People v. Williams , 2020 IL App (5th) 160135-U ( 2020 )

2020 IL App (5th) 160135-UNOTICE
Decision filed 06/16/20. The
text of this decision may be NO. 5-16-0135
changed or corrected prior to
the filing of a Peti ion for IN THE
Rehearing or the disposition of
the same.
APPELLATE COURT OF ILLINOIS
FIFTH DISTRICT
______________________________________________________________________________
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, ) Appeal from the
) Circuit Court of
Plaintiff-Appellee, ) Alexander County.
)
v. ) No. 10-CF-17
)
WILLIE M. WILLIAMS, ) Honorable
) Mark H. Clarke,
Defendant-Appellant. ) Judge, presiding.
______________________________________________________________________________
JUSTICE BARBERIS delivered the judgment of the court.
Justices Cates and Moore concurred in the judgment.
ORDER
¶1 Held: The circuit court substantially complied with Rule 402 when the court
admonished defendant prior to accepting his guilty plea. We affirm the court’s
order finding defendant fit to stand trial and subsequently denying defendant’s
motion to withdraw guilty plea and vacate sentence where the record
demonstrates an affirmative exercise of judicial discretion in determining
defendant’s fitness.
¶2 Defendant, Willie M. Williams, pled guilty to home invasion and was sentenced to 29
years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). The circuit court denied his subsequent
motion to withdraw his guilty plea and vacate sentence. On appeal, defendant argues that the
court (1) failed to properly admonish him pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 402 (eff. July
1, 2012) and (2) erred in denying his motion to set aside his guilty plea and vacate sentence. We
affirm.
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¶3 I. Background
¶4 On April 22, 2010, defendant was charged by information with home invasion (count I)
(720 ILCS 5/12-11(a)(2) (West 2010)) for knowingly and without authority entering the home of
his victim, Callie Callahan, an individual 60 years of age or older, on April 20, 2010, where he
intentionally caused her bodily injury by striking her about the head with his fist. Defendant was
also charged with theft over $300 (count II) (id. § 16-1(a)(1)(A)) for knowingly exerting
unauthorized control over a 32-inch Sanyo flat screen television, valued in excess of $300,
belonging to Callahan, an individual 60 years of age or older, with the intent to permanently
deprive her of the use of the property. On September 15, 2010, following Callahan’s death,
defendant was charged with three counts of first degree murder (counts III, IV, V) (id. § 9-
1(a)(3), (a)(2), (a)(3)), which alleged that the defendant caused Callahan’s death by hitting her
about the head with his fist during the April 20, 2010, incident.
¶5 On May 12, 2011, Attorney Timothy Capps filed a motion to appoint an expert to
evaluate defendant’s fitness to stand trial. In support, Attorney Capps asserted that he had a
bona fide doubt as to defendant’s fitness, due to defendant’s display of impulsive, even volatile,
behavior, and his inability to properly follow explanations of legal issues important to his
defense. The circuit court subsequently granted this motion and appointed Dr. Michael Althoff, a
forensic psychologist, to tender a report regarding defendant’s fitness to stand trial. Attorney
Capps later mailed defendant a letter detailing his opinion that defendant was “incapable of
participating in [his] own defense[,] [which was] reinforced by every tangible and abusive
communication you direct my way.”
¶6 Following Dr. Althoff’s June 22, 2011, fitness evaluation report, the circuit court held a
fitness hearing on August 18, 2011. According to Dr. Althoff, he had “attempted” to see
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defendant at Tri-County Detention Center (Tri-County) but was unable to conduct an in-person
interview or examination on June 17, 2011. Instead, Dr. Althoff based his findings on
correspondence with Attorney Capps; court documents; two activities of daily living
questionnaires provided by defendant’s two sisters, which showed defendant suffered from
hallucinations, had trouble sleeping, and experienced periods of anger; incident reports and staff
correspondence at Tri-County, which showed defendant engaged in very disruptive behavior;
and prior mental health evaluations from October 2003, September 2004, April 2006, and June
2006.
¶7 Dr. Althoff diagnosed defendant with bipolar disorder, most recent episode manic;
antisocial personality disorder, borderline intellectual functioning; diagnosis deferred to primary
physician and incarceration and pending litigation. Dr. Althoff’s report confirmed Attorney
Capps’ belief that defendant was incapable of participating in his own defense, based on “[t]he
degree of disruptiveness in the defendant’s behavior, which is consistent with mood variability,
translates into clear problems with difficulty in relating to counsel in order to assist in his own
defense.” At the conclusion of the hearing, the circuit court found defendant unfit to stand trial
and remanded him to the custody of the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) for
treatment.
¶8 On December 20, 2011, the circuit court held a fitness review hearing. Defendant’s
treating physician, Dr. Prithviraj Thakur, coordinating therapist, Joan Fisher, MSW, SWI, and
interim hospital administrator, Melissa Gross, all employees of DHS, agreed that defendant was
still unfit to stand trial. The prosecuting attorney and Attorney Capps stipulated to the fitness
evaluation produced by DHS and set another hearing within 90 days to review defendant’s
progress. When questioned by the court as to how defendant would regain fitness, Attorney
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Capps responded: “I think the answer is going to be at some point he’s either going to respond to
the medication to where he’s not what he was before or he’s not ***.”
¶9 On February 2, 2012, Dr. Thakur submitted a fitness report to the circuit court. Dr.
Thakur reported that defendant was fit to stand trial provided “[d]efendant maintain the
following psychiatric treatment: the drug Olanzapine 20 mg. at bedtime every night, and the drug
Lorazepam 2 mg. twice a day,” with Tri-County personnel to “make the necessary observation to
ensure that the Defendant does, in fact, swallow said medication.”
¶ 10 On March 29, 2012, the circuit court held a restoration hearing. Consistent with his
February 2, 2012, fitness report, Dr. Thakur testified that defendant had been voluntarily taking
court-ordered psychotropic medication, specifically, olanzapine for psychosis and tab lorazepam
for agitation and anxiety. As of November 28, 2011, defendant “no longer approached in a
threatening manner and his mood was less agitated (50%).” Dr. Thakur provided subsequent
dates where he continued to observe defendant’s improved behavior while taking the court-
ordered medication. Specifically, on his last observation of defendant, Dr. Thakur noted that
defendant was “pleasant, cooperative and many times said that he was ready to go back to the
court and cooperate with his attorney.” Dr. Thakur also described defendant as willing to
continue to take medication while in jail because defendant specifically expressed that
“[m]edicine makes me smile. I have stopped yelling, screaming and throwing tantrums.” Lastly,
Dr. Thakur testified that defendant had been restored to fitness to stand trial and would be able to
cooperate and assist in his own defense. Specifically, Dr. Thakur stated that, although defendant
was suffering from bipolar disorder with psychotic features, it was “almost controlled (80-90%)
with psychotropic medication and other treatment.” At the conclusion of the hearing, the court
found defendant fit to stand trial and remanded him from DHS to the custody of Tri-County.
