People v. Maggio , 2017 IL App (4th) 150287 ( 2017 )

FILED
June 15, 2017
Carla Bender
2017 IL App (4th) 150287 4th District Appellate
Court, IL
NO. 4-15-0287
IN THE APPELLATE COURT
OF ILLINOIS
FOURTH DISTRICT
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, ) Appeal from
Plaintiff-Appellee, ) Circuit Court of
v. ) Champaign County
BRIAN D. MAGGIO, ) No. 10CF1252
Defendant-Appellant. )
) Honorable
) Heidi N. Ladd,
) Judge Presiding.
JUSTICE KNECHT delivered the judgment of the court, with opinion.
Justices Holder White and Appleton concurred in the judgment and opinion.
OPINION
¶1 Defendant, Brian D. Maggio, was convicted at a January 2015 jury trial of one
count of first degree murder. 720 ILCS 5/9-1 (West 2010). In March 2015, defendant was
sentenced to 65 years in prison. Defendant appeals his conviction and sentence, arguing his trial
counsel was ineffective and the trial court erred by (1) failing to instruct the jury on involuntary
manslaughter and (2) considering his refusal to participate in the presentence investigation in
aggravation at sentencing. Defendant also argues his fines have not been offset by his per diem
credit. We affirm in part, vacate in part, and remand the cause with directions.
¶2 I. BACKGROUND
¶3 Defendant does not challenge the sufficiency of the evidence. We thus limit our
recitation of the facts to those necessary to resolve defendant’s claims.
¶4 On July 21, 2010, defendant shot his brother, Mark Maggio, with a .357 derringer.
Defendant and his brother were business partners and operated multiple stores. Though they
were business partners, their personal relationship had deteriorated to the point where they no
longer saw or spoke to one another and only communicated about the businesses through their
lawyers or wives. Defendant managed a grocery store in Tolono, Illinois, while his brother
managed a grocery store in Arcola, Illinois.
¶5 On July 21, 2010, defendant was working at the Tolono store. When he returned
from lunch, he observed his brother’s truck parked outside the Tolono store. Upon entering,
defendant observed his brother and a store worker conversing near the dairy section of the store.
Defendant approached and called his brother a derogatory name, allegedly in an attempt to entice
his brother to leave. According to defendant, his brother stomped on his foot and punched him in
the stomach, causing defendant to fall to the floor and his glasses to fall off. While defendant
was on the floor, his brother allegedly kicked him several times. Defendant then pulled his
firearm out of his pocket and pointed it at his brother, who allegedly froze for a moment and then
began running to the door. Defendant followed his brother to the front of the store and shot him
just before he exited the store. Defendant called 911, and several officers and emergency
personnel were dispatched to the scene.
¶6 Lieutenant Curtis Apperson of the Champaign County sheriff’s office was one of
the investigators who arrived on the scene. Lieutenant Apperson informed defendant of his rights
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pursuant to Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966), and proceeded to interview defendant.
Defendant recounted the above facts and told Lieutenant Apperson he shot his brother in self-
defense. Lieutenant Apperson asked defendant what he meant by “self-defense,” and defendant
told Lieutenant Apperson he knew his brother often carried a pistol on his person or in his truck.
Defendant also told Lieutenant Apperson his brother had threatened to physically harm and kill
him in the past. Defendant was arrested and charged with the following four counts of first
degree murder: (1) defendant intended to kill his brother, (2) defendant knowingly killed his
brother, (3) defendant intended to cause great bodily harm to his brother, and (4) defendant
knowingly acted to cause great bodily harm to his brother. See 720 ILCS 5/9-1 (West 2010).
¶7 At the January 2015 jury trial, defense counsel alluded to defendant’s self-defense
claim in opening statements. Defense counsel stated, in relevant part:
“People make split second decisions all the time, and [defendant]
made that decision on July 21st of 2010. At that moment when he
was about to shoot the gun, he believed that Mark, who had guns
in his truck, who had carried guns, he thought his brother was
going to shoot him first, so in a split second decision, he shot his
brother in self[-]defense.
***
The evidence will be that as he’s leaving the store, Mark starts to
turn to his right, which is towards a wall, not towards his vehicle,
but towards the wall as if turning back into the store, and what
you’ll also hear is that Mark lifted up his arm and started to point it
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towards [defendant], and [defendant] saw a glint, a flash of
something. He didn’t know what it was; he thought it was a gun,
and [defendant] in that split second lifted the gun and pulled the
trigger one time.”
