People v. Raney

Illinois Official Reports

Appellate Court

People v. Raney, 2014 IL App (4th) 130551

Appellate Court THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, Plaintiff-Appellee, v.
Caption CHRISTOPHER D. RANEY, Defendant-Appellant.

District & No. Fourth District
Docket No. 4-13-0551

Filed April 4, 2014

Held In a prosecution for aggravated battery, domestic battery, violation of
(Note: This syllabus an order of protection, and criminal trespass to a residence,
constitutes no part of the defendant’s convictions and sentences were upheld over his
opinion of the court but arguments that his prior conviction for felony domestic battery was
has been prepared by the improperly admitted for impeachment, his sentence was enhanced on
Reporter of Decisions the basis of the victim’s age, which is an inherent factor of aggravated
for the convenience of battery of a senior citizen, that the victim impact statement of his
the reader.) ex-wife’s son was improperly considered at sentencing, and that his
posttrial claims of ineffective assistance of counsel were not
considered by the trial court; however, the cause was remanded for an
informal Krankel inquiry into defendant’s claims of ineffective
assistance of counsel.

Decision Under Appeal from the Circuit Court of Piatt County, No. 11-CF-30; the
Review Hon. John P. Shonkwiler and the Hon. Chris E. Freese, Judges,
presiding.

Judgment Affirmed in part and remanded in part with directions.
 Counsel on Michael J. Pelletier, Karen Munoz, and Amber Corrigan, all of State
Appeal Appellate Defender’s Office, of Springfield, for appellant.

Dana Rhoades, State’s Attorney, of Monticello (Patrick Delfino,
David J. Robinson, and James C. Majors, all of State’s Attorneys
Appellate Prosecutor’s Office, of counsel), for the People.

Panel JUSTICE POPE delivered the judgment of the court, with opinion.
Justices Knecht and Holder White concurred in the judgment and
opinion.

OPINION

¶1 The State charged defendant, Christopher D. Raney, with aggravated battery (720 ILCS
5/12-3.05(d)(1) (West 2010)), domestic battery (720 ILCS 5/12-3.2(a)(1) (West 2010)),
unlawful violation of an order of protection (720 ILCS 5/12-30(a)(1)(i) (West 2010)), and
criminal trespass to a residence (720 ILCS 5/19-4(a)(1) (West 2010)). The jury found
defendant guilty of all four counts. The trial court sentenced defendant to 5 years in prison on
count I and 364 days in prison on both counts III and IV, all terms to be served concurrently.
¶2 Defendant appeals, arguing the trial court (1) erred by allowing the State to introduce his
prior conviction for felony domestic battery to impeach his testimony, (2) improperly
enhanced his sentence based on factors inherent in the offense of aggravated battery, (3) erred
by considering his ex-wife’s son’s victim impact statement at sentencing, and (4) failed to
inquire into defendant’s posttrial claims of ineffective assistance of counsel. We affirm in part
and remand in part with directions.

¶3 I. BACKGROUND
¶4 In July 2011, the State charged defendant with aggravated battery (720 ILCS
5/12-3.05(d)(1) (West 2010)) (count I), alleging on July 20, 2011, defendant knowingly caused
bodily harm to a person 60 years of age or older; felony domestic battery (720 ILCS
5/12-3.2(a)(1) (West 2010)) (count II), alleging in the same incident, defendant knowingly
caused harm to a family member and had a prior conviction for domestic battery; unlawful
violation of an order of protection (720 ILCS 5/12-30(a)(1)(i) (West 2010)) (count III),
alleging defendant knowingly drove his motor vehicle into the driveway of his ex-wife’s
residence; and criminal trespass to a residence (720 ILCS 5/19-4(a)(1) (West 2010)) (count
IV), alleging defendant knowingly and without authority entered his father and stepmother’s
residence.
¶5 Before trial, defendant filed a motion in limine to preclude the State from introducing
defendant’s two prior felony convictions for domestic battery in 1996 and 2006. The State