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¶ 11 On September 17, 2012, defendant filed a motion to suppress his statements made to
police following the home invasion. In support, defendant asserted that any waiver of rights was
not knowing and voluntary because he suffered “mental longstanding; untreated mental illness
that has been the subject of previous litigation in the above-captioned case.” Shortly thereafter,
defendant filed a pro se motion to dismiss Attorney Capps as his legal counsel, asserting that
Attorney Capps had failed (1) to set forth an appropriate legal performance and (2) notify the
circuit court of evidence against the State.
¶ 12 On November 19, 2012, the circuit court held a hearing on defendant’s pro se motions to
suppress statements and dismiss Attorney Capps. When addressed by the court, defendant stated
that Attorney Capps was “trying to threaten me. I’m tired of being threatened about some
medication.” In response, Attorney Capps stated he had a bona fide doubt regarding defendant’s
fitness to stand trial because defendant had stopped taking his medication in May 2012. Because
medical opinions regarding defendant’s fitness to stand trial depended on his willingness and
continuation of medicine, Attorney Capps believed the defendant was unfit, primarily because
Tri-County had been unable to ensure he took the court-ordered medication. Attorney Capps
stated the following:
“I don’t know if we have to reopen the whole issue of fitness since he’s already
been found unfit *** but restored to fitness with the condition that he take his medicine. I
don’t know that we have to start the whole ball rolling again or if we can proceed directly
to a remedy of getting Mr. Williams stabilized and returned to fitness, and then we can
address how we’re going to make sure he’s taking his medicine.”
In response, the State specified that this case “all gets down to [whether] this defendant can
remain fit for trial if he takes his mediation. He’s not taking his mediation. *** [S]o, yes, I
believe there is a bona fide doubt of the defendant’s fitness.” The circuit court concluded that an
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appropriate examination was required. The court removed the case from its setting and ordered
the attorneys to “get together and see if they can agree on who should make that examination.”
¶ 13 December 17, 2012, Attorney Capps filed a memorandum of law concerning defendant’s
fitness to stand trial. Attorney Capps discussed the complexity of defendant’s case, proposing
one of two options to move forward, including: (1) request Dr. Thakur to testify whether
defendant’s relapse into unfitness is the expected result of not being medicated and whether
readmission to DHS would be an appropriate measure to restore defendant’s fitness, or (2) begin
the fitness determination from scratch with a new examination by Dr. Althoff.
¶ 14 On January 23, 2013, Attorney Capps filed a second motion to appoint expert and
determine defendant’s fitness to stand trial. In support, Attorney Capps, again, expressed a
bona fide doubt as to defendant’s fitness, based on defendant’s inability to meaningfully
cooperate with counsel and participate in his own defense. Without objection, the court
appointed Dr. Althoff to conduct a fitness evaluation.
¶ 15 Dr. Althoff’s subsequent report, dated February 27, 2013, provided a detailed chronology
of defendant’s mental health treatment while in the custody of DHS. Since defendant’s
noncompliance with medication had started, Dr. Althoff indicated that “the signs and symptoms
indicating disorders in his mood, thinking processes and behavior *** have returned.” Although
Dr. Althoff was unable to personally interview defendant, he reviewed several past records and
evaluations before concluding that defendant was unfit. Dr. Althoff believed restoration of
defendant’s fitness could be met within the statutory period of time with ongoing medicine
compliance.
¶ 16 On March 20, 2013, the circuit court held a fitness hearing and, again, found defendant
unfit to stand trial. In so ruling, the court relied on Dr. Althoff’s February 27, 2013, report that
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detailed defendant’s noncompliance with taking medication, which resulted in defendant’s
behavioral and mood issues. Defendant was ordered to undergo treatment and remanded to DHS
for placement in a secure inpatient setting.
¶ 17 On June 17, 2013, the circuit court held a fitness review hearing. Defendant’s treating
physician, Dr. Muddasani Reddy, coordinating therapist, Shirley Shaw, MSW, SWII, and the
hospital administrator of Chester Medical Health Services Center (Chester Medical), all agreed
that defendant was unfit to stand trial. Dr. Reddy noted that it was likely for defendant to achieve
fitness within one year from the original date of unfitness with treatment. The court ordered DHS
to submit a progress report regarding defendant’s medications and the clinical findings and
opinion of defendant’s treating physician as to whether defendant had attained fitness or was
making progress, with treatment, to attain fitness within one year of the date of the original
finding of unfitness.
¶ 18 After receiving a progress report, dated August 22, 2013, indicating that defendant had
been restored to fitness, the circuit court held a restoration hearing on September 11, 2013.
Although Attorney Capps believed defendant had “markedly improved,” he disagreed with the
treating physician’s finding that defendant had attained fitness. As such, the court, on Attorney
Capps’ motion, determined that good cause existed not to hold the hearing that day. Accordingly,
the court continued the hearing, leaving defendant’s status as unfit. The court ordered defendant
to remain in DHS custody for continued treatment until the next setting.
¶ 19 On October 11, 2013, the circuit court held a follow-up restoration hearing. At the
hearing, Dr. Mary Hanessian, defendant’s treating psychiatrist at Chester Medical for
approximately two months, testified to the following. Dr. Hanessian found defendant to be
“consistently stable since [she] took over his care.” Defendant voluntarily took a daily dose of 20
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milligrams of olanzapine and “actually continued to improve and show good insight and self-
control.” Moreover, to ensure compliance, Dr. Hanessian stated that defendant’s nurse put
olanzapine in liquid, and “we watch him take it. We’ve had no refusals. He’s taking it
voluntarily.” Dr. Hanessian further stated that there had been no reports of defendant throwing
up the medication. Instead, “his conduct and his demeanor and his sociability has been excellent.
*** [W]e really believe he’s taking it,” especially since his mental status had deteriorated in the
past when he failed to take medication.
¶ 20 Dr. Hanessian testified that defendant was thoughtful, well-spoken, and had much clearer
and organized thought processes when medicated. In fact, she stated that it “is a pleasure to care
for him.” In comparison, Dr. Hanessian testified that when defendant was not medicated in the
past, he was “argumentative,” “antagonistic,” and generally appeared paranoid, confused, and
irritable. Dr. Hanessian testified that defendant was fit to stand trial at the time of her report and
on the day of the fitness hearing.
