State v. Hendren

McCORMICK, Justice.

Defendant Steven Lyle Hendren appeals from his conviction by jury and sentence for sexual abuse in the third degree in violation of section 709.4, The Code. When he did not appear on the second day of trial, the trial court ordered trial to proceed without him. His. attorney, an assistant public defender, did not thereafter cross-examine witnesses or give a final argument. Defendant contends the trial court erred in overruling his attorney’s motion for mistrial *62based on his absence. He also contends he was denied effective assistance of counsel by his attorney’s failure to…