¶8 Lieutenant Apperson testified in the State’s case-in-chief. Lieutenant Apperson
testified defendant told him he shot his brother in self-defense and he knew his brother to carry a
pistol on his person or in his truck. Lieutenant Apperson testified he understood defendant to
mean he believed his brother was running to his truck to retrieve a weapon, even though
defendant did not use those exact words. The State asked Lieutenant Apperson, “Did he say
anything about I thought my brother had a weapon?” Lieutenant Apperson responded, “No.”
Defense counsel objected, arguing the State was leading the witness, but the objection was
overruled. The State later asked Lieutenant Apperson, “Did [defendant] make any statement to
you indicating that he thought his brother actually possessed a gun prior to the shooting?”
Lieutenant Apperson responded, “No, he did not.” The State then asked, “Did [defendant] make
any statement to you indicating that he believed that Mark Maggio was actually in possession of
a weapon of any kind before the shooting?” Lieutenant Apperson responded, “No.” On redirect,
the State elicited the following testimony:
“Q. [Defendant] never actually said I thought Mark was going to
his truck?
A. That’s correct.
Q. He never said I thought Mark was going to get a gun?
A. That’s correct.”
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Defense counsel then objected, arguing the State was again leading the witness, and the trial
court sustained the objection. During its closing argument, the State commented on these
omissions.
¶9 Defendant testified at the trial, and his testimony was consistent with defense
counsel’s opening statement. Defendant testified he acted in self-defense and believed his
brother was armed with a weapon because he saw his brother turn back toward him and raise his
arm. When his brother raised his arm, defendant allegedly saw a flash he believed to be a
weapon. Defendant also testified he wears glasses for nearsightedness, which were knocked off
during the physical altercation prior to the shooting, and according to defendant, his .357
derringer is an inaccurate shot.
¶ 10 The trial court instructed the jury on first and second degree murder, as well as
self-defense, and provided the jury with three verdict forms: (1) not guilty, (2) guilty of first
degree murder, and (3) guilty of second degree murder. The court denied defense counsel’s
request for an involuntary manslaughter instruction, concluding no evidence suggested defendant
acted recklessly rather than intentionally. The court stated:
“The testimony is uncontradicted is [sic] that he shot and intended
to shoot him, and all the argument as presented to me goes to his
evaluation of self-defense, and that’s consistent with his testimony
here. There is nothing that supports any inference or finding that
this was done recklessly. That would again all go to the mental
state in evaluating the reasonableness of a self-defense. So I’m
going to deny the request that involuntary manslaughter be given.”
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¶ 11 The jury returned a signed verdict form indicating it found defendant guilty of
first degree murder. Following the verdict, defendant refused to participate in the presentence
investigation and thus did not complete the necessary forms or speak with the court services
department representative. At the March 2015 sentencing hearing, the court commented on
defendant’s refusal to participate in the presentence investigation and considered this refusal
indicative of defendant’s attitude and rehabilitative potential. The court sentenced defendant to
65 years in prison. Defendant timely filed a posttrial motion to reconsider his sentence and a
notice of appeal.
¶ 12 This appeal followed.
¶ 13 II. ANALYSIS
¶ 14 Defendant argues his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to object to the
State’s use of his post-Miranda statement and for failing to request the proper self-defense jury
instruction. Defendant also argues the trial court erred by failing to instruct the jury on
involuntary manslaughter and using defendant’s refusal to participate in the presentence
investigation in aggravation at sentencing. Finally, defendant argues his fines have not been
offset by his per diem credit.
¶ 15 A. The Plain-Error Doctrine
¶ 16 The State maintains several of defendant’s claims on appeal are forfeited. “In
People v. Enoch, 122 Ill. 2d 176, 186, 522 N.E.2d 1124, 1130 (1988), our supreme court
unequivocally held that for an issue to be preserved for review on appeal, the record must show
that (1) a contemporaneous objection to the trial court’s error was made, and (2) the issue was
contained in a written posttrial motion.” (Emphasis in original.) People v. Rathbone, 345 Ill.
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App. 3d 305, 308-09, 802 N.E.2d 333, 336 (2003). Otherwise, such issues are procedurally
forfeited. Id. The plain-error doctrine allows a reviewing court to bypass forfeiture rules to
consider a clear or obvious error that occurred at the trial. People v. Shaw, 2016 IL App (4th)
150444, ¶ 69, 52 N.E.3d 728; see also Ill. S. Ct. R. 615(a) (“Plain errors or defects affecting
substantial rights may be noticed although they were not brought to the attention of the trial
court.”). As the plain language of Rule 615(a) indicates, “remedial application of the plain error
doctrine is discretionary.” People v. Clark, 2016 IL 118845, ¶ 42, 50 N.E.3d 1120.