¶ 21 Following Dr. Hanessian’s testimony, the circuit court addressed defendant. The
following colloquy took place:
“THE COURT: Mr. Williams, we’ve spent a fair amount of time listening to the
doctor talk about you. Do you feel that you understand the proceedings that we’re at here
today?
MR. WILLIAMS: Yes, sir.
THE COURT: Can you tell me what we’re doing here today?
MR. WILLIAMS: Having a fitness stand for me.
***
THE COURT: *** How are you getting along with Mr. Capps?
MR. WILLIAMS: Fine. I’d like for him to continue to be my attorney.
THE COURT: And do you believe that in your discussions with Mr. Capps, you
are formulating a plan for dealing with the charges that the [S]tate has made in this case?
MR. WILLIAMS: Yes, we are.
THE COURT: And you understand that you have the right to persist in your plea
of not guilty to these charges and have a trial, do you understand that?
MR. WILLIAMS: Yes, sir.
***
8
THE COURT: Can you tell me the function of a jury if a jury is empaneled here?
MR. WILLIAMS: Yes. The jury would be *** to determine my innocence or
guilt.
THE COURT: And can you tell me what my job would be?
MR. WILLIAMS: Your job is to proceed over the proceedings.
***
THE COURT: You have the right to plead guilty or plead not guilty, and that
decision is yours and yours alone. Do you understand that?
MR. WILLIAMS: Yes, I do.
THE COURT: And if you were to plead not guilty, we would have the trial, and if
you were to plead guilty, you understand that hearings would follow from that?
MR. WILLIAMS: Yes.
THE COURT: And can you tell me?
MR. WILLIAMS: We have plea, possibility of a plea.
THE COURT: Okay, and then what would be my job if you were to plead guilty?
MR. WILLIAMS: It’s to determine whether or not you first of all want to accept
it.
THE COURT: Okay.
MR. WILLIAMS: And if you choose to accept it, the parties *** go to a plea
agreement.
***
THE COURT: Can you tell me what my job would be at the sentencing hearing?
MR WILLIAMS: It’s to determine what’s called a pre-investigative report, and all
the other evidence to determine whether or not what sentence I should be given.
THE COURT: *** Do you feel that you are getting the opportunity to speak with
Mr. Capps as necessary now?
MR. WILLIAMS: Yes, I do.”
The State then called Brian Foster, an administrator for Chester Medical, who agreed to house
defendant for 30 days for the purposes of maintaining his fitness to stand trial. The State then
concurred with Dr. Hanessian’s fitness determination and stipulated to the contents of her report.
Attorney Capps agreed with the State and stated that he had “no reservations whatsoever about
Mr. Williams’ fitness” based on his interactions with defendant that day. The court subsequently
found defendant “fit to assist in his defense and fit to stand trial.” The court stated that
“defendant is in need of continued care or treatment” at Chester Medical because the
“medication that [he] is on is essential to his well-being.” The court’s written order stated:
“Defendant is FIT TO STAND TRIAL provided that Defendant maintain the following
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psychiatric treatment: the drug Olanzapine 20 mg. at bedtime every night.” (Emphasis in
original.)
¶ 22 After finding defendant fit to stand trial, the judge allowed a brief recess for Attorney
Capps and defendant to confer before the guilty plea hearing later that morning. During the
guilty plea hearing, the court asked defendant if he understood the ramifications of his decision
to plead guilty, which included that he would not have a trial, he would give up his right to a
trial, there would be no jury empaneled or judge assigned to hear evidence, and he would give up
his right to question and present witnesses. Defendant understood. After defendant
acknowledged that he was satisfied with Attorney Capps’ performance, the court asked
defendant if he wished to proceed with the presentation of the plea agreement, to which he
responded: “Yes, I do.”
¶ 23 The State then explained the specifics of the plea agreement:
“[T]he defendant is going to plead guilty to Count I of the original information,
filed April 22, 2010, that being a Class X felony of home invasion. He will do so in an
open plea setting. Any remaining counts will be dismissed. We will ask that it be set for
sentencing hearing. Within that information, the [S]tate has alleged the age of the victim
being an aggravating factor which makes the defendant eligible for extended term
pursuant to the statute which is cited on the face of the charge, and the [victim’s] age
being cited within the charge.”
Following the State’s presentation, the circuit court asked defense counsel: “Is that the
agreement, Mr. Capps?” Attorney Capps responded in the affirmative.
¶ 24 The circuit court then addressed defendant to explain what an open plea meant and
whether he understood. Defendant responded in the affirmative. The court asked defendant if
anyone had promised him a particular outcome at the sentencing hearing, to which he responded:
“No, they haven’t.” Next, the court explained the nature of the charge before it asked defendant:
“Do you understand what you’re pleading guilty to, sir? Defendant answered: “Yes, sir.” Next,
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the court explained the sentencing range for the Class X felony, which does not allow for
probation, and the extended term sentencing range. Defendant stated that he understood and then
acknowledged that he did not have any questions about the sentencing range or maximum
possible penalty for the offense. The court then asked defendant if he had been threatened or
promised anything to plead guilty. Again, defendant stated no. Defendant stated he was pleading
guilty on his own free will. The trial judge then asked defendant if he “understood what you’re
doing today.” Defendant responded that he understood and that he had enough time to speak with
his attorney about his open plea. Defendant subsequently pled guilty to the charge.
¶ 25 In addition to in-court discussions, defendant signed a written guilty plea, dated October
11, 2013, which provided as follows:
“I, the undersigned defendant, hereby voluntarily, knowingly and understandingly
enter a plea of guilty to: [count I] - home invasion ***. I understand that by pleading
guilty, I am giving up my right to trial, including my right to a jury trial. I am also giving
up my right to confront witnesses and to subpoena witnesses on my behalf. I understand
the nature of the offense and the possible penalties. I understand that if I plead guilty, the
Court may sentence me up to the maximum penalty provided for this offense without
hearing witnesses or having a trial. No threats have been made to get me to plead guilty.
Negotiated Plea. This plea is entered pursuant to an agreement between the
prosecutor and the defendant under Illinois Supreme Court [R]ule 403(d) which
contemplates a specified sentence will be imposed and/or that other charges before the
Court will be dismissed. The parties request the Court’s affirmance of the agreement. I
understand that if the Court does not concur in the agreement or withdraws concurrence, I
may withdraw this plea of guilty. If the Court does not concur, I may persist in my plea of
guilty and the disposition may be different than that contemplated by the plea agreement
and that the Court may impose any sentence up to the maximum provided for the offense.
