Bethune v. State

Miller, Judge.

A jury found Dexter Lee Bethune guilty of armed robbery, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and four counts of aggravated assault (OCGA §§ 16-8-41; 16-11-106; 16-5-21, respectively), and not guilty of an additional count of armed robbery. The trial court merged three of the aggravated assault charges into the remaining aggravated assault and armed robbery charges prior to sentencing. Bethune appeals, contending that the trial court erred in conducting a hearing outside his presence, denying his Batson challenge, and incorrectly recharging the jury.…