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      "In re R.A.B., a Minor (The People of the State of Illinois, Appellant, v. R.A.B., Appellee)."
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        "text": "JUSTICE GARMAN\ndelivered the opinion of the court:\nIn June 1998, the State filed a delinquency petition against respondent, R.A.B., as a delinquent minor, alleging he committed two counts of robbery. After a stipulated bench trial, the circuit court of Du Page County adjudicated respondent a violent juvenile offender and committed him to the Department of Corrections until his twenty-first birthday. On appeal, respondent argued that he did not knowingly waive his right to a jury trial under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 (Act) (705 ILCS 405/5 \u2014 36(d) (West 1996) (now 705 ILCS 405/5 \u2014 820 (West 1998)) and that, because the stipulated bench trial was tantamount to an admission, he did not knowingly waive his privilege against self-incrimination. The appellate court agreed that the respondent did not knowingly waive his right to a jury trial and reversed and remanded. 315 Ill. App. 3d 620. We granted the State\u2019s petition for leave to appeal pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 315 (177 Ill. 2d R. 315).\nBACKGROUND\nOn June 25, 1998, the State filed a delinquency petition pursuant to section 5 \u2014 3 of the Act (705 ILCS 405/ 5 \u2014 3 (West 1996)) against the 16-year-old respondent, charging him with two counts of robbery (720 ILCS 5/18 \u2014 1(a) (West 1996)). The petition alleged that respondent committed robbery when he grabbed $90 from the hand of Nicole Lenz and took the money by use of force and by threatening the imminent use of force. The State also filed motions indicating its intent to prosecute respondent as a violent juvenile offender (705 ILCS 405/ 5 \u2014 36 (West 1996)) and under the criminal laws as an adult (705 ILCS 405/5 \u2014 4(3)(a) (West 1996)). Following a transfer hearing, the circuit court denied the State\u2019s motion to prosecute respondent as an adult. Thereafter, respondent filed two motions to suppress and a motion to dismiss the State\u2019s petition seeking adjudication as a violent juvenile offender. In November 1998, the circuit court denied the respondent\u2019s motion to dismiss and set respondent\u2019s motions to suppress for hearing on December 4, 1998.\nOn that date, respondent withdrew the motions to suppress and the following exchange occurred regarding the stipulated bench trial:\n\u201cMS. ZAHRIEH [respondent\u2019s attorney]: We would be stipulating that if the State put on the witnesses, that the court would find the petitions proven.\nMS. ORTON [Assistant State\u2019s Attorney]: Your Honor, this is essentially a stipulated bench trial.\nTHE COURT: Okay, what\u2019s the difference between a stipulated bench trial and actual admission to the charge?\nMS. ORTON: My understanding, your Honor, is that you, that in order to pursue an appeal regarding the court\u2019s ruling on the minor\u2019s petition regarding the violent juvenile offender petition by the People, in order to pursue an appeal, that, in fact, minor need to only stipulate or go through a stipulated bench trial, rather than actually admit the petition.\nTHE COURT: Is that the manner in which you wish to proceed?\nMS. ZAHRIEH: Yes, sir.\u201d\nThe State then presented the facts for the stipulation and the following exchange occurred:\n\u201cTHE COURT: [Respondent], at this time this is a stipulated bench trial, in that this is the evidence if the case were to proceed forward the State would produce. It does appear to be sufficient beyond a reasonable doubt to sustain the two charges \u2014 three charges that have been filed.\n* * *\nTHE COURT: You do, however, have the right to have a formal hearing, where the witnesses were required to appear in the courtroom, then subject them to cross-examination.\nAnd if you proceeded this way, however, the stipulated bench trial, these are the rights you\u2019re giving up. The only other trial there will be is what the state\u2019s attorney has just elicited, do you understand this?