Other than the plea agreement, no other promises have been made to me to cause me to
enter this plea.” (Emphasis in original.)
The “negotiated plea” box was checked, but the box below it pertaining to promises was not
checked where it stated: “No promises have been made to me concerning a specific sentence or
reduction and/or dismissal of charges. I understand the Court may sentence me up to the
11
maximum penalty provided by the law.” The court accepted defendant’s plea of guilty, finding it
knowing and voluntary, and then ordered a presentence investigation.
¶ 26 On November 12, 2013, the circuit court held the sentencing hearing. At the beginning of
the hearing, the court stated: “Before we go further, I’d like to check the status of Mr. Williams’
ability to communicate with defense counsel and to prepare for the proceedings.” Attorney
Capps stated that defendant seemed to be “alert, coherent, as easy to deal with, as capable of
understanding everything that’s going on as he ever has been during these proceedings.”
Attorney Capps further stated: “I am confident that he is completely fit to proceed to
sentencing.” The court further confirmed Capps’ opinion by addressing defendant in open court.
Specifically, the court asked defendant if he had time to speak with Attorney Capps, whether he
had been able to discuss his thoughts and concerns with counsel, and whether Attorney Capps
had responded. Defendant responded in the affirmative and voiced his desire to proceed to
sentencing.
¶ 27 Prior to imposing sentence, the circuit court admonished defendant of his appeal rights.
The court also admonished the defendant that he would have to file a motion to withdraw his
guilty plea prior to an appeal, and, if allowed, any charges dismissed as part of the plea
agreement could be reinstated. Before the State presented any evidence in aggravation, Attorney
Capps, for purposes of clarity, filled out a new written guilty plea form because the “negotiated
plea” box had been checked, but the box where it stated “[n]o promises have been made to me
concerning a specific sentence or reduction and/or dismissal of changes. I understand the Court
may sentence me to the maximum penalty provided by law” had not been checked. On the
record, the following colloquy took place:
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“THE COURT: Mr. Williams, your attorney had checked the box that he checked
because he was reading the language in that paragraph that other charges before the court
will be dismissed. That’s correct?
MR. WILLIAMS: Yes.
THE COURT: Other charges against you have been dismissed as part of this plea
agreement. The box regarding no promises have been made to you concerning a specific
sentence or reduction and I’m now striking for purposes of clarity and/or dismissal of
charges because they did promise you they were going to dismiss the charges, and they
have, in fact, dismissed charges.
ATTORNEY CAPPS [(DEFENSE COUNSEL)]: Yes, your honor.
THE COURT: *** The reason for the desire to be clear, Mr. Williams, is because
this is a serious case. *** Do you understand?
MR. WILLIAMS: Yes, sir.”
Subsequently, the court offered defendant additional time to converse with Attorney Capps
before the court proceeded to sentencing. Defendant stated he was ready to proceed.
¶ 28 After the State presented evidence in aggravation, Attorney Capps asked the circuit court
to take judicial notice of the presentence investigation report and Dr. Hanessian’s testimony.
Before the court’s sentencing, Attorney Capps, in addressing defendant’s mental health issues,
stated the following:
“The court from its own observations can look at Mr. Williams sitting next to
counsel today and sitting here calmly, peacefully, and I ask the court to cast its mind back
to earlier hearings when Mr. Williams was so unruly and abusive that he was not able to
even be in the courtroom for his proceedings.
***
And if you look at him today, and if you look at him before he was correctly
medicated, we’re looking at two totally different people.”
Following defendant’s statement in allocution, the court stated the following:
“This case has been going on in this courtroom since April of 2010, and during
the many times the defendant has been in this courtroom, I have had the opportunity to
observe him, his manner, his mood, listened to his words, see his interactions with other
individuals, and I do agree with Mr. Capps that the difference in Mr. Williams when he’s
on medication and the medication has had time to do what the medication does, and when
Mr. Williams has not been on his medication is staggering. It’s dramatic. It is—makes an
impression.”
The court proceeded to sentence defendant to 29 years in IDOC.
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¶ 29 On December 5, 2013, defendant filed a pro se motion to withdraw guilty plea and vacate
sentence and notice of appeal. Because defendant’s motion to withdraw guilty plea and vacate
sentence had not yet been ruled on before he filed the notice of appeal, the circuit court found
defendant’s notice of appeal “moot,” reappointed counsel, and ordered a hearing set for
defendant’s pro se motion to withdraw guilty plea and vacate sentence.
¶ 30 On March 24, 2014, Attorney Capps filed a motion to withdraw, which the circuit court
granted, and Attorney Patrick Duffy entered his appearance. Shortly thereafter, Attorney Duffy
filed a motion for a fitness examination. The circuit court later granted the motion and appointed
Dr. William Donaldson to evaluate defendant.
¶ 31 On September 4, 2014, Dr. Donaldson submitted his report, which found defendant unfit.
Following a fitness hearing on September 8, 2014, the circuit court found defendant unfit. The
court entered its written order on January 5, 2015, finding defendant unfit and ordering defendant
to be placed in the custody of DHS for treatment in a secure inpatient setting for purposes of
rendering him fit. The court noted it was unable to determine whether there was a substantial
probability that defendant, if provided with a course of treatment, would attain fitness within one
year. The court ordered defendant’s treating supervisor to submit a progress report within 30
days addressing the probability of defendant attaining fitness within one year.
¶ 32 On December 9, 2014, defendant filed a pro se notice of appeal with this court.
Subsequently, because defendant’s December 5, 2013, pro se motion to withdraw guilty plea was
still pending, Attorney Duffy filed a motion to dismiss the appeal as untimely. Defendant’s
notice of appeal was later dismissed.
¶ 33 Attorney Susan Burger was then substituted for Attorney Duffy as defense counsel.
Attorney Burger entered her appearance on July 31, 2015.
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¶ 34 On September 11, 2015, Attorney Burger filed a motion to vacate the circuit court’s
January 5, 2015, fitness order, stating that it appeared from the court’s order that it had failed to
exercise its discretion by conducting an analysis of Dr. Donaldson’s opinion before it found
defendant unfit. Attorney Burger also filed an amended motion to withdraw guilty plea and
vacate sentence, arguing that (1) defendant’s timely December 5, 2013, motion to withdraw
guilty plea and vacate sentence had never been heard; (2) the court had failed to exercise its
discretion in entering a “conditional fitness” determination on October 11, 2013; (3) Attorney
Capps was ineffective; and (4) the court lacked authority to order defendant to take psychotropic
drugs. Moreover, Attorney Burger asserted that “defendant became so passive that he actually
went along with an open plea, that could not have been in his best interest,” so “[d]efendant
immediately realized this, and filed his timely motion to withdraw his guilty plea and to vacate
the sentence.” (Emphasis in original.)
