{ "id": 3556255, "name": "THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. DAVID PEREZ, Defendant-Appellant", "name_abbreviation": "People v. Perez", "decision_date": "1983-05-31", "docket_number": "Nos. 81\u20143117, 82\u2014770 cons.", "first_page": "446", "last_page": "453", "citations": [ { "type": "official", "cite": "115 Ill. App. 3d 446" } ], "court": { "name_abbreviation": "Ill. App. Ct.", "id": 8837, "name": "Illinois Appellate Court" }, "jurisdiction": { "id": 29, "name_long": "Illinois", "name": "Ill." }, "cites_to": [ { "cite": "444 N.E.2d 565", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.E.2d", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "111 Ill. App. 3d 494", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. 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Ed. 891", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "L. Ed.", "pin_cites": [ { "page": "898" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "351 U.S. 12", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "U.S.", "case_ids": [ 1105068 ], "weight": 2, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "18" }, { "page": "590" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/us/351/0012-01" ] }, { "cite": "415 N.E.2d 17", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.E.2d", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "91 Ill. App. 3d 635", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. 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App. 3d", "case_ids": [ 3128740 ], "pin_cites": [ { "page": "801" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-app-3d/94/0797-01" ] }, { "cite": "60 Ill. 2d 598", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. 2d", "year": 1981, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "332 N.E.2d 716", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.E.2d", "year": 1975, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "30 Ill. App. 3d 289", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. App. 3d", "case_ids": [ 2623319 ], "year": 1975, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "296" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-app-3d/30/0289-01" ] }, { "cite": "426 N.E.2d 340", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.E.2d", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "99 Ill. App. 3d 973", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. App. 3d", "case_ids": [ 3101016 ], "pin_cites": [ { "page": "976" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-app-3d/99/0973-01" ] }, { "cite": "327 N.E.2d 324", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.E.2d", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "60 Ill. 2d 379", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. 2d", "case_ids": [ 5414370 ], "pin_cites": [ { "page": "384" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-2d/60/0379-01" ] } ], "analysis": { "cardinality": 778, "char_count": 16011, "ocr_confidence": 0.75, "pagerank": { "raw": 3.6462947272375095e-07, "percentile": 0.8898501418422464 }, "sha256": "5a711451e7d4bf5fd275c62354a8e8254e0e1012431172480ce4d391f7795d2c", "simhash": "1:bbe39e34717e5dd4", "word_count": 2597 }, "last_updated": "2023-07-14T19:16:24.783716+00:00", "provenance": { "date_added": "2019-08-29", "source": "Harvard", "batch": "2018" }, "casebody": { "judges": [], "parties": [ "THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. DAVID PEREZ, Defendant-Appellant." ], "opinions": [ { "text": "PRESIDING JUSTICE DOWNING\ndelivered the opinion of the court:\nFollowing a bench trial, defendant, David Perez, was convicted of murder (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1981, ch. 38, par. 9 \u2014 1(a)), attempt (murder) (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1981, ch. 38, par. 8 \u2014 4), and two counts of armed violence (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1981, ch. 38, par. 33A \u2014 2). At the time of the incident which led to his conviction, defendant was 16 years old. Following his conviction, defendant was sentenced to terms of imprisonment consisting of concurrent terms of 35 years for murder and 10 years for armed violence; consecutive to concurrent terms of 15 years for attempt (murder) and 10 years for armed violence.\nDefendant was sentenced on July 15, 1980, after his motion for a new trial was denied. On July 29, 1981, defendant filed a post-conviction petition pursuant to the Post-Conviction Hearing Act (Act) (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1981, ch. 38, par. 122 \u2014 1 et seq.). Defendant requested that the trial court appoint the State Appellate Defender to prosecute the appeal of his conviction and that he be allowed to file a late notice of appeal. The State\u2019s motion to dismiss defendant\u2019s post-conviction petition was denied. Defendant was granted leave to file a notice of appeal. The State appeals the trial court\u2019s order granting defendant\u2019s post-conviction relief. Both appeals have been consolidated in this court.