People v. Williams

OPINION OF THE COURT

Acosta, J.

The core issue on this appeal is whether defendant’s right to be present at all material stages of her trial was violated when the court held sidebar conferences with three potential jurors in defendant’s absence. We hold that defendant’s well-established right to be present (see People v Antommarchi, 80 NY2d 247 [1992]) was violated, and she is thus entitled to a new trial.

Defendant was charged with filing a false New York City Police Department complaint form and automobile theft affidavit alleging that her car had been stolen on February 10, 2005, when in fact…