¶ 35 On September 15, 2015, following a status hearing, the circuit court entered an order
directing DHS and IDOC to arrange for defendant’s placement in a facility where he would
receive the necessary treatment to attain fitness. The court also ordered DHS to provide a report
detailing defendant’s medication and the treating supervisor’s clinical findings and opinion
regarding whether defendant had attained fitness or was making progress toward the goal of
attaining fitness within one year. Shortly thereafter, defendant was transferred to Chester
Medical for treatment.
¶ 36 On December 3, 2015, following a restoration hearing on November 12, 2015, the circuit
court, relying on the most recent report by defendant’s treating physician, Dr. Rajendra Gupta,
found defendant fit. During the hearing, the court asked defendant a list of questions, which
included what actions defendant would have to take if allowed to withdraw his guilty plea.
15
Defendant indicated that he would have to assist Attorney Burger with his defense if he went to
trial, which, according to him, was the avenue he wanted to originally pursue. He also
understood that the first degree murder charges could be reinstated if he withdrew his guilty plea.
Moreover, defendant stated that he had stopped taking his medication after he left court
following his guilty plea. The court set defendant’s postconviction motions for hearing on
December 23, 2015.
¶ 37 On December 11, 2015, Attorney Burger filed a second amended motion to withdraw
guilty plea and vacate sentence, asserting the following: (1) the circuit court abused its discretion
in entering a “conditional fitness” order, finding defendant fit provided he took olanzapine;
(2) Attorney Capps did not advise defendant of the court’s error in finding defendant only
“ ‘conditionally fit,’ ” thus he was ineffective, given defendant was found fit and pled guilty to a
Class X felony on the same day; (3) the court recognized defendant could turn his fitness on and
off; (4) defendant had informed the court at multiple prior hearings that he had stopped taking
the prescribed medication; and (5) defendant’s sentence was excessive.
¶ 38 On December 16, 2015, the State argued in response that the circuit court’s order was not
conditional on defendant’s continued use of medication. Rather, the State asserted that the
court’s factual basis for finding defendant fit was greatly supported by the record. Specifically,
the State stated that defendant’s use of medication was voluntary at the time of the plea and
sentence, and he had demonstrated a knowing and voluntary choice to plead guilty throughout
the fitness, guilty plea, and sentencing hearings. Moreover, the State argued Attorney Capps’
representation met the standard of an objectively reasonable attorney, and defendant’s sentence
was not excessive, given it was well within the required sentencing range.
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¶ 39 On December 23, 2015, following a hearing, the circuit court denied defendant’s second
amended motion to withdraw guilty plea and vacate sentence and remanded defendant to the
custody of IDOC. Specifically, the court, in addressing defendant’s argument of conditional
fitness, stated that the order “should not have been phrased that way, because it is subject to
interpretation in a problematic way” when it stated “the Defendant is FIT TO STAND TRIAL
provided that Defendant maintain the following psychiatric treatment: the drug Olanzapine 20
mg. at bedtime every night.” The court further stated that this specific language was
“unnecessary,” because “it’s *** qualifying language that is not essential to the Court’s ruling.”
¶ 40 In addressing People v. Jones, 349 Ill. App. 3d 255 (2004), the circuit court stated that in
using this specific language, its “clear intent was to incorporate the findings of the experts in the
Court’s ruling,” which was that defendant’s “status as fit could change if he didn’t take his
medicine.” In distinguishing the present case to Jones, the court noted that it used the above
language because defendant had been found fit before and then stopped taking his medication
several times, and each time, Attorney Capps, “when confronted with the change that happened
to the Defendant, brought the matter to the attention of the Court.” The court concluded that
defendant was fit when he entered his guilty plea and at the time of sentencing.
¶ 41 In the circuit court’s January 5, 2016, written order, it admitted error when it included the
specific language, “provided that Defendant maintain the following psychiatric treatment: the
drug Olanzapine 20 mg. at bedtime every night,” in its fitness order. Although error, the court
determined the “language was not necessary to support this Court’s finding that Defendant was
fit to stand trial,” but was rather “immaterial, because it constituted a mere reference to a
contingency which never manifested itself ***.” The court stated that, after having reviewed the
record, it believed the record affirmatively showed a sufficient basis for the court’s finding of
17
fitness, unlike Jones, and that defendant was in fact fit when he entered his guilty plea and at
sentencing. Moreover, the court determined that (1) it had authority to order defendant to
undergo treatment for the purposes of rending him fit following a finding he was not fit; (2) it
had authority to order continued care and treatment after finding defendant fit, and if defendant
refused psychotropic medications, it may be administered over defendant’s objection;
(3) Attorney Capps was not ineffective; and (4) defendant had entered a knowing and voluntary
guilty plea after assessing defendant’s credibility. Defendant filed a timely notice of appeal.
¶ 42 II. Analysis
¶ 43 A. Plea Admonishments
¶ 44 Defendant argues his guilty plea should be vacated where the circuit court failed to
properly admonish him prior to acceptance of his guilty plea, as required under Illinois Supreme
Court Rules 402(a) and (b) (eff. July 1, 2012), by failing to admonish him that he had the right to
plead not guilty or to persist in that right; ask him if he had been forced to plead guilty; and
confirm the terms of the plea agreement with him in open court. In response, the State argues the
court “substantially, if not fully, complied” with the required admonishments before defendant
pled guilty.
¶ 45 We begin by noting that defendant failed to properly raise this issue before the circuit
court. Generally, under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 604(d) (eff. Mar. 8, 2016), any issue not
raised by a defendant in his motion to withdraw guilty plea shall be deemed forfeited on appeal.
People v. Williams, 2012 IL App (2d) 110559, ¶ 12. However, the alleged failure to provide
proper admonishments under Rule 402 may be, and routinely is, reviewed for plain error under
Illinois Supreme Court Rule 615(a) (eff. Jan. 1, 1967). People v. Fuller, 205 Ill. 2d 308, 322-23
(2002); Williams, 2012 IL App (2d) 110559, ¶ 12. “ ‘Before invoking the plain error exception,
18
however, we determine whether any reversible error occurred.’ ” Fuller, 205 Ill. 2d at 323(quoting People v. Chapman, 194 Ill. 2d 186, 226 (2000)).
¶ 46 Pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 402 (eff. July 1, 2012), every defendant who
enters a plea of guilty has a due process right to be properly and fully admonished. People v.
Whitfield, 217 Ill. 2d 177, 188 (2005). The goal of Rule 402 is to ensure that a defendant
understands his plea, the rights he has waived, and the consequences of his actions. People v.
