Taylor v. State

BELL, Chief Judge.

The sole issue in this case is whether a trial court’s communication, in violation of Maryland Rule 4-326(c) 1 with the jury during a stage of trial, the defendant’s right to be present not having been waived in accordance with Rule 4-231, 2 is harm less error. The Circuit Court for Baltimore City found that it was and the Court of Special Appeals affirmed in an unreported opinion. We granted certiorari to address the issue. For the reasons that follow, we shall reverse.

I

The facts pertinent to the resolution of this case are not in dispute. Lisa Taylor, the petitioner, was…