Manuel Rivera Court Appearance Summary-10/25/2018



The judge stated he didn't anticipate having any problems and that he tells everybody the same then proceeded to explain to Manuel Rivera what could happen if he refuses to go to court. He asks him if he understands and Manuel responded though his interpreter that he understood.

Judge's Remarks:

The case does not stop just because he[Manuel Rivera] doesn't go to court.

Court will continue without him.

He has a good attorney that would be at an disadvantage if she were arguing to a court and a jury on his behalf if there's an empty chair there because he refused to go to court.

Not going to court doesn't look good and it doesn't work out for defendants many times.

He needs to attend court to help his attorney:
-Pick a jury
-Help cross examine witnesses

If he want to testify, he has to be in court.

He's not required to testify, but if he does, he obviously needs to be there to do it.

If he's convicted for a trial he did not attend he can assume the judge would be upset with him. It can have an adverse affect on his sentencing.

Manuel's attorney stated to the judge that she does not believe that day will come because she has never gotten any indication that her client does not want to be in court defending himself in this matter.

Manuel Rivera's attorney addressed the following to the judge:

She needs a Spanish translator to help her in all future matters with the case as well as an expert that can speak to her client about his history.

Judge responds with his intentions to look over it.

The judge then asked Manuel's attorney if she has advised her client that a BUCCAL swab has been requested and she verifies she has but that she doesn't believe a specific time or date has been given to do the buccal swab.

Manuel's attorney asks the DA for clarity regarding when the buccal swabs will take place.

DA indicates intentions to schedule the swabs for some time next week at the defense's convenience.

Regarding the matter of DNA collection, Manuel's attorney indicates she's requesting another counsel such as a paralegal to be assigned to assist her with the case to handle such things as appear for a buccal swab.

Judge responds he'll take it under advisement.

Manuel's attorney indicates the judge already granted a Wade hearing and proceeds to advise the judge that she will be joining other counsel's motions regarding the charges of 1st degree and whether evidence submitted to the grand jury was sufficient for the charge.

Manuel Rivera will be expected to court December 21, 2018

Video Highlights of Manuel Rivera's Court Appearance:



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