People v. Gramc

Defendant, William Gramc, appeals from the denial of his post-conviction petition after an evidentiary hearing to reverse his conviction for aggravated criminal sexual assault. On appeal, he contends only that he was denied his constitutional right to be present at all crucial stages of the proceedings, as he was not present or consulted when the court addressed a note from the deliberating jury. Defendant maintains that he was prejudiced by being absent, because he thereby lost an opportunity to have the jury instructed on the lesser offense of criminal sexual assault, which instruction he…