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 conceded the 1996 conviction was too old to be used for impeachment and argued the 2006
conviction could be used to impeach defendant’s credibility as a witness should he testify. The
trial court allowed the State to use the 2006 conviction for impeachment.
¶6 The following is a summary of relevant information from defendant’s January 3, 2012, jury
trial. Carol S., defendant’s ex-wife, testified she obtained an order of protection against
defendant on June 28, 2010, effective until June 28, 2012. The order required defendant to stay
at least 300 feet from Carol’s residence in Mansfield, Illinois.
¶7 Carol’s 19-year-old son, Matthew, testified he lived with his mother in Mansfield. In the
early morning hours of July 20, 2011, Matthew was in the garage with two friends when he
saw a vehicle pull into the driveway, stay for about a minute, and pull into the neighbor’s
driveway for approximately five minutes before leaving. Matthew recognized the vehicle as
defendant’s gold Ford Explorer with gray trim and the personalized license plate, CRaney2.
Matthew called the Piatt County sheriff’s department. A deputy came to the residence for
about five minutes and then left for about two hours. When the deputy returned he took
Matthew and his friends to a grain elevator, where Matthew identified the vehicle as the car
that drove into the driveway.
¶8 William Raney, defendant’s father, testified he recently turned 80 years old. William
testified on July 20, 2011, between 2 and 2:30 a.m., defendant was intoxicated and came to his
home. William told defendant to go home but defendant would not leave. Defendant grabbed
both his father’s arms and broke the skin on William’s right arm.
¶9 Sandra Raney, defendant’s stepmother, testified in the afternoon of July 20, 2011, she saw
defendant and told him he could come to the home later that evening. Defendant had not been
drinking at that time. Sandra woke up at 3 a.m. and heard defendant and his father arguing
loudly. Defendant appeared drunk and defendant was not welcome at their home when drunk.
Sandra witnessed William telling defendant to leave and defendant refusing to leave and went
back to her room to change her clothes. When Sandra returned, William showed her a mark on
his arm where “the skin was tore off” and “said [defendant] had done it.” Her husband’s skin
was easily abraded because he had been on “chemo and radiation.” A neighbor called the
sheriff’s department. A police officer arrived and took defendant away.
¶ 10 Deputy Chad Lauden testified he was working for the Piatt County sheriff’s department on
July 20, 2011. Lauden responded to Matthew’s call. After talking to Matthew, Lauden
concluded a possible violation of an order of protection had occurred and began looking for the
vehicle described by Matthew. Lauden then received another call from dispatch regarding a
domestic disturbance. Lauden responded and observed defendant and his father on the front
porch of William’s home. Lauden heard both William and Sandra tell defendant to leave but
defendant refused to leave. Lauden asked William and Sandra to go inside for their safety and
repeatedly asked defendant to come into the street. Defendant refused and opened the door to
his father’s home, attempting to step into the front door. Lauden placed defendant under arrest.
Lauden observed William’s injuries, “two fresh wounds where the skin was partially peeled
back by what appeared to be fingernails.” Lauden took photographs of the injuries, which were
admitted as exhibits.
¶ 11 Lauden returned to Matthew and Carol’s home and asked Matthew and his two friends to
follow him to the grain elevator. All three separately identified the vehicle parked there as the
vehicle that pulled into the driveway. Lauden determined the vehicle was registered to
defendant. The State rested its case.

