Hollis v. State

While I concur fully in the judgment in this case, I write specially in regard to Division 1. “In Georgia, a criminal defendant is constitutionally guaranteed the right to be present at all stages of his trial. [Cits.]” Lewis v. State, 164 Ga. App. 549 (1) (297 SE2d 303) (1982). This right cannot be waived by a defendant’s attorney unless the waiver is made in the defendant’s presence, or by his express authority, or is subsequently acquiesced in by him. Wilson v. State, 212 Ga. 73, 77-78 (90 SE2d 557) (1955). While the majority correctly states that the transcript does not support…