\nMINOR RESPONDENT: Yes.\u201d\nThe circuit court explained the possible penalties involved in this case and the respondent stated that he understood. After these statements, the following exchange occurred:\n\u201cTHE COURT: Bearing everything in mind that I have explained to you, also the possible consequences, is it your agreement to proceed this way on a stipulated bench trial, or, in fact, do you wish to have the witnesses brought into court and proceed to trial?\nMINOR RESPONDENT: I\u2019d like to admit, sir.\nTHE COURT: All right, this is not really in the nature of an admission. You\u2019re not admitting to the charges, but what you\u2019re doing is not contesting the State\u2019s evidence.\nMINOR RESPONDENT: I don\u2019t want to go to trial.\nTHE COURT: You actually do not want a trial beyond what has occurred this morning, is that right?\nMINOR RESPONDENT: Yes.\nTHE COURT: All right. You\u2019re making that decision of your own free will?\nMINOR RESPONDENT: Yes.\nTHE COURT: Okay, on that basis then I\u2019m going to concur and proceed this morning as a stipulated bench trial. And will then indicate that my findings are the evidence submitted by the state\u2019s attorney is sufficient beyond a reasonable doubt to sustain *** the charge of robbery as alleged in case number 98 JD 701. The minor accordingly is found delinquent ***.\u201d\nAt the December 16, 1998 dispositional hearing, the circuit court committed the respondent to the Department of Corrections until his twenty-first birthday. Respondent filed a motion to reconsider his adjudication as a violent juvenile offender, which the circuit court denied.\nThe appellate court reversed, holding that respondent did not expressly and understanding^ waive his right to a jury trial. 315 Ill. App. 3d at 624. In remanding for a new trial, the appellate court stated that there was no written jury waiver in the record and the transcripts of the proceedings were devoid of any mention of respondent\u2019s right to a trial by jury. 315 Ill. App. 3d at 624.\nANALYSIS\nThe issue in this case involves whether respondent knowingly waived his right to a jury trial under the Act. Since the facts are not questioned, the issue is a question of law. Accordingly, our review is de novo. Woods v. Cole, 181 Ill. 2d 512, 516 (1998). We note that respondent raised this issue for the first time in the appellate court. Ordinarily, errors not objected to during trial or raised in the post-trial motion are considered waived. Under Supreme Court Rule 615(a), we will review plain errors affecting substantial rights, even if those errors were not objected to during trial or presented in a post-trial motion. See 134 Ill. 2d R. 615(a). We will invoke the plain error rule in two limited circumstances: \u201c(1) where the evidence is closely balanced; or (2) when the errors are of such magnitude that defendant was denied a fair and impartial trial and remedying the error is necessary to preserve the integrity of the judicial process.\u201d People v. Nieves, 192 Ill. 2d 487, 502-03 (2000). As this case deals with the knowing waiver of the fundamental right to a jury trial, we will consider this issue under the plain error doctrine. People v. Smith, 106 Ill. 2d 327, 333 (1985); People v. Taylor, 291 Ill. App. 3d 18, 20-21 (1997).\nSection 5 \u2014 36(d) of the Act provides that when the State seeks to adjudicate a minor a violent juvenile offender under the Act, a \u201c[tjrial on the petition shall be by jury unless the minor demands, in open court and with advice of counsel, a trial by the court without a jury.\u201d 705 ILCS 405/5 \u2014 36(d) (West 1996). We note that, in a similar fashion, defendants in criminal cases are generally entitled to a trial by jury unless \u201cunderstandingly waived by defendant in open court.\u201d 725 ILCS 5/103 \u2014 6 (West 1998). Also, in criminal cases, jury waivers are required to be in writing. 725 ILCS 5/115 \u2014 1 (West 1998). The Juvenile Court Act, however, does not have a similar provision requiring a written waiver. This court has recently noted that \u201cvirtually all of the constitutional requirements of a criminal trial have been introduced into juvenile delinquency proceedings *** including] the right to adequate notice of charges, the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses.