“If you can find Mr. Duncan” – judge’s admonition

An Oconee jury has been selected for South Carolina vs. Steven Lee Duncan.  Jason Alderman, deputy solicitor, says Duncan faces charges of failing to stop for a blue light and trafficking in methamphetamine between 10 and 28 grams.  Judge Sprouse set the start of trial for 9:30 tomorrow morning in the General Sessions Courtroom at Walhalla.  Defendant Duncan has been freed from jail pending trial. But Sprouse made note of the defendant’s absence this morning in court, and counseled defense lawyer Suzanne Earle that she has one day to locate her client and advise him of his right to be present for trial or risk being tried in his absence.