Jerrel v. State

OPINION

COATS, Judge.

Dan Jerrel had been charged with disorderly conduct. AS 11.61.110(a)(5). Jerrel’s case was scheduled for trial at 9:00 a.m. on July 14, 1987. On the morning of trial, the court convened at 9:00 a.m., but Jerrel was not present. Judge Larry S. Cohn stated that he would wait until 9:30 a.m. for Jerrel to appear. Judge Cohn indicated that if Jerrel had not arrived by 9:30, he would dismiss the jury and issue a warrant for Jerrel. At 9:30, Judge Cohn dismissed the jurors. He explained to the jurors that he was forced to do this because Jerrel had not appeared for trial. He…