\u201d In re A.G., 195 Ill. 2d 313, 318 (2001). The right to a trial by jury, however, is not an absolute right in juvenile proceedings (McKeiver v. Pennsylvania, 403 U.S. 528, 29 L. Ed. 2d 647, 91 S. Ct. 1976 (1971); People ex rel. Carey v. Chrastka, 83 Ill. 2d 67 (1980)), but rather is only available in a limited number of situations under the Act (see In re G.O., 191 Ill. 2d 37, 42 (2000) (the Act grants a jury trial to habitual and violent juvenile offenders, but it does not grant such a right to juveniles charged with first degree murder); 705 ILCS 405/5 \u2014 35(d), 5 \u2014 36(d) (West 1996)).\nTo be a valid jury waiver, it must be knowingly and understandingly made. Smith, 106 Ill. 2d at 334. A determination of whether a jury waiver is valid cannot rest on any precise formula but depends on the facts and circumstances of each particular case. People v. Frey, 103 Ill. 2d 327, 332 (1984). A jury waiver may be valid if it is made by defense counsel in the defendant\u2019s presence and the defendant does not object. People v. Watson, 246 Ill. App. 3d 548, 549 (1993). No specific admonition or advice is required before an effective jury waiver may be made. People v. Tooles, 177 Ill. 2d 462, 469 (1997). The failure to file a written jury waiver does not require reversal so long as the waiver was understandingly made in open court. People v. Scott, 186 Ill. 2d 283, 284-85 (1999).\nIn Scott, this court addressed whether a written waiver alone validly waives a defendant\u2019s right to a jury trial. The defendant executed a written jury waiver in his attorney\u2019s office, which was later filed outside of the defendant\u2019s presence. Scott, 186 Ill. 2d at 284. On the day of trial and in the defendant\u2019s presence, the following exchange occurred:\n\u201c \u2018MR. WILLIAMS [defendant\u2019s counsel]: And we would proceed to the bench trial today.\nTHE COURT: Okay Defendant files motion to dismiss. States Attorney given two weeks to file responsive pleading. Okay we\u2019ll proceed to bench trial, then?\n* * *\nTHE COURT: Okay, appreciate that., [sic] okay. We will then proceed with the bench trial. Mr. Vaughan, you may proceed.\u2019 \u201d Scott, 186 Ill. 2d at 284.\nThis court noted that it had \u201cnever found a valid jury waiver where the defendant was not present in open court when a jury waiver, written or otherwise, was at least discussed.\u201d Scott, 186 Ill. 2d at 285. The State argued that references to a bench trial constituted an acknowledgment of a waiver in open court, but this court pointed out that the \u201cdefendant was never present in open court when a jury waiver was discussed.\u201d Scott, 186 Ill. 2d at 285. Additionally, the written jury waiver executed by the defendant stated he had \u201c \u2018until the last Thursday of December, 1994 to revoke this waiver of jury trial.\u2019 \u201d Scott, 186 Ill. 2d at 285. The court found that the language implied that the jury waiver was irrevocable after that date. Thus, the defendant\u2019s silence may have been due to his belief that he could no longer revoke his jury waiver. The court could not presume that the defendant\u2019s silence constituted a valid waiver and held that the defendant did not validly waive his right to a jury trial in open court. Scott, 186 Ill. 2d at 285-86.\nIn People v. Williamson, 311 Ill. App. 3d 54 (1999), the appellate court considered whether the defendant validly waived his right to a jury trial. At a status hearing, the following exchange occurred:\n\u201c \u2018THE COURT: All right. You want to demand at this time?\nMR. BODE [codefendant Warship\u2019s attorney]: We\u2019re demanding trial.\nTHE COURT: All right, on Williamson.\nMR. BODE: Would like a trial date.\nMR. MANN [defendant\u2019s attorney]: I\u2019ll fill out the form in a minute, on my client as well, we\u2019ll demand but without waiving, to file the motions.\nTHE COURT: Are you indicating juries at this time or benches?