¶ 17 The plain-error doctrine may be invoked where the evidence is closely balanced
or where the error deprived the defendant of a fair hearing. People v. Baker, 341 Ill. App. 3d
1083, 1090, 794 N.E.2d 353, 359 (2003).
“The second prong of the plain error rule should be invoked only
when the possible error is so serious that its consideration is
necessary to preserve the integrity and reputation of the judicial
process. *** [Citation.] The rule is not a general saving clause for
alleged errors but is designed to redress serious injustices.
[Citation.]” (Internal quotation marks omitted.) Id.
“In both instances, the burden of persuasion remains with the defendant.” People v. Herron, 215
Ill. 2d 167, 187, 830 N.E.2d 467, 480 (2005). “As a matter of convention, our court typically
undertakes plain-error analysis by first determining whether error occurred at all.” People v.
Sargent, 239 Ill. 2d 166, 189, 940 N.E.2d 1045, 1059 (2010).
¶ 18 B. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
¶ 19 Defendant argues his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to object to the
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State’s use of his post-Miranda statement and for failing to request the proper self-defense jury
instruction. The State maintains defendant forfeited these arguments “by failing to object to
either at trial, or to raise [them] in a posttrial motion.” We reject the State’s argument. Attorneys
Randall Rosenbaum and Janie Miller-Jones represented defendant throughout his trial and
sentencing hearing. Attorneys are not expected to argue their own ineffectiveness, and failure to
do so does not result in forfeiture on appeal. People v. Lawton, 212 Ill. 2d 285, 296, 818 N.E.2d
326, 333 (2004).
¶ 20 Both the United States Constitution and the Illinois Constitution guarantee the
right to counsel in criminal trials. U.S. Const., amend VI; Ill. Const. 1970, art. I, § 8. To show
ineffective assistance of counsel, a defendant must demonstrate (1) counsel’s performance fell
below an objective standard of reasonableness and (2) the deficient performance resulted in
prejudice to the defendant such that, but for counsel’s errors, a different result would have been
reached. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687 (1984). Defendants claiming ineffective
assistance of counsel must overcome a strong presumption that counsel’s conduct was reasonable
and effective. Id. at 689. Our supreme court has “made it clear that a reviewing court will be
highly deferential to trial counsel on matters of trial strategy, making every effort to evaluate
counsel’s performance from his perspective at the time, rather than through the lens of
hindsight.” People v. Perry, 224 Ill. 2d 312, 344, 864 N.E.2d 196, 216 (2007).
¶ 21 1. Alleged Doyle Violation
¶ 22 Defendant argues the State improperly used his post-Miranda statement to
impeach his in-court account of the events and then commented on his post-Miranda statement
in closing argument. The State argues defendant’s post-Miranda statement was not protected by
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Doyle v. Ohio, 426 U.S. 610 (1976), because defendant did not invoke his right to remain silent
and the statement to Lieutenant Apperson was inconsistent with his trial theory and testimony.
We conclude the State’s use of defendant’s post-Miranda statement was not a Doyle violation.
¶ 23 In Doyle, the United States Supreme Court held “the use for impeachment
purposes of petitioners’ silence, at the time of arrest and after receiving Miranda warnings,
violate[s] the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.” Id. at 619. The Court noted “it
would be fundamentally unfair and a deprivation of due process to allow the arrested person’s
silence to be used to impeach an explanation subsequently offered at trial.” Id. at 618. However,
the Court also held “a defendant who voluntarily speaks after receiving Miranda warnings has
not been induced to remain silent.” Anderson v. Charles, 447 U.S. 404, 408 (1980). “When a
defendant waives his Miranda rights, and makes statements to police, ‘[a]s to the subject matter
of his statements, the defendant has not remained silent at all.’ ” People v. Hart, 214 Ill. 2d 490,
514, 828 N.E.2d 260, 273 (2005) (quoting Anderson, 447 U.S. at 408). Espousing the Court’s
holding in Anderson, and consistent with the subsequent Hart holding, this court held Doyle is
inapplicable where a defendant waives his right to silence. People v. Campbell, 332 Ill. App. 3d
721, 725, 773 N.E.2d 776, 779 (2002). Further, we noted defendant’s voluntary post-Miranda
statements may be probed on direct examination as well as on cross-examination for
impeachment purposes. Id. at 725, 773 N.E.2d at 780. Accordingly, the proper approach to
considering whether Doyle is applicable is to first determine whether the defendant has received
notice of his or her right to remain silent and then determine whether the defendant invoked the
right to remain silent. Where the defendant fails to invoke the right to silence, Doyle is
inapplicable, and testimony about the inconsistency between the two statements may be elicited
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at trial. See id. at 725, 773 N.E.2d at 779; see also Anderson, 447 U.S. at 408; People v.