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¶ 12 Defendant testified on the night of the incident he drank alcohol for the first time in two
years. Defendant was crying and upset because he missed his six-year-old son Nicholas, who
lives with his ex-wife, Carol. Defendant stated he was driving to his father’s home and, on the
way, pulled into his ex-wife’s driveway. Defendant knew the order of protection prohibited
him from going to his ex-wife’s home. Defendant left his ex-wife’s residence and drove to the
grain elevator, located about half a block away from his father’s home, where he parked and
“started slamming Tequila.” Defendant then went to his father’s house carrying the half-empty
bottle of tequila.
¶ 13 When defendant arrived at William’s house, his father told him to leave, but defendant
responded he could not because he was drunk. Defendant reached for his father “to give him a
hug, and he said ‘get off of me,’ because he’s not the hugging type.” After defendant’s father
pulled away, defendant noticed a piece of skin was torn from his father’s wrist. Defendant
explained his watch might have pulled his father’s skin and that he never intended to injure
William.
¶ 14 The State then read to the jury, “in 2006 in Piatt County, [defendant] was convicted of
domestic battery in this county.” The trial court then stated, “evidence of a defendant’s
previous conviction of an offense may be considered by you only as it may [a]ffect his
believability as a witness, and must not be considered by you as evidence of his guilt of the
offense with which he is charged.” The jury found defendant guilty on all counts.
¶ 15 Defendant was appointed new counsel for his sentencing hearing, which was scheduled for
February 23, 2012. Defendant appeared late to the sentencing hearing, which was rescheduled.
Defendant did not appear at the rescheduled hearing and the court issued an arrest warrant.
¶ 16 On March 8, 2012, the State petitioned to modify the warrant so defendant would be held
without bond pending sentencing. The State claimed defendant called his ex-wife at her work
and threatened her, saying, “oh, be worried.” Rather than holding defendant without bond, the
court set bond at $1 million. On April 5, 2012, defendant appeared in custody at the sentencing
hearing and moved to continue to contact witnesses on his behalf. The court told defense
counsel to “help [defendant] subpoena what witnesses he wants and make sure they are there”
so the case could be completed. At this hearing, the State asked the court not to sentence
defendant on count II (domestic battery) because count I (aggravated battery) related to the
same act.
¶ 17 On May 3, 2012, the trial court held the sentencing hearing and defendant argued his
motion for a new trial, contending the court erred in allowing the State to impeach defendant
with his prior conviction for domestic battery. The court denied the motion and proceeded to
sentencing. The presentence investigation report (PSI) included only defendant’s criminal
history and victim impact statements, as defendant did not attend any of the three appointments
the probation officer had scheduled for him. Defendant had a long list of prior convictions,
many for battery and domestic battery. The State presented victim impact statements from
defendant’s ex-wife, who read her statement at the hearing, and Matthew. The State asked the
court to sentence defendant to the maximum, 5 years on count I and 364 days on counts III and
IV.
¶ 18 Counsel for defendant argued his father’s injuries were minor, as William did not require
any medical care, and noted defendant was a capable worker who wanted to support his young
son. Defendant’s aunt submitted a letter on his behalf. Defendant made a statement to the court
but presented no witnesses. Counsel argued for the maximum (1 year) on counts III and IV and

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 probation with 180 days in jail on the aggravated battery. Alternatively, counsel suggested
three to four years in prison, rather than the five years recommended by the State.
¶ 19 The trial court read defendant’s lengthy criminal record. Then the court read Matthew’s
victim impact statement, detailing how past abuse by defendant had affected him. The court
found defendant’s conduct caused serious harm to his father, defendant was not provoked, and
defendant was likely to commit another crime and unlikely to comply with the terms of
probation. The court sentenced defendant to the maximum, 5 years in prison on count I and 364
days on counts III and IV, all terms to be served concurrently.
¶ 20 Defendant filed a pro se motion to reduce his sentence, arguing his attorney refused to
subpoena witnesses on his behalf for the sentencing hearing, the trial court improperly
considered victim impact statements from nonvictims, and the PSI was “full of lies.” In August
2012, the trial court held a hearing on defendant’s motion before a new judge, Chris E. Freese.
Defendant’s counsel at sentencing was appointed to represent him. Defense counsel adopted
the pro se motion without amendment and argued it represented a further statement in
allocution but did not address defendant’s claim counsel refused to subpoena witnesses. The
court denied defendant’s motion. This appeal followed.

¶ 21 II. ANALYSIS
¶ 22 Defendant argues the trial court (1) erred by allowing the State to introduce his prior
conviction for felony domestic battery for impeachment, (2) improperly enhanced his sentence
based on factors inherent in the offense of aggravated battery, (3) erred by considering his
ex-wife’s son’s victim impact statement, and (4) failed to inquire into defendant’s posttrial
claims of ineffective assistance of counsel at sentencing. We address each argument in turn.

¶ 23 A. The State’s Use of Defendant’s Prior
Conviction for Impeachment Purposes
¶ 24 Evidence of past convictions is “generally inadmissible to demonstrate propensity to
commit the charged crime.” People v. Donoho, 204 Ill. 2d 159, 170, 788 N.E.2d 707, 714
(2003). However, a defendant who testifies may be impeached by proof of a prior conviction.
People v. Tribett, 98 Ill. App. 3d 663, 675, 424 N.E.2d 688, 697 (1981). The supreme court in
People v. Montgomery, 47 Ill. 2d 510, 516, 268 N.E.2d 695, 698 (1971), held a witness’s prior
conviction is admissible to impeach the witness’s credibility when (1) the prior crime “was
punishable by death or imprisonment in excess of one year under the law under which he was
convicted, or *** involved dishonesty or false statement regardless of the punishment”
(internal quotation marks omitted); (2) less than 10 years have elapsed since the prior
conviction or the date the witness was released from confinement, whichever is later; and (3)
the judge determines the probative value of the evidence of the prior crime outweighs the
danger of unfair prejudice.
¶ 25 The third element of the Montgomery test requires the trial court to conduct a balancing
testing, considering the following factors:
“(1) whether the prior conviction is veracity related; (2) the recency of the prior
conviction; (3) the witness’ age and other circumstances surrounding the prior
conviction; (4) the length of the witness’ criminal record and his conduct subsequent to
the prior conviction; (5) the similarity of the prior offense to the instant offense, thus