\n* * *\nMR. MANN: We\u2019ll take a bench Judge.\u2019 \u201d Williamson, 311 Ill. App. 3d at 55.\nAt the conclusion of the hearing, the circuit court stated: \u201c \u2018Defendants are demanding trial, March 29th. Each one will be a bench.\u2019 \u201d Williamson, 311 Ill. App. 3d at 55. Subsequent hearings included references by the assistant State\u2019s Attorney or trial judge that the case was set for a bench trial. The record did not contain a signed jury waiver. The State argued that the defendant understandingly waived his right to a jury trial because the defendant was present during discussions about a bench trial and he did not object when his attorney indicated that he would proceed by way of a bench trial. Williamson, 311 Ill. App. 3d at 57. The appellate court, finding Scott to be instructive, stated that \u201cnothing was said at any of these pretrial hearings that would have indicated to defendant that he had a right to a jury trial or that his right to a jury trial was being waived. Likewise, on the day of trial, there was no discussion of defendant\u2019s right to trial by jury or waiver of that right.\u201d Williamson, 311 Ill. App. 3d at 59. The appellate court concluded that the references to a bench trial were insufficient to constitute a valid jury waiver in open court. Williamson, 311 Ill. App. 3d at 59.\nIn People v. Watson, 246 Ill. App. 3d 548 (1993), the defendant was not present at a pretrial hearing but was represented by counsel. His attorney stated that \u201c \u2018[w]hat I\u2019d like to do is set [case number] 565 for bench trial and we need to make the note to do the jury waiver of Mr. Watson the date that we set.\u2019 \u201d Watson, 246 Ill. App. 3d at 548. The circuit court continued the hearing and noted that the defendant\u2019s jury waiver must be received before the trial started. At various rescheduling hearings, the defendant was present when references were made that he would be proceeding by way of a bench trial. Watson, 246 Ill. App. 3d at 549. The State argued that references to a bench trial made in the defendant\u2019s presence constituted a valid waiver. The appellate court disagreed, finding that \u201c[v]ague references to a bench trial at the rescheduling conferences were not sufficient to constitute a valid jury waiver, especially in light of the fact that the record is devoid of evidence suggesting that the defendant was ever apprised of his right to a jury trial.\u201d Watson, 246 Ill. App. 3d at 549.\nIn the present case, neither the right to a jury trial nor a jury waiver was discussed in the respondent\u2019s presence in open court. As demonstrated by the previous cases, vague references to a stipulated bench trial by respondent\u2019s attorney, the prosecutor, and the circuit court were insufficient to constitute a valid jury waiver. Although the circuit court instructed the respondent that he had a right to a formal hearing to confront and cross-examine witnesses, the record is devoid of any mention of the respondent\u2019s right to a trial by jury as prescribed under the Juvenile Court Act.\nThe State argues that this court\u2019s decision in Frey compels the conclusion that there was a valid waiver. In Frey, the circuit court entered an order, approved by defense counsel, stating that \u201c \u2018the defendant\u2019s attorney indicates the defendant will waive a jury trial in this case.\u2019 \u201d Frey, 103 Ill. 2d at 329. This court, recognizing that an accused typically speaks and acts through his attorney, noted that \u201cwe have given effect to jury waivers made by defense counsel in defendant\u2019s presence where defendant gave no indication of any objection to the court hearing the case.\u201d Frey, 103 Ill. 2d at 332. We found a valid jury waiver. Frey, 103 Ill. 2d at 333.\nThe present case is distinguishable from Frey. This court in Frey noted that it was apparent from the record that the defendant was aware of his right to a jury trial and was present prior to trial when the jury waiver was discussed. Frey, 103 Ill. 2d at 333. Here, there was no indication in the record that respondent was aware of his right to a jury trial in his juvenile proceeding. Further, there was no discussion of a jury waiver nor was one ever entered into before the circuit court.