Trial Decisions—In Abstentia Proceedings

"We review findings of fact under the clearly erroneous standard.  State v. Burt, 2000 MT 115, P 6, 299 Mont. 412, P 6, 3 P.3d 597, P 6; see also United States v. Houtchens, 926 F.2d 824, 826 (9th Cir. 1991) ("The judge's factual finding that a defendant has knowingly and voluntarily failed to appear at trial is reviewable for clear error.")."  State v. Weaver, 2008 MT 86, ¶ 9, 342 Mont. 196, 179 P.3d 534.