The People v. Dwight Giles / The People v. Sean Hawkins

After a bench trial, defendant Hawkins was found guilty of 10 counts each of sexual abuse in the second degree and sexual abuse in the third degree and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. Prior to being sentenced, defendant moved to set aside his verdict on the ground that he was denied the right to a public trial. His motion was supported by affirmations of two attorneys, who averred that they had attempted to enter the courtroom during the proceedings but observed a “Do not enter” sign posted on the courtroom door, and thus could not enter. One of the attorneys further alleged…