\nOther cases relied on by the State that have found a valid waiver are likewise distinguishable because either the defense counsel or the circuit court mentioned the defendant\u2019s right to a jury trial or discussed the jury waiver in the defendant\u2019s presence in open court. See People v. Lombardi, 305 Ill. App. 3d 33, 40-41 (1999) (before the end of the trial, the court admonished the defendant as to her right to a jury trial and the defendant understandingly waived that right); People v. Tucker, 183 Ill. App. 3d 333, 334-35 (1989) (the circuit judge asked defense counsel in the defendant\u2019s presence whether he wanted a jury trial and counsel declined, stating his request for a bench trial); People v. Murrell, 60 Ill. 2d 287, 290 (1975) (the record showed the jury waiver was made by counsel in open court in the defendant\u2019s presence).\nRespondent in this case had a right to a trial by jury on the petition to adjudicate him a violent juvenile offender under the Act. It is clear from the record that respondent was not informed in open court of his right to a jury trial and there is nothing in the record to indicate he validly waived that right. Although respondent had previous experience in the juvenile justice system, we cannot presume from this fact that he had knowledge of his right to a jury trial. In re J.W., 164 Ill. App. 3d 826, 829 (1987). Further, respondent points out that in his previous delinquency proceedings, he had not been eligible for a jury trial. As in Scott, we cannot presume respondent\u2019s silence constituted a valid waiver. Therefore, we find that the record fails to support that respondent knowingly and intelligently waived his right to a jury trial. Because of our resolution of the jury waiver issue, we need not address respondent\u2019s second argument on appeal.\nSince the cause will be remanded for further proceedings, we have reviewed the record and find that the evidence presented before the circuit court was sufficient to adjudicate respondent delinquent in that he committed the offense of robbeiy beyond a reasonable doubt. Thus, there will be no double jeopardy violation in the event of a new trial. In re L.L., 295 Ill. App. 3d 594, 604 (1998). Our conclusion does not in any way imply a determination of respondent\u2019s guilt or innocence that would be binding on retrial. Taylor, 291 Ill. App. 3d at 21.\nCONCLUSION\nFor the foregoing reasons, we affirm the appellate court\u2019s judgment reversing the judgment of the circuit court and remanding the cause for a new trial.\nAffirmed.",
        "type": "majority",
        "author": "JUSTICE GARMAN"
      }
    ],
    "attorneys": [
      "James E. Ryan, Attorney General, of Springfield, and Joseph E. Birkett, State\u2019s Attorney, of Wheaton (Joel D. Bertocchi, Solicitor General, William L. Browers and Lisa A. Smith, Assistant Attorneys General, of Chicago, and Norbert J. Goetten, Martin P. Moltz and Lawrence M. Bauer, of the Office of the State\u2019s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor, of Elgin, of counsel), for the People.",
      "Karen L. Daniel, of Chicago, and Amanda Fuchs and Stephanie Weiner, law students, for appellee."
    ],
    "corrections": "",
    "head_matter": "(No. 90345.\nIn re R.A.B., a Minor (The People of the State of Illinois, Appellant, v. R.A.B., Appellee).\nOpinion filed September 20, 2001.\nJames E. Ryan, Attorney General, of Springfield, and Joseph E. Birkett, State\u2019s Attorney, of Wheaton (Joel D. Bertocchi, Solicitor General, William L. Browers and Lisa A. Smith, Assistant Attorneys General, of Chicago, and Norbert J. Goetten, Martin P. Moltz and Lawrence M. Bauer, of the Office of the State\u2019s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor, of Elgin, of counsel), for the People.\nKaren L. Daniel, of Chicago, and Amanda Fuchs and Stephanie Weiner, law students, for appellee."
  },
  "file_name": "0358-01",
  "first_page_order": 370,
  "last_page_order": 381
}
