Stokes v. State

Phipps, Judge.

Aladontrus Stokes was indicted for aggravated battery and rape. He was convicted of aggravated battery, but the jury was unable to reach a verdict on the rape charge and a mistrial was granted as to that count. On appeal, Stokes claims that the trial court erred by denying him his right to testify and his right to be present at critical stages of the trial. He also claims that the evidence was insufficient to support his conviction. We find that Stokes waived his right to testify as well as his right to be present during certain portions of the trial. We further find that the…