Donta v. Commonwealth

GUDGEL, Judge:

This case is before us on discretionary review from an order entered by the Boyd Circuit Court affirming a judgment of the Boyd District Court. In his absence, appellant was tried and adjudged guilty of second-degree official misconduct. See KRS 522.030. On appeal, appellant contends that his trial in absentia deprived him of certain constitutional due process rights, as well as of his right to adduce certain exculpatory evidence and evidence regarding the absence of mens rea. Appellant also contends that the statute under which he was prosecuted is unconstitutional. We disagree…