People v. McDonald

After a trial in absentia, defendant was convicted of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1987, ch. 56V2, par. 1401) and, also in absentia, was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment. Defendant appeals, asserting that: (1) the trial court abused its discretion in denying defendant’s counsel’s request for a continuance; (2) the trial court failed to comply with the statutory requirement for a trial in absentia-, (3) the trial court’s explanation of defendant’s absence during voir dire confused the jury in light of the trial court’s later admission of…