State v. Barajas

Defendant appeals from a judgment of conviction of one count each of unlawful delivery of methamphetamine, ORS 475.890; unlawful possession of methamphetamine, ORS 475.894; and first-degree child neglect, ORS 163.547. Because we conclude that the trial court erred by denying defendant’s right to present a closing argument, we reverse and remand. That disposition obviates the need to address defendant’s assignment of error concerning her sentence.

At the end of the bench trial, the court purported to “waive” defendant’s right to closing argument in the following exchange. Defense counsel said…