State of Minnesota v. Joel Patrick Rodriguez

OPINION

HOOTEN, Judge

Appellant challenges the district court’s imposition of restitution, arguing that he had the right to be present at the contested restitution hearing and that the district court violated this right by determining that his attorney’s failure to arrange his appearance constituted a waiver. Because the district court erred in finding that appellant waived his right to be present and the state has not proven that the error was harmless, we reverse and remand for further proceedings.

FACTS

On June 25, 2015, appellant Joel Patrick Rodriguez fled from police while driving a motor…