People v. Pickett

Defendant was convicted of robbery in the first degree, criminal possession of a firearm in the first degree and fraudulent accosting. Upon the return of the verdict the defendant’s attorney requested that the jury be polled. During the polling the following took place: Clerk: “Mary White, are those your verdicts?” Mary White: “Yes, under duress, I’m saying yes”. Defense counsel: “Your Honor, may we approach?” The court: “No. Are those your verdicts, yes or no?” Mary White: “Yes”. After completion of the polling of the jury a sidebar conference was held at which defense counsel urged that the…