Dougherty, 394 Ill. App. 3d 134, 139 (2009) (citing People v. Johns, 229 Ill. App. 3d 740(1992)). The rule requires “substantial, not literal, compliance with its provisions.” People v.
Krantz, 58 Ill. 2d 187, 192 (1974) (citing People v. Mendoza, 48 Ill. 2d 371, 373-74 (1971)).
“ ‘Substantial compliance’ means that although the trial court did not recite to the defendant, and
ask defendant if he understood, all the components of Rule 402(a), the record nevertheless
affirmatively and specifically shows that the defendant understood them.” Dougherty, 394 Ill.
App. 3d at 138 (citing People v. Walker, 109 Ill. 2d 484, 499 (1985)). Illinois courts have found
substantial compliance with Rule 402 where the record indicates a defendant understandably and
voluntarily entered his plea, even if the circuit court failed to admonish defendant as to a specific
provision. Id. (citing People v. Sutherland, 128 Ill. App. 3d 415, 417 (1984)).
¶ 47 In reviewing admonishments under Rule 402, a court may consider the entire record,
including the record of earlier proceedings, in determining whether the accused voluntarily pled
guilty. Id. at 139 (citing Krantz, 58 Ill. 2d at 192). Although the best practice is to give
admonishments at the time the circuit court accepts the waiver of the plea, failure to do so is not
necessarily fatal. People v. Dennis, 354 Ill. App. 3d 491, 497 (2004) (citing People v. Ray, 130
Ill. App. 3d 362, 365 (1984)). Rather, each case must be determined on its own peculiar
circumstances, with a focus on the length of time between the waiver and plea. Id.19
¶ 48 Failure to properly admonish a defendant does not automatically establish grounds for
reversing judgment or vacating a guilty plea. People v. Davis, 145 Ill. 2d 240, 250 (1991) (citing
People v. Cohn, 91 Ill. App. 3d 209, 213 (1980)). Whether reversal is required depends on
whether real justice has been denied or whether defendant had been prejudiced by the inadequate
admonishment. People v. Dudley, 58 Ill. 2d 57, 60-61 (1974). It is the defendant’s burden to
establish prejudice. Dougherty, 394 Ill. App. 3d at 139 (citing Dudley, 58 Ill. 2d at 57). A
defendant’s arguments are subject to de novo review. People v. Dismuke, 355 Ill. App. 3d 606,
608 (2005).
¶ 49 Here, we recognize that the circuit court did not admonish defendant at the guilty plea
hearing of his right to plead not guilty or to persist in a plea of not guilty. With reliance on
People v. Wise, 26 Ill. App. 3d 158, 161 (1975), defendant argues that the court’s failure to
admonish him of multiple Rule 402 admonishments, especially his right to plead not guilty and
persist in that right, was fatal to his guilty plea. We disagree.
¶ 50 Unlike Wise, where there were no prior proceedings in which the defendant was
admonished, here, defendant was admonished of this right at the restoration hearing, which
occurred on the same morning as the plea hearing. Although best practice is to give
admonishments at the time the circuit court accepts a defendant’s waiver and plea, we do not
believe the timing of the court’s admonishment is fatal in this case. See Dennis, 354 Ill. App. 3d
at 496 (Rule 402(a) substantial compliance existed where “trial court admonished [the defendant]
over and over again on those rights, most recently a month before the admission,” when court
adopted the same admonishment required by Rule 402 for admissions at a probation revocation
hearing); see People v. Sharifpour, 402 Ill. App. 3d 100, 115 (2010) (circuit court did not err
where it did not provide the defendant new admonishments following a “brief” one- to two-hour
20
recess during the plea hearing); People v. Merritt, 16 Ill. App. 3d 69, 71-72 (1973)
(“Admonishments once set forth in Supreme Court Rule 402 need not be repeated if arraignment
is temporarily interrupted.”); People v. Trenter, 3 Ill. App. 3d 889, 891 (1972) (conference took
place later in the day of the arraignment after the defendant indicated he wished to enter into a
plea discussion before court accepted defendant’s plea of guilty).
¶ 51 Although the restoration hearing on October 11, 2013, was not a plea hearing, we cannot
say the admonishment was given wholly outside that context when both proceedings—
restoration and plea hearings—were held in tandem on the same day. We recognize the purpose
of the restoration hearing was to determine defendant’s fitness; however, at the hearing, the
following colloquy took place between the court and defendant:
“THE COURT: Can you tell me what we’re doing here today?
MR. WILLIAMS: Having a fitness stand for me.
THE COURT: *** How are you getting along with Mr. Capps?
MR. WILLIAMS: Fine. I’d like for him to continue to be my attorney.
***
THE COURT: And do you believe that in your discussions with Mr. Capps, you
are formulating a plan for dealing with the charges that the [S]tate has made in this case?
MR. WILLIAMS: Yes, we are.
THE COURT: And you understand that you have the right to persist in your plea
of not guilty to these charges and have a trial, do you understand that?
MR. WILLIAMS: Yes, sir.
***
THE COURT: Can you tell me the function of a jury if a jury is empaneled here?
MR. WILLIAMS: Yes. The jury would be *** to determine my innocence or
guilt.
THE COURT: And can you tell me what my job would be?
MR. WILLIAMS: Your job is to proceed over the proceedings.
***
THE COURT: You have the right to plead guilty or plead not guilty, and that
decision is yours and yours alone. Do you understand that?
MR. WILLIAMS: Yes, I do.
THE COURT: And if you were to plead not guilty, we would have the trial, and if
you were to plead guilty, you understand that hearings would follow from that?
MR. WILLIAMS: Yes.
THE COURT: And can you tell me?
MR. WILLIAMS: We have plea, possibility of a plea.
21
THE COURT: Okay, and then what would be my job if you were to plead guilty?
MR. WILLIAMS: It’s to determine whether or not you first of all want to accept
it.
THE COURT: Okay.
MR. WILLIAMS: And if you choose to accept it, the parties of it let it and go to a
plea agreement.”
¶ 52 Following the circuit court’s fitness determination, a short recess took place before the
court conducted defendant’s guilty plea hearing later that morning. Considering the recency of
the admonishment, we find substantial compliance took place. See Dennis, 354 Ill. App. 3d at
496 (contested Rule 402(a) admonishments were given one month before admission and
substantial compliance was determined based on the recency and repetition provided by the
circuit court). Accordingly, the record affirmatively and specifically shows that defendant
understandably and voluntarily entered his plea, and the court’s failure to re-admonish defendant
did not result in any real injustice or prejudice. Therefore, reversal is unwarranted.
