People v. Ramirez

Following a trial in absentia before a jury in the circuit court of Boone County, defendant, Marco Ramirez, was found guilty of unlawful possession of cocaine with intent to deliver (720 ILCS 570/ 401(a)(2)(B) (West 1992)) and was sentenced to 21 years’ imprisonment. Defendant argues on appeal that the trial in absentia was held in violation of the notice requirement set forth in section 115 — 4.1(a) of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 (Code) (725 ILCS 5/115— 4.1(a) (West 1992)). We reverse and remand for a new trial.

Defendant was charged on March 28, 1994, and he appeared in court the…