People v. Moscara

Defendant was convicted of conspiracy to deliver less than 50 grams of cocaine, MCL 333.7401(1), (2)(a)(iv); MSA 14.15(7401X1), (2)(a)(iv); MCL 750.157(a); MSA 28.354(1). Defendant was sentenced to from 7-1/2 to 20 years’ imprisonment. Defendant appeals to this Court as of right.

Defendant’s first claim on appeal is that the trial court erred in refusing to grant a motion for a separate trial which was made orally shortly before the trial began. We find no error.

There is a strong public policy in favor of joint trials. Defendants do not have an absolute right to separate trials. People v Byrd,…