Judge’s Failure to Follow Statutory Requirements for Handling Jury Questions Required Reversal.

The jury sent out a note asking “Is intent defined as premeditated desires or actions once engaged?”  The trial judge responded to the question by reading an expanded definition of intent and explaining “intent does not require premeditation.”  Defense counsel did not object to the way the judge handled the jury’s question.  The First Department explained  the statutory procedure for answering jury questions and held that the judge’s failure comply with CPL 310.30 by affording  “counsel … the opportunity to suggest appropriate responses …,” was a reversible “mode of proceedings” error.  People vs McGhee, 2010-05026, Ind. No. 2434/08 Second Dept. 2-6-13