\nThese appeals present the following issues: (1) whether the trial court acted properly by granting defendant\u2019s post-conviction relief and denying the State\u2019s motion to dismiss defendant\u2019s petition; (2) whether the trial court erred by reviewing the pretrial transcript during the trial; and (3) whether the trial court abused its discretion by sentencing defendant to consecutive terms of imprisonment.\nThe underlying facts of this case show that Wilfredo Dones, age 17, and his girlfriend, Bernice Pagan, age 16, were walking from the Kenmore playground at Belmont and Kenmore Streets in Chicago at about 10 p.m. on August 5, 1978, when two men approached them from behind. One of the men, later identified as defendant, pulled a gun and shot Dones in the head from a distance of about three feet. The defendant then turned to Pagan and at point blank range shot her in the face. Dones died three days later. After surgery and extensive medical treatment, Pagan recovered from her wound.\nFollowing an investigation of the incident, defendant was arrested. He was represented throughout the proceedings by a court-appointed attorney. The case was transferred from the juvenile court. (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1981, ch. 37, par. 702 \u2014 7.) Defendant\u2019s motions to quash his arrest and suppress identification testimony were heard and denied by Judge Frank Wilson. Thereafter, Judge Wilson retired. This cause was then heard by Judge Maurice D. Pompey. During the initial stages of the trial, the State suggested that Judge Pompey review the pretrial transcript in order to familiarize himself with matters of evidence previously decided by Judge Wilson. Over defendant\u2019s objection, Judge Pompey reviewed the pretrial transcript and then proceeded with the trial. At the conclusion of the trial, defendant was found guilty of murder, attempt (murder) and two counts of armed violence.\nOn July 15, 1980, defendant filed a post-trial motion for a new trial, asserting general violations of his constitutional rights. Defendant\u2019s post-trial motion was denied and sentence was pronounced. The trial court admonished defendant regarding his right to appeal and to have counsel appointed for appeal. When defendant\u2019s trial counsel indicated that he could not represent defendant on appeal, the following colloquy occurred:\n\u201cTHE COURT: So that the record is clear, are you requeting [sic\\ today for the court to appoint the Public Defender as your attorney for the purpose of appeal, Mr. Perez?\nTHE DEFENDANT: Yes.\nTHE COURT: Very well, the Public Defender is appointed * * * M\nThe record does not show any further activity regarding defendant\u2019s appeal until March 30, 1981, when defendant filed, pro se, a letter with the trial court indicating that he had not received notice from the public defender regarding his appeal. Defendant requested that the trial court investigate the status of his appeal. The record next indicates that a post-conviction petition, signed by defendant, was filed pursuant to the Act. Defendant was once again represented by the attorney who had represented him at trial for the purpose of the post-conviction proceedings. Defendant\u2019s petition requested that the State Appellate Defender be appointed to prosecute defendant\u2019s appeal and that the Appellate Defender be allowed to file a late notice of appeal. The State responded with a motion to dismiss defendant\u2019s post-conviction petition, contending that no constitutional issue was raised by the petition, thereby precluding relief under the Act.\nA hearing was held on April 17, 1981, following which the trial court granted defendant\u2019s petition and allowed the Appellate Defender 30 days to file a notice of appeal on defendant\u2019s behalf. The State appealed (No. 82 \u2014 770) the trial court\u2019s order denying the State\u2019s motion to dismiss defendant\u2019s post-conviction petition. Defendant challenges his conviction (No. 81 \u2014 3117), asserting as error: (1) that he was prejudiced by the trial court\u2019s review of the pretrial transcript, and (2) that the trial court should have imposed concurrent rather than consecutive terms of imprisonment in light of defendant\u2019s youth, lack of criminal past and potential for rehabilitation.\nI\nAt the outset, we consider the issue raised by the State\u2019s challenge to the November 17, 1981, trial court order which allowed defendant to file his notice of appeal 17 months after his conviction. The State argues that defendant\u2019s post-conviction petition fails to present a constitutional issue and, therefore, is not subject to review under the Act. The pertinent part of the Act which defendant invoked reads as follows:\n\u201cSec. 122 \u2014 1. Petition in the Trial Court. Any person imprisoned in the penitentiary who asserts that in the proceedings which resulted in his conviction there was a substantial denial of his rights under the Constitution of the United States or of the State of Illinois or both may institute a proceeding under this Article. ***\u201d (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1981, ch. 38, par. 122 \u2014 1.)