State v. Carver

Hill, J.:

In America, the foundation of our liberty is due process of law. Underpinning that foundation, for those accused of crimes, are the twin rights of being present at all critical stages of a criminal prosecution and being free to retain counsel of choice. Because Robert M. Carver was denied both of those rights, we must reverse his convictions and remand the case for a new trial.

We briefly list some of the facts about the crimes involved and then show how the case was handled by the district court.

FACTUAL BACKGROUND

Richard Carver and Kimberly Buttel lived together in Wichita until they…