Opinion ID: 2607459
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Defendant's Presence at Readback

Text: During guilt deliberations, the jury asked that they be read certain portions of testimony by several witnesses, including defendant and investigating detectives. As previously stipulated, the court and all counsel thoroughly discussed the request and agreed upon the excerpts that would be presented. It was further agreed that neither the court nor counsel would attend the readback, and defense counsel waived defendant's right to be present. As requested by the defense, the court told the reporter to read from her actual notes, rather than the prepared transcripts. With counsel's approval, the reporter was also instructed not to editorialize or make any comment or answer any questions during the readback. The actual readback between the reporter and jury was not reported. (29) Defendant first claims a capital defendant may never voluntarily absent himself from any stage of trial. He relies on the Fifth and Sixth Amendments to the federal Constitution, article I, section 15 of the state Constitution, and Penal Code sections 977 and 1043. It is settled, however, that a capital defendant's right to attend even critical stages of his trial may be waived. ( People v. Price, supra, 1 Cal.4th 324, 405; People v. Edwards, supra, 54 Cal.3d 787, 810; People v. Sully (1991) 53 Cal.3d 1195, 1239 [283 Cal. Rptr. 144]; People v. Robertson (1989) 48 Cal.3d 18, 60-62 [255 Cal. Rptr. 631, 767 P.2d 1109].) Defendant insists he was required to personally waive any right to be present at the readback. However, our cases recognize that counsel has discretion to consent to a reading of testimony outside the presence of the court, counsel, and/or defendant. (See People v. Medina (1990) 51 Cal.3d 870, 904 [274 Cal. Rptr. 849]; People v. Lang (1989) 49 Cal.3d 991, 1028 [264 Cal. Rptr. 386, 782 P.2d 627]; People v. Bloyd (1987) 43 Cal.3d 333, 361 [233 Cal. Rptr. 368, 729 P.2d 802].) Defendant also argues that his federal constitutional rights were violated (due process, effective assistance of counsel, and reliable death judgment) because no one was present (the court, counsel, or defendant) to monitor or report the readback. Contrary to defendant's suggestion, we will not presume that testimony was misread or that misconduct occurred, particularly in light of the precautions identified above. ( People v. Medina, supra, 51 Cal.3d 870, 904.) There is no basis for reversing the judgment on this ground.