State v. Brown

The defendant appeals his conviction for possession of a firearm after a previous conviction of a crime of violence. The trial commenced on May 5, 1976, in Providence County Superior Court. After selection of the jury and opening remarks by the prosecutor, the court recessed until 10 a.m. the following day. Notwithstanding defendant’s absence, the court reconvened on May 7 at 10:10 a.m. Defense counsel informed the court that he thought the defendant was on his way to the court because he had tried unsuccessfully to telephone him. The trial justice responded, “Well, I think we have waited…