Frieberg, 147 Ill. 2d 326, 356, 589 N.E.2d 508 (1992) (concluding no Doyle violation occurred
when the State cross-examined the defendant about omissions in his post-Miranda statement to
police where the defendant did not invoke the right to remain silent but omitted significant
details to which he testified at trial).
¶ 24 We thus reject defendant’s argument he partially remained silent following receipt
of his Miranda warnings. Defendant did not invoke his right to remain silent and instead
recounted to Lieutenant Apperson the events leading up to the shooting. The fact his post-
Miranda statements omitted details later asserted at trial does not mean the omissions were an
invocation of the right to remain silent. See Campbell, 332 Ill. App. 3d at 725-26, 773 N.E.2d at
780 (“Omitting facts within a statement does not involve the right to remain silent.”). The
omission of the details relating to defendant’s belief his brother was armed at the time of the
shooting in his statement to Lieutenant Apperson was significant, as this belief was the linchpin
of his self-defense claim. As in Frieberg, because defendant omitted significant details in his
statement to Lieutenant Apperson, his “initial version was thus inconsistent with [his] subsequent
trial testimony and his theory of defense,” and the State was permitted to use that inconsistency
to test defendant’s self-defense theory. Frieberg, 147 Ill. 2d at 356, 589 N.E.2d at 522.
¶ 25 Defendant analogizes his case to People v. Gagliani, 210 Ill. App. 3d 617, 569
N.E.2d 534 (1991). In Gagliani, the defendant initially indicated to police officers he was not
involved in an incident and “did not know what [the officer] was talking about.” Id. at 621, 569
N.E.2d at 537. The defendant was ultimately prosecuted in relation to the incident and gave
exculpatory testimony at trial. Id. at 623-24, 569 N.E.2d at 538. The State impeached the
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defendant’s testimony with his prior statement he was not involved and unaware of the incident,
which the Second District held was improper impeachment under Doyle. Id. at 623-24, 627-28,
569 N.E.2d at 538, 541.
¶ 26 Our supreme court commented on Gagliani in Frieberg, explaining:
“Following his arrest and Miranda warnings, defendant did not
remain silent. He related an entire version of events, but denied his
knowledge of the cocaine and anticipated drug deal. Defendant
also omitted significant details to which he later testified at trial.
This initial version was thus inconsistent with defendant’s
subsequent trial testimony and his theory of defense. Under
Anderson and [People v. Rehbein, 74 Ill. 2d 435, 386 N.E.2d 39
(1978)], the State could properly cross-examine defendant
regarding his prior inconsistent statements made following arrest.
*** [W]e find [Gagliani], *** to be distinguishable from
the present case. Gagliani did not concern a situation where a
defendant gave authorities any version of events which later
proved inconsistent; the defendant simply denied knowledge of the
incident. As such, the factual situation, as the appellate court
recognized in Gagliani, was akin to that of Doyle.” Frieberg, 147
Ill. 2d at 356, 589 N.E.2d at 522.
We conclude Gagliani is inapposite for the same reasons the Frieberg court explained. To the
extent Gagliani is inconsistent with our holding, we note we are not bound by the decisions of
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the other districts. Banister v. Partridge, 2013 IL App (4th) 120916, ¶ 42, 984 N.E.2d 598; see
also O’Casek v. Children’s Home & Aid Society of Illinois, 229 Ill. 2d 421, 440, 892 N.E.2d 994,
1006-07 (2008) (“[T]he opinion of one district, division, or panel of the appellate court is not
binding on other districts, divisions, or panels.”). Our decision in Campbell remains consistent
with controlling Illinois Supreme Court and United States Supreme Court precedent, and we thus
decline to deviate from it on this issue.
¶ 27 As in Campbell, “This case does not involve a Doyle violation, but a situation
where defendant chose to talk to police.” Campbell, 332 Ill. App. 3d at 726, 773 N.E.2d at 780.