\nDefendant bears the burden of establishing the existence of a substantial constitutional deprivation in order to initiate relief under the Act. (People v. Moore (1975), 60 Ill. 2d 379, 384, 327 N.E.2d 324.) The purpose of the post-conviction proceeding is to inquire into the constitutional issues stemming from the original conviction which have not already been adjudicated \u2014 including those issues which have been directly appealed or could have been directly appealed. (People v. Ford (1981), 99 Ill. App. 3d 973, 976, 426 N.E.2d 340.) The Act requires that defendant\u2019s petition \u201cshall *** clearly set forth the respects in which petitioner\u2019s constitutional rights were violated.\u201d (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1981, ch. 38, par. 122 \u2014 2.) Here, defendant\u2019s petition identified the proceedings in which he was convicted, the trial court\u2019s pronouncement of defendant\u2019s rights on appeal, and the fact that the public defender took no action on defendant\u2019s behalf after being appointed to do so.\nIt is defendant\u2019s contention that the failure of the public defender to act on his appeal amounts to a deprivation of his right to appeal, which is a violation of his constitutional right to the assistance of counsel. The State counters by arguing that the allegations in a post-conviction petition based upon counsel\u2019s failure to file a timely notice of appeal is not a constitutional question which is reviewable under the Act because it does not arise from the proceedings which resulted in defendant\u2019s conviction. However, an allegation of ineffective assistance of appellate counsel may raise an issue of constitutional dimensions \u201cwhich is cognizable in a post-conviction proceeding.\u201d People v. Edgeworth (1975), 30 Ill. App. 3d 289, 296, 332 N.E.2d 716, appeal denied (1975), 60 Ill. 2d 598; see also People v. Howard (1981), 94 Ill. App. 3d 797, 801, 419 N.E.2d 702.\nThe case before us is just such a situation in which the inaction of appellate counsel resulted in a violation of defendant\u2019s constitutionally protected rights. Defendant had exhibited an intent to appeal his conviction and responded positively when asked by the trial court if he wished to have the public defender appointed to assist him in his appeal. The trial court appointed the public defender to assist defendant, and defendant relied upon the public defender to file a notice of appeal in this matter. A notice of appeal was never filed. There is no indication in the record which explains the apparent lack of diligence by the public defender. Under these circumstances, the total lack of assistance provided to defendant amounted to a violation of his rights which was appropriately challenged through a post-conviction petition. See People v. Jones (1976), 36 Ill. App. 3d 315, 319, 343 N.E.2d 525.\nThe right to appeal a criminal conviction is fundamental (Nance v. United States (7th Cir. 1970), 422 F.2d 590, 592) and is guaranteed by the Illinois Constitution of 1970 (Ill. Const. 1970, art. VI, sec. 6; People v. Carter (1980), 91 Ill. App. 3d 635, 638, 415 N.E.2d 17). The procedures for effecting this right to appeal are purely statutory and must be complied with in order to invoke the appellate court jurisdiction. (People v. Carter (1980), 91 Ill. App. 3d 635, 638.) However, the fact that appellate review is such an integral part of the Illinois trial system for adjudicating guilt or innocence (Griffin v. Illinois (1956), 351 U.S. 12, 18, 100 L. Ed. 891, 898, 76 S. Ct. 585, 590) leads us to the conclusion that a complete denial of access to that process, such as occurred here, amounts to a denial of a right of constitutional magnitude.\nThe State questions the propriety of the relief granted to defendant and the trial court\u2019s authority to allow a late notice of appeal to be filed. Although the relief granted by the trial court in this instance is not the usual remedy provided in a post-conviction proceeding, under these circumstances it was the appropriate relief. The Act allows the trial court to \u201center an appropriate order with respect to the judgment or sentence in the former proceedings and such supplementary orders as to rearraignment, retrial, custody, bail or discharge as may be necessary and proper.\u201d (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1981, ch. 38, par. 122 \u2014 6.) The trial court is not limited in its remedies by section 122 \u2014 6 and the purpose of the Act, which is to promote the concept of fundamental fairness, was served by the trial court\u2019s order here. See People v. Frank (1971), 48 Ill. 2d 500, 504, 272 N.E.2d 25.\nII\nDefendant contends that the trial court committed prejudicial error by reviewing the pretrial transcript of the hearing before another judge. Defendant argues that his conviction was based in part upon the trial court\u2019s examination of these materials which were not a part of the trial record and which were prejudicial.\nIn a bench trial, the trial court is presumed to have considered only competent evidence. (People v. Shaw (1981), 98 Ill. App. 3d 682, 686-87, 424 N.E.2d 834, appeal denied (1981), 85 Ill. 2d 581.) \u201cIn order to rebut this presumption, there must be an affirmative showing on the record that the court actually used the improper evidence.