State v. Sampson
Annotate this CaseAfter a jury trial, Defendant was convicted of first-degree felony murder, aggravated robbery, and aggravated burglary. The Supreme Court affirmed Defendant's convictions, holding (1) the trial court abused its discretion when it permitted a testifying law enforcement officer to sit at the prosecution's table during trial; (2) the trial court abused its discretion in permitting a testifying law enforcement officer to remain in the courtroom despite a sequestration order; (3) however, the officer's presence at counsel table and in the courtroom did not prejudice Defendant; and (4) the trial court did not violate Defendant's right to present his theory of defense by refusing to allow defense counsel to introduce evidence of an accomplice's prior felony conviction.
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