Because Doyle was inapplicable to defendant’s post-Miranda statement, the State was permitted
to examine Lieutenant Apperson about defendant’s statement and test defendant’s self-defense
theory in its case-in-chief. See id. at 725, 773 N.E.2d at 780 (“there is no reason a defendant’s
prior statements cannot come in substantively, on direct examination”). Because we conclude no
Doyle violation occurred, trial counsel was not ineffective for failing to object on Doyle violation
grounds during either the State’s case-in-chief or closing argument. We thus classify this
ineffective-assistance claim as a groundless claim.
¶ 28 2. Self-Defense Jury Instruction
¶ 29 With respect to defendant’s self-defense claim, the jury was read the following
instruction:
“A person is justified in the use of force when and to the
extent that he reasonably believes that such conduct is necessary to
defend himself against the imminent use of unlawful force.
However, a person is justified in the use of force which is
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intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm only if he
reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent
imminent death or great bodily harm to himself.”
This instruction is consistent with Illinois Pattern Jury Instructions, Criminal, No. 24-25.06 (4th
ed. 2000) (hereinafter, IPI Criminal 4th No. 24-25.06). However, the second paragraph may also
read:
“However, a person is justified in the use of force which is
intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm only if he
reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent
imminent death or great bodily harm to himself [or] the
commission of [a forcible felony].” (Emphasis added.) Id.
The committee note states, “When applicable, insert in the blank the forcible felony.” Id.
¶ 30 Defendant argues his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to request the
forcible felony language because the jury could have reasonably concluded defendant’s brother
was about to commit either aggravated battery or aggravated discharge of a firearm at the time of
the shooting. The State maintains trial counsel was effective, and the same evidence supporting
the theory defendant was protecting himself from an alleged aggravated battery or aggravated
discharge of a firearm was necessarily considered by the jury when it considered whether
defendant “reasonably believe[d] that such force [was] necessary to prevent imminent death or
great bodily harm to himself.” See id. In support, the State cites People v. Chamness, 129 Ill.
App. 3d 871, 473 N.E.2d 476 (1984), and People v. Hanson, 138 Ill. App. 3d 530, 485 N.E.2d
1144 (1985).
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¶ 31 In Chamness, the First District held:
“When a jury determines whether a defendant acted to protect
himself from great bodily harm or death, it necessarily considers
the same evidence which would be involved in a determination of
whether that defendant acted to prevent the commission of an
attempted murder or aggravated battery upon himself. There is no
logic in the suggestion that a jury which found that a defendant
was not protecting himself from great bodily harm or death could
find that that defendant was trying to prevent an attempted murder
or aggravated battery from being committed upon himself.”
Chamness, 129 Ill. App. 3d at 876, 473 N.E.2d at 480.
When faced with a similar argument, the Fifth District adopted the reasoning in Chamness and
concluded the same evidence supporting the theory defendant was protecting himself from an
aggravated battery would necessarily be considered by the jury when determining whether the
defendant reasonably believed he was in danger of great bodily harm or death. Hanson, 138 Ill.
App. 3d at 539-40, 485 N.E.2d at 1150-51.
¶ 32 Defendant argues Chamness and Hanson are distinguishable because the
defendants in those cases were charged with aggravated battery and the juries were thus
instructed on the crime of aggravated battery, making it “possible for the jury to determine
whether the defendants acted to prevent the commission of an aggravated battery upon
themselves.”
¶ 33 We disagree with defendant’s position and adopt the holding in Chamness. A jury
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need not be instructed on the elements of aggravated battery to understand the concept of a threat
of great bodily harm or death within the context of self-defense. Because the jury apparently
determined defendant was not protecting himself from great bodily harm or death, it could not
have found defendant was attempting to protect himself from an aggravated battery or
aggravated discharge of a firearm, as the conduct necessary to commit either offense would
necessarily be likely to cause great bodily harm or death. Thus, any error resulting from the
failure to request the forcible felony portion of IPI Criminal 4th No. 24-25.06 was harmless (see
Chamness, 129 Ill. App. 3d at 876, 473 N.E.2d at 480), and we classify this ineffective-
assistance claim as a groundless claim.
¶ 34 C. Involuntary Manslaughter Instruction
¶ 35 Defendant next argues the trial court erred by refusing to instruct the jury on
involuntary manslaughter. Defendant argues there was sufficient evidence indicating he acted
recklessly, such as the facts he was not wearing his glasses and his firearm was allegedly an
inaccurate shot. The State argues the court did not err because there was no evidence “presented
at defendant’s trial suggest[ing] his actions in shooting his brother were anything other than
intentional.”