\u201d (People v. Shaw (1981), 98 Ill. App. 3d 682, 687; see also People v. Lester (1981), 102 Ill. App. 3d 761, 768, 430 N.E.2d 358.) Our review of the record does not support defendant\u2019s contention that the trial court considered any improper material. The trial court\u2019s findings were based upon the evidence adduced at trial and upon the trial court\u2019s analysis of the credibility of the witnesses. Defendant has not clearly demonstrated that the trial court based its decision in any way upon materials outside the trial record.\nIll\nDefendant further contends that the trial court erred by imposing consecutive rather than concurrent terms of imprisonment as sentence. Defendant argues that his age, lack of previous criminal conduct and potential for rehabilitation warranted concurrent terms of imprisonment.\nIt is well settled that a court of review will not substitute its judgment for that of the trial court, absent a clear showing of an abuse of discretion, when considering the propriety of the sentence imposed. (People v. Perruquet (1977), 68 Ill. 2d 149, 154, 368 N.E.2d 882.) Undoubtedly, consecutive sentences should be imposed sparingly. (People v. Zadel (1979), 69 Ill. App. 3d 681, 683, 387 N.E.2d 1092.) However, after consideration of the defendant\u2019s character and background, as well as the nature and circumstances of the crime, a court may feel that consecutive sentences are necessary for the protection of the public from any further criminal activity. People v. DeSimone (1982), 108 Ill. App. 3d 1015, 1023, 439 N.E.2d 1311.\nThe record here reveals that the trial court considered defendant\u2019s age and background as mitigating factors. However, the trial judge explained that he felt very strongly that it was necessary for the protection of the public that consecutive sentences be imposed, emphasizing the \u201cexecution style\u201d killing of Dones and the senseless shooting of Pagan. See People v. Davis (1974), 20 Ill. App. 3d 948, 957, 314 N.E.2d 723, appeal denied (1974), 56 Ill. 2d 588.\nDefendant argues that he is only a juvenile and, as such, is not a hardened criminal \u201cwhatever the crime.\u201d The baseless excuses defendant offered as possible explanations for his conduct (e.g., peer pressure) show no sense of remorse. One wonders what an individual must do, and at what age, to be considered a hardened criminal. And let us not forget the grief and pain caused to the victim Pagan and to the families of both victims. They, as well as the public, must be protected against such brutal acts.\nIV\nLastly, we feel compelled to discuss a question regarding defendant\u2019s convictions and sentences for armed violence which were based upon the same physical acts which led to his convictions for murder and attempt (murder). Under current Hlinois law, a conviction for armed violence cannot stand when it is based upon the same physical act which served as the basis for the underlying felony charge. (People v. Donaldson (1982), 91 Ill. 2d 164, 170, 435 N.E.2d 477.) Here, defendant was charged, convicted and sentenced for murder and armed violence based upon the same act; and defendant was charged, convicted and sentenced for attempt (murder) and armed violence based upon the same physical act. Judgment should have been entered and sentence imposed only on the more serious offense. (People v. Smith (1982), 111 Ill. App. 3d 494, 501, 444 N.E.2d 565.) Therefore, defendant\u2019s convictions and 10-year-sentences for both armed violence charges are vacated in Case No. 81\u2014 3117, and in all other respects the judgment in said case is affirmed.\nThe November 17, 1981, order of the trial court in Case No. 82 \u2014 770 denying the State\u2019s motion to dismiss defendant\u2019s post-conviction petition is affirmed.\nThe judgment of the circuit court of Cook County is affirmed in part and, in part, vacated.\nAffirmed in part; vacated in part.\nSTAMOS and HARTMAN, JJ., concur.\nSupreme Court Rule 606(b) (87 Ill. 2d R. 606(b)) provides that a notice of appeal shall be filed within 30 days after entry of the final judgment.", "type": "majority", "author": "PRESIDING JUSTICE DOWNING" } ], "attorneys": [ "Richard M. Daley, State\u2019s Attorney, of Chicago (Michael E. Shabat, Bruce A. Cardello, and Larry J. Crown, Assistant State\u2019s Attorneys, of counsel), for the People.", "Steven Clark and Gordon H. Berry, both of State Appellate Defender\u2019s Office, of Chicago, for David Perez." ], "corrections": "", "head_matter": "THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. DAVID PEREZ, Defendant-Appellant.\nFirst District (2nd Division)\nNos. 81\u20143117, 82\u2014770 cons.\nOpinion filed May 31, 1983.\nRichard M. Daley, State\u2019s Attorney, of Chicago (Michael E. Shabat, Bruce A. Cardello, and Larry J. Crown, Assistant State\u2019s Attorneys, of counsel), for the People.\nSteven Clark and Gordon H. Berry, both of State Appellate Defender\u2019s Office, of Chicago, for David Perez." }, "file_name": "0446-01", "first_page_order": 468, "last_page_order": 475 }