State v. C.J.W.

PATRICIA L. COHEN, Judge.

Introduction

C.J.W. (“Defendant”) appeals his conviction, following a bench trial, of one count of child molestation in the first degree. Defendant contends that the trial court erred by denying his constitutional right to present a closing argument. We affirm.

Background

The State of Missouri charged Defendant with two counts of first-degree child molestation arising out of a series of incidents involving his eleven-year-old daughter. Defendant waived his right to a jury trial and was bench-tried on February 15, 2008. After the defense rested, defense counsel moved for…