutory right to be present during his trial, pursuant to Code § 19.2-259; and (3) whether Head waived his right to be present at his sentencing.

A…