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David Villarreal's Texas murder trial culminated in his own testimony, where he claimed he stabbed the victim in self-defense. A 24-hour overnight recess interrupted his direct examination, and the trial judge issued a "conferral order" — telling defense counsel they could speak with their client about anything EXCEPT "managing" his ongoing testimony. Villarreal was convicted and argued on appeal that his Sixth Amendment right to confer with counsel had been violated…