¶ 53 Next, Illinois Supreme Court Rule 402(b) (eff. July 1, 2012) requires the circuit court to
have the terms of the plea agreement stated in open court and by questioning the defendant
personally: (1) confirm the terms of the plea agreement and (2) determine whether any force or
threats or any promises apart from the plea agreement were used to obtain the plea. While we
recognize the court did not confirm the terms of the plea agreement with the defendant in open
court or question him to determine whether any force was used to obtain his plea, we cannot
conclude that reversal is warranted.
¶ 54 A review of the record demonstrates defendant’s guilty plea was not the result of any
force either during the brief recess or the plea hearing. On October 11, 2013, defendant
acknowledged during both hearings that he had the opportunity to speak with Attorney Capps,
who had been his defense counsel for nearly two years, and that they had formulated a plan to
deal with the charges. Before the guilty plea hearing, defendant and Attorney Capps withdrew
22
during a short recess to specifically consult for purposes of the plea hearing. Moreover, during
the plea hearing, defendant acknowledged he was satisfied with Attorney Capps’ performance
and that he wished to proceed with the presentation of the plea. Although the specific word
“force” was not used by the court in its admonishments, the court explicitly asked defendant if he
had been “threatened or promised anything to plead guilty.” Defendant stated “no.” Additionally,
defendant acknowledged that he was pleading guilty on his own free will. Accordingly, we
cannot find defendant was prejudiced or that real justice has been denied by the court’s failure to
inquire as to any force, where the record affirmatively demonstrates defendant understandably
and voluntarily entered his plea. Therefore, reversal is not required on this basis.
¶ 55 Lastly, defendant asserts that the circuit court’s failure to directly address him in open
court to confirm the terms of the plea agreement “resulted in Mr. Williams initially
understanding that the first-degree murder charges were dismissed not pursuant to his plea but
independently.” (Emphasis in original.) Accordingly, defendant asserts he did not understand the
terms of his open plea agreement. We are not persuaded.
¶ 56 Although the State stated the plea agreement in open court, specifically indicating that
“[a]ny remaining counts will be dismissed,” we recognize that the court failed to ask defendant
to personally confirm the terms of the agreement. It does not follow, however, that this Rule
402(b) omission must result in reversal. See Dudley, 58 Ill. 2d at 61 (citing People v. Morehead,
45 Ill. 2d 326, 332 (1970) (“It is not the policy of this court to reverse a judgment of conviction
merely because error was committed unless it appears that real justice has been denied ***.”)).
Here, a review of the record affirmatively demonstrates defendant understandably and
voluntarily entered his plea. First, defendant indicated his satisfaction with Attorney Capps’
performance on multiple occasions throughout the proceedings, and prior to entering his guilty
23
plea, the court informed defendant four times that it would provide him additional time to discuss
the plea agreement with Attorney Capps before pleading guilty. Defendant declined the court’s
offers, stating he did not have any concerns about his decision to plead guilty. Moreover,
defendant signed a written guilty plea form, dated October 11, 2013, which stated: “This plea is
entered pursuant to an agreement between the prosecutor and the defendant under Illinois
Supreme Court [R]ule 403(d) which contemplates a specified sentence will be imposed and/or
that other charges before the Court will be dismissed.” Accordingly, we cannot conclude that
defendant was prejudiced or denied real justice as a result of the court’s failure to strictly comply
with this Rule 402(b) requirement. Thus, reversal is not warranted where the record affirmatively
demonstrates defendant understandably and voluntarily entered his plea.
¶ 57 B. Conditional Fitness Determination
¶ 58 Next, the defendant asserts that the circuit court abused its discretion where the record
does not demonstrate an affirmative exercise of judicial discretion when it made a “conditional
fitness” determination not authorized by statute. Moreover, defendant argues that, given he had
informed the court multiple times that he had stopped taking the medication sometime after
pleading guilty, there is a bona fide doubt as to defendant’s fitness at sentencing where the
court’s conditional fitness order was in place. In response, the State contends that the court did
not abuse its discretion in finding defendant fit and denying defendant’s motion to withdraw
guilty plea because there is “no doubt defendant was fit, both at his plea *** and at his
sentencing hearing a month later.” We agree with the State.
¶ 59 The due process clause of the fourteenth amendment bars prosecuting a defendant who is
unfit to stand trial. People v. Cook, 2014 IL App (2d) 130545, ¶ 12 (citing People v. Holt, 2014
IL 116989, ¶ 51, citing People v. Shum, 207 Ill. 2d 47, 57 (2003)). “A defendant is unfit if,
24
because of his mental or physical condition, he is unable to understand the nature and purpose of
the proceedings against him or to assist in his defense.” 725 ILCS 5/104-10 (West 2010); People
v. Burton, 184 Ill. 2d 1, 13 (1998). Relevant factors to consider in a fitness hearing include the
defendant’s “knowledge and understanding of the charge, the proceedings, the consequences of a
plea, judgment or sentence, and the functions of the participants in the trial process”; his “ability
to observe, recollect and relate occurrences, especially those concerning the incidents alleged,
and to communicate with counsel”; and his “social behavior and abilities; orientation as to time
and place; recognition of persons, places and things; and performance of motor processes.” 725
ILCS 5/104-16(b) (West 2012). A defendant receiving psychotropic medication will not be
presumed fit solely on that basis. Id. § 104-21(a).
¶ 60 A circuit court’s determination of fitness may not be based solely on stipulations to the
existence of psychiatric conclusions or findings. People v. Contorno, 322 Ill. App. 3d 177, 179-
80 (2001). The ultimate conclusion about a defendant’s fitness must be made by the circuit court,
not by the experts. Id. at 179. A court must analyze and evaluate the basis for an expert’s opinion
instead of merely relying on the expert’s ultimate opinion. Id. “ ‘Normally, a trial court’s
decision that a defendant is fit to stand trial will not be reversed absent an abuse of discretion.’ ”
Cook, 2014 IL App (2d) 130545, ¶ 13 (quoting Contorno, 322 Ill. App. 3d at 179). “[B]ecause
the issue is one of constitutional dimension, the record must show an affirmative exercise of
judicial discretion regarding the fitness determination.” Id. (citing Contorno, 322 Ill. App. 3d at
179).
