People v. Ballard

—Judgment unanimously reversed on the law and new trial granted. Memorandum: Defendant contends that he was deprived of his right to be present during all material stages of the trial. We agree. The record establishes that defendant was not present during County Court’s in-chambers Sandoval conference and, thus, reversal is mandated (see, CPL 260.20; People v Favor, 82 NY2d 254, rearg denied 83 NY2d 801; People v Dokes, 79 NY2d 656; People v Balkum, 199 AD2d 975, Iv denied 83 NY2d 849).

We further conclude that reversal is mandated because the court closed the courtroom during the testimony of…