¶ 36 We review a trial court’s decision to include or exclude a jury instruction for an
abuse of discretion. People v. McDonald, 2016 IL 118882, ¶ 42. “Where there is evidentiary
support for an involuntary manslaughter instruction, the failure to give the instruction constitutes
an abuse of discretion.” Id. ¶ 31. The standard for determining whether there is sufficient
evidentiary support for a lesser-included instruction is “whether there is some evidence in the
record that, if believed by the jury, will reduce the crime charged to a lesser offense.” (Emphasis
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in original.) Id. ¶ 25.
¶ 37 First degree murder occurs when an individual “either intends to kill or do great
bodily harm to that individual or another, or knows that such acts will cause death to that
individual or another; or *** he knows that such acts create a strong probability of death or great
bodily harm to that individual or another.” 720 ILCS 5/9-1(a)(1), (2) (West 2010). Involuntary
manslaughter occurs when an individual unintentionally causes the death of another, and his acts,
“whether lawful or unlawful[,] *** are likely to cause death or great bodily harm to some
individual, and he performs them recklessly.” 720 ILCS 5/9-3(a) (West 2010). “The difference
between first degree murder and involuntary manslaughter lies in the defendant’s mental state.”
McDonald, 2016 IL 118882, ¶ 51. First degree murder may be committed either intentionally or
knowingly, whereas involuntary manslaughter is committed unintentionally but recklessly.
¶ 38 Defendant was charged with four counts of first degree murder, said four counts
alleging (1) defendant intended to kill his brother, (2) defendant knowingly killed his brother, (3)
defendant intended to cause great bodily harm to his brother, and (4) defendant knowingly acted
to cause great bodily harm to his brother. A person acts intentionally “when his conscious
objective or purpose is to accomplish that result or engage in that conduct.” 720 ILCS 5/4-4
(West 2010). A person acts knowingly when:
“(a) The nature or attendant circumstances of his or her
conduct, described by the statute defining the offense, when he or
she is consciously aware that his or her conduct is of that nature or
that those circumstances exist. Knowledge of a material fact
includes awareness of the substantial probability that the fact
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exists.
(b) The result of his or her conduct, described by the statute
defining the offense, when he or she is consciously aware that that
result is practically certain to be caused by his conduct.” 720 ILCS
5/4-5(a), (b) (West 2010).
By comparison:
“A person is reckless or acts recklessly when that person
consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that
circumstances exist or that a result will follow, described by the
statute defining the offense, and that disregard constitutes a gross
deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would
exercise in the situation.” 720 ILCS 5/4-6 (West 2010).
Accordingly, our inquiry is whether there is “some evidence” to show defendant acted recklessly
and thus without the intent to shoot his brother or without knowledge his actions would result in
his brother being shot.
¶ 39 Defendant argues this evidence is established by the facts he was not wearing his
glasses and his firearm was allegedly an inaccurate shot. However, defendant misses the point.
Whether defendant’s actions were actually likely to result in death is not relevant to our inquiry.
We are focused defendant’s intent or knowledge—or lack thereof—at the time his brother was
shot.
¶ 40 The State cites McDonald, 2016 IL 118882, ¶ 57, in support of its assertion
defendant was not entitled to an involuntary manslaughter instruction because the uncontradicted
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evidence established defendant intentionally shot his brother from a range of four to five feet.
Defendant complains that the State provided no record cite for its assertion the evidence is
uncontradicted. However, defendant likewise provides no record cite contradicting the State’s
assertion. Instead, defendant argues his case is distinguishable from McDonald and is more
similar to People v. Whiters, 146 Ill. 2d 437, 588 N.E.2d 1172 (1992). We disagree.
¶ 41 In McDonald, the evidence established:
“[The] defendant was trying to prevent [the victim] from leaving
by keeping him from taking his bicycle. As they struggled over the
bicycle, [the] defendant swung the knife at [the victim], stabbing
him three times. There is no evidence that [the victim] threatened
[the] defendant. The stab wound to [the victim’s] cheek was deep
enough to strike the carotid artery. [The d]efendant was not merely
swinging the knife recklessly in [the victim’s] direction.”
McDonald, 2016 IL 118882, ¶ 57.
The court held, “Given the dearth of evidence of recklessness, we conclude that the trial court
did not abuse its discretion in refusing to give a jury instruction on involuntary manslaughter.”
Id.
¶ 42 By contrast, in Whiters, the evidence established the victim
“ripped [the defendant’s] phone from the wall and threatened to
‘kick her ass.’ At one point, [the] defendant grabbed a kitchen
knife and pointed it at [the victim]. As [the victim] moved toward
[the defendant], she stabbed [the victim] in the abdomen. [The
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defendant] immediately screamed that she did not mean it, and
called an ambulance.” Whiters, 146 Ill. 2d at 440, 588 N.E.2d at
1043.