¶ 61 We first address whether the circuit court’s order was conditional, thus, unauthorized by
statute. A reading of People v. Jones demonstrates that, because a defendant is either fit or unfit
for trial, a court that finds a defendant fit for trial with medication cannot then proceed to trial or
25
a guilty plea by ignoring evidence that the defendant was not taking his medication at the time of
his trial or plea. See 349 Ill. App. 3d at 261-62. When that occurs, a new determination of a
defendant’s fitness to plead is warranted. Id. at 262. The court’s oral pronouncement and written
order in Jones both explicitly stated that the defendant was found fit on medication. Id. at 257. At
the sentencing hearing, one year after the fitness hearing had been conducted by a different
judge, however, a new judge, seemingly unaware of the conditional fitness order, accepted the
plea and sentenced the defendant after the defendant stated he was no longer on medication. Id.
at 258-61.
¶ 62 Here, unlike Jones, the circuit court’s oral pronouncement and written order are
inconsistent. Specifically, on October 11, 2013, the circuit judge determined on the record that
defendant was “fit to assist in his defense and fit to stand trial” before proceeding to the guilty
plea hearing. In the court’s written order, however, the same circuit judge stated: “Defendant is
FIT TO STAND TRIAL provided that Defendant maintain the following psychiatric treatment:
the drug Olanzapine 20 mg. at bedtime every night.” The court’s written fitness determination
was conditional.
¶ 63 Despite this, the court later clarified at the December 23, 2015, hearing on defendant’s
second amended motion to withdraw guilty plea and vacate sentence that its “clear intent” in
using the language in its written order—provided that Defendant maintain the following
psychiatric treatment—“was to incorporate the findings of the experts in the Court’s ruling,”
which was that defendant’s “status as fit could change if he didn’t take his medicine.” The court
went on to state that this specific language, which was inconsistent with the oral pronouncement,
was “unnecessary” because “it’s *** qualifying language that is not essential to the Court’s
26
ruling. It’s surplusage.” The court stated that its order “should not have been phrased that way,
because it is subject to interpretation in a problematic way.”
¶ 64 Moreover, in distinguishing the present case to Jones, the circuit court noted that it had
used the language, although unnecessary to its overall ruling, because defendant had been found
fit before and then stopped taking his medication several times, and each time, Attorney Capps,
“when confronted with the change that happened to the Defendant, brought the matter to the
attention of the Court” over his two years of representation. According to the court, Attorney
Capps’ vigilant representation is “where we take a different path from Jones.” According to the
court, a significant difference from Jones was that “there was no possibility that the Defendant
might be unfit because he was not taking his medications. The contingency referred to in the
surplusage contained in the Court’s finding never materialized” because Attorney Capps had
time and time again brought to the court’s attention his bona fide doubt as to defendant’s fitness
when he became aware of a regression in defendant’s condition due to him not taking
medication. The court went on to state that the inclusion of this condition did not mean the
court’s order was fatally flawed. We agree. Furthermore, after having reviewed the record, the
court then stated that it believed the record affirmatively showed a sufficient basis for the court’s
finding of fitness. We also agree.
¶ 65 A thorough review of the record demonstrates an affirmative exercise of judicial
discretion in finding defendant fit. First, the circuit court considered Dr. Hanessian’s extensive
testimony and her stipulated report, not merely the conclusions contained therein. Dr. Hanessian,
defendant’s treating physician at the time of the fitness hearing, determined defendant fit to stand
trial based on her recent observations of him and the fact that defendant’s nurse watched
defendant voluntarily take his medication in liquid form with no reported refusals. Dr. Hanessian
27
testified that it “[wa]s a pleasure to care for” defendant when he was medicated, as compared to
an unmedicated defendant who displayed “argumentative” and “antagonistic” behaviors. Given
that defendant’s mental status and behaviors had deteriorated in the past when he was not
medicated, Dr. Hanessian testified that defendant was fit to stand trial at the time of her report
and on the day of the fitness hearing. Moreover, the record demonstrates defendant was housed,
at the circuit court’s request, at Chester Medical for 30 days for purposes of maintaining his
fitness for sentencing following the guilty plea hearing.
¶ 66 Second, Attorney Capps, who had represented defendant for approximately two years at
the time of the fitness hearing, believed defendant was fit to stand trial. Specifically, at the
fitness hearing, Attorney Capps, who had expressed a bona fide doubt as to defendant’s fitness
on multiple occasions in the past, had “no reservations whatsoever about Mr. Williams’ fitness”
based on their interactions that day. Moreover, he also believed defendant had maintained fitness
at the sentencing hearing one month later on November 12, 2013. In fact, Attorney Capps, was
“confident” defendant was fit to proceed to sentencing because he was “alert, coherent, as easy
to deal with, as capable of understanding everything that’s going on as he ever has been during
these proceedings.” Furthermore, at sentencing, Attorney Capps brought to the court’s attention
defendant’s calm and peaceful demeanor as compared to early proceedings where defendant was
“so unruly and abusive that he was not able to even be in the courtroom for his proceedings.”
Based on the court’s statement at the December 23, 2015, hearing that “there was no possibility
that the Defendant might be unfit because he was not taking his medications,” it is clear the court
took into consideration Attorney Capps’ vigilant representation at prior proceedings and his
confidence in defendant’s fitness when determining whether defendant was fit on October 11,
2013.
28
¶ 67 Lastly, although defendant now argues on appeal that he had stopped taking his
medication following the guilty plea hearing on October 11, 2013, the record does not support
this contention. Instead, defendant’s assertion is directly contradicted where the record
demonstrates defendant was lucid and adequately responsive at the sentencing hearing when he
appropriately answered the circuit court’s questions and understood his rights at all three
hearings on October 11, 2013, and November 12, 2013. Specifically, defendant was able to
explain parts of the legal process, including what the circuit judge’s job would be at sentencing if
defendant pled guilty or if defendant pled not guilty and a trial took place. Moreover, with regard
to defendant’s behavior at sentencing, the circuit judge, who had observed defendant since April
2010, agreed with Attorney Capps that there was a “staggering” difference in defendant’s
behavior and demeanor when he was medicated as compared to unmedicated, which further
discredits defendant’s argument on appeal.
¶ 68 Based on the foregoing, we cannot conclude that the circuit court abused its discretion in
finding defendant fit on October 11, 2013, when he entered his guilty plea, and on November 12,
2013, when he was sentenced. Accordingly, the court did not abuse its discretion in denying
defendant’s motion to withdraw guilty plea and vacate sentence.
¶ 69 III. Conclusion
¶ 70 Based on the foregoing, the circuit court substantially complied with Rule 402 when the
court admonished defendant prior to accepting his guilty plea. The court’s order finding
defendant fit to stand trial and subsequently denying defendant’s motion to withdraw guilty plea
and vacate sentence is affirmed where the record demonstrates an affirmative exercise of judicial
discretion in determining defendant’s fitness.
¶ 71 Affirmed.
29