Opinion ID: 1277687
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Trial Court's Comment on Defendant's Absence From the Courtroom

Text: The trial court ordered defendant removed from the courtroom a number of times because of his disruptive behavior. On some of these occasions, the court remarked that defendant could not stop the trial. Defendant now contends that the trial court's comments prejudiced the jury and deprived him of a fair trial. Specifically, he argues that the remarks would be interpreted by the jury as implying that he was trying to stop the proceedings because he knew he was guilty and would be convicted. Defendant reads too much into the trial court's brief explanation of his removal. Moreover, the jury was admonished that this disruptive behavior cannot [be taken into consideration] in determining the guilt or innocence of the defendant. The trial court did nothing improper.