Court of Appeals of Kansas August 6, 2004, 88,888 (State v. Carver)

Hill, J.:

In America, the foundation of our liberty is due process of law. Underpinning that foundation, for those accused of crimes, are the twin rights of being present at all critical stages of a criminal prosecution and being free to retain counsel of choice. Because Robert M. Carver was denied both of those rights, we must reverse his convictions and remand the case for a new trial.