The Whiters court concluded “the record contain[ed] evidence of acts by [the] defendant, which,
if believed by the jury, could reasonably be ascertained to be reckless conduct, and which caused
[the victim’s] death.” Id. at 441, 588 N.E.2d at 1044. The court specifically pointed to the fact
the stabbing occurred while the defendant was merely holding the knife at her waist while the
victim moved toward her. Thus, a jury instruction on involuntary manslaughter was necessary.
Id.
¶ 43 Our inquiry comes down to whether defendant’s firearm was discharged by
means of intent or knowledge or by recklessness. The uncontradicted evidence established
defendant knowingly and intentionally pointed a firearm at his brother at a range of four to five
feet and knowingly and intentionally pulled the trigger, discharging the weapon. Unlike in
Whiters, where the defendant merely held the knife at her waist and the victim was stabbed as he
moved toward her, defendant intentionally shot his firearm at his brother. The facts defendant
was not wearing his glasses and the firearm was allegedly an inaccurate shot have no bearing on
defendant’s intent. Defendant attempts to analogize this case to Whiters by arguing the shooting
occurred following a physical altercation between defendant and his brother and defendant
believed his brother sometimes carried a weapon. These facts, again, have no bearing on
defendant’s intent. Rather, they are relevant to his self-defense claim or the argument this offense
should be classified second degree murder rather than first degree.
¶ 44 As the McDonald court noted, defendant was not merely swinging his firearm
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about or handling it in a reckless manner, which caused it to discharge—defendant intentionally
discharged his firearm while aiming the firearm at his brother. We conclude the trial court did
not abuse its discretion by denying defendant’s request the jury be instructed on involuntary
manslaughter.
¶ 45 D. Defendant’s Refusal to Cooperate With the Presentence Investigation
¶ 46 Defendant next argues the trial court erred by considering his refusal to cooperate
with the presentence investigation as an aggravating factor at sentencing. The State maintains
defendant forfeited this issue and any weight given to defendant’s refusal was insignificant and
did not affect defendant’s sentence. Defendant concedes he forfeited this claim on appeal but
requests plain-error review. We thus begin by considering whether an error occurred.
¶ 47 The Illinois Constitution provides “[a]ll penalties shall be determined both
according to the seriousness of the offense and with the objective of restoring the offender to
useful citizenship.” Ill. Const. 1970, art. I, § 11. Trial courts have wide latitude to determine an
appropriate sentence, and we review a court’s sentencing decision for abuse of discretion. People
v. Jones, 168 Ill. 2d 367, 373-74, 659 N.E.2d 1306, 1308 (1995). A court abuses its discretion by
fashioning a sentence based upon irrational or arbitrary factors. People v. Miller, 2014 IL App
(2d) 120873, ¶ 36, 9 N.E.3d 1210.
¶ 48 Both defendant and the State agree defendants enjoy the fifth amendment right
against self-incrimination during the sentencing phase, and we likewise agree. Defendant equates
his refusal to cooperate with the presentence investigation as an invocation of his fifth
amendment right to silence, citing People v. Ashford, 121 Ill. 2d 55, 80, 520 N.E.2d 332, 342
(1988). In Ashford, our supreme court stated:
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“The fifth amendment right against compelled self-
incrimination is available, not only at guilt phase, but also at the
sentencing phase of a capital murder trial. [Citation.] Whatever
information the defendant provided the probation officer could
have been used against him at the sentencing proceeding, and he
therefore had a right to remain silent.” Id.
¶ 49 At defendant’s sentencing, the trial court stated:
“It is significant to this court and troubling that when Miss Roesch
of the Court Services Department went out to interview the
defendant in jail, he refused to cooperate with the interview and
refused to fill out the social form and the history that was
necessary, knowing this court would be reviewing that, knowing
that the Court Services Officer, Miss Roesch, was an arm of the
court, and he still refused twice to be interviewed and did not fill
out the social history form. We do have the earlier form from July
of 2011, but he was not excused from cooperating with this
process, and that certainly speaks volumes about his attitude, and is
something the court takes into consideration in measuring
rehabilitative potential. It is a telling indication of defendant’s
attitude when he refused to cooperate with even the most
fundamental step that the court would be relying on in fashioning
an appropriate sentence.”
