State v. Wells
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After a jury trial, Appellant was found guilty of two counts of rape, one count of aggravated criminal sodomy, and one count of aggravated endangering a child. The Supreme Court affirmed Appellant's convictions and sentences, holding (1) the prosecutor's comments during his closing argument did not improperly prejudice the jury against Appellant as to deny her a fair trial; (2) the jury was not instructed on alternative means of committing aggravated criminal sodomy; (3) the district court properly limited cross-examination of S.W.; (4) the court, by answering a jury question with a written note, did not violate Appellant's constitutional right to be present at all critical stages of her trial; (5) the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying Appellant's motion requesting a departure sentence; and (6) the court did not err by setting twenty-five years' imprisonment as the minimum prison term Appellant must serve before becoming eligible for parole.
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