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We conclude the trial court’s remarks were an improper comment on defendant’s fifth
amendment right to remain silent during the presentence investigation. Defendant had the right to
remain silent during the presentence investigation, and invocation of the right cannot be used as
an aggravating factor at sentencing. Having determined the court’s reliance on this factor was an
abuse of discretion, we now must determine whether the error was so significant as to require
remand for a new sentencing hearing. See People v. Martin, 119 Ill. 2d 453, 461-62, 519 N.E.2d
884, 888 (1988).
¶ 50 Reliance on an improper sentencing factor is amenable to plain-error review
because such reliance “impinges upon defendant’s fundamental right to liberty.” People v.
Kopczick, 312 Ill. App. 3d 843, 852, 728 N.E.2d 107, 115 (2000). “However, where it can be
determined from the record that the weight placed on the improperly considered aggravating
factor was so insignificant that it did not lead to a greater sentence, remandment is not required.”
People v. Bourke, 96 Ill. 2d 327, 332, 449 N.E.2d 1338, 1340 (1983). The converse of this rule is
remandment is required where reliance on the improper sentencing factor was significant and led
to a greater sentence. It is clear from the trial court’s remarks this factor weighed heavily in the
court’s sentencing decision. Indeed, the court specifically stated defendant’s refusal to participate
in the presentence investigation was “significant *** and troubling” and “a telling indication of
defendant’s attitude.” Given the court’s comments, we cannot state with certainty this factor did
not lead to a greater sentence. We thus vacate defendant’s sentence and remand for a new
sentencing hearing.
¶ 51 E. Per Diem Credit
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¶ 52 Defendant argues his fines have not been offset by his per diem credit because the
fines appear to have been entered into the clerk’s system as “costs” rather than “fines.” The State
concedes defendant was assessed the following fines, and those fines should be offset by
defendant’s per diem credit, which totals $8475: (1) a $50 court finance fee, (2) a $10 arrestee’s
medical fine, (3) a $10 State Police operations fine, and (4) a $10 traffic/criminal surcharge. We
accept the State’s concession.
¶ 53 Defendant also argues his $30 juvenile expungement fund assessment is a fine
pursuant to People v. Wynn, 2013 IL App (2d) 120575, ¶ 16, 3 N.E.3d 400, and his $5 drug court
assessment is a fine pursuant to People v. Warren, 2016 IL App (4th) 120721-B, ¶ 138, 55
N.E.3d 117. The State does not present an argument relating to these two assessments. We agree
both these assessments are fines. See id. ¶¶ 134, 138.
¶ 54 Defendant was also assessed a $2 State’s Attorney automation assessment, which
he argues is a fine pursuant to People v. Camacho, 2016 IL App (1st) 140604, ¶ 56, 64 N.E.3d
647, despite our holding the assessment is a fee in Warren, 2016 IL App (4th) 120721-B, ¶ 115,
55 N.E.3d 117. Defendant notes our holding in Warren, but he invites us to reconsider in light of
Camacho, which disagreed with Warren because “the State’s Attorney and public defender
records automation assessments do not compensate the state for the costs associated in
prosecuting a particular defendant.” Camacho, 2016 IL App (1st) 140604, ¶ 56, 64 N.E.3d 647.
We decline to reconsider our holding in Warren and continue to hold the $2 State’s Attorney
automation assessment is a fee for the reasons stated therein.
¶ 55 In sum, defendant was assessed several fines, which include (1) a $50 court
finance fee, (2) a $10 arrestee’s medical fine; (3) a $10 State Police operations fine, (4) a $10
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traffic/criminal surcharge, (5) a $30 juvenile expungement fund assessment, and (6) a $5 drug
court assessment. These fines appear from the record to have been classified as “costs,” as
opposed to “fines,” in the clerk’s computer system. To the extent these fines have been
improperly classified, we remand to the trial court to correct the classification and apply
defendant’s per diem credit to these creditable fines.
¶ 56 III. CONCLUSION
¶ 57 We affirm in part, vacate in part, and remand to the trial court for a new
sentencing hearing and to properly classify the following assessments as fines and apply
defendant’s per diem credit to those fines: (1) a $50 court finance fee, (2) a $10 arrestee’s
medical fine, (3) a $10 State Police operations fine, (4) a $10 traffic/criminal surcharge, (5) a $30
juvenile expungement fund assessment, and (6) a $5 drug court assessment. As a part of our
judgment, we award the State its $75 statutory assessment against defendant as costs of this
appeal. 55 ILCS 5/4-2002 (West 2014).
¶ 58 Affirmed in part and vacated in part; cause remanded with directions.
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