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 increasing the danger of prejudice; (6) the need for the witness’ testimony and the
likelihood he would forego his opportunity to testify; and (7) the importance of the
witness’ credibility in determining the truth.” People v. Robinson, 299 Ill. App. 3d 426,
441, 701 N.E.2d 231, 243-44 (1998).
In applying these factors, “the trial court is given wide latitude in determining whether the
probative value of a prior conviction outweighs any unfair prejudice to defendant.” Tribett, 98
Ill. App. 3d at 675, 424 N.E.2d at 697. We apply an abuse-of-discretion standard of review to a
trial court’s decision to admit evidence of prior convictions for impeachment purposes.
Montgomery, 47 Ill. 2d at 517-18, 268 N.E.2d at 699.
¶ 26 As to defendant’s 2006 domestic battery conviction, it is uncontested defendant was
released from confinement within the past 10 years and the offense was punishable by more
than a year in prison. Consequently, the only remaining issue is whether the probative value of
the conviction outweighed its prejudicial nature.
¶ 27 Defendant argues against a mechanical application of the Montgomery balancing test,
citing People v. Williams, 161 Ill. 2d 1, 641 N.E.2d 296 (1994) (Williams I). In Williams I, the
supreme court cautioned against a trend revealing “a regression toward allowing the State to
introduce evidence of virtually all types of felony convictions for the purported reason of
impeaching a testifying defendant.” Id. at 38-39, 641 N.E.2d at 311-12. In a later decision, the
supreme court clarified Williams I, and “emphasized the importance of conducting the
balancing test of probative value versus unfair prejudice before admitting prior convictions for
impeachment purposes” but did “not alter the three-prong rule set forth in Montgomery.”
People v. Williams, 173 Ill. 2d 48, 81-83, 670 N.E.2d 638, 654-55 (1996) (Williams II)
(holding the trial court did not err in admitting defendant’s previous conviction for aggravated
battery to impeach his testimony when the record demonstrated the trial court was “fully aware
of the Montgomery standard and the balancing test it requires”).
¶ 28 In this case, like Williams II, the trial court stated it was applying the Montgomery standard
and concluded the prior conviction’s probative value outweighed the potential prejudice.
Specifically, the court stated:
“The court believes it does involve dishonesty regardless of the punishment. Also, the
court has to balance the possibility of prejudice against the defendant, with the
possibility of the accused to appear as a witness of a blameless life.”
This case is distinguishable from Williams I, as the trial court in Williams I admitted evidence
of defendant’s prior conviction to show defendant’s propensity to commit crimes. Williams I,
161 Ill. 2d at 40, 641 N.E.2d at 312. Further, the court here also read a limiting instruction to
the jury, instructing it “evidence of a defendant’s prior conviction *** may be considered by
you only as it may [a]ffect his believability as a witness, and must not be considered by you as
evidence of his guilt of the offense with which he is charged.”
¶ 29 Defendant also cites People v. Wright, 51 Ill. App. 3d 461, 463, 366 N.E.2d 1058, 1060
(1977), for the proposition that “aggravated battery has no bearing whatsoever on honesty and
veracity,” and argues his felony domestic battery conviction had no probative value as to his
honesty as a witness but was highly prejudicial. In more recent cases, however, courts have
adopted the reasoning of the specially concurring and dissenting opinions in Wright, “that
evidence of convictions and felonies not directly related to dishonesty are not completely
lacking in probative value for impeachment.” People v. Guthrie, 60 Ill. App. 3d 293, 298, 376
N.E.2d 425, 428 (1978) (citing Wright, 51 Ill. App. 3d at 465-66, 366 N.E.2d at 1062-63

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 (Reardon, J., specially concurring, and Kunce, J., dissenting)); see also People v. Davis, 193
Ill. App. 3d 1001, 1007, 550 N.E.2d 677, 680 (1990). In Wright, the record reflected the trial
court admitted defendant’s prior convictions to show the defendant’s propensity to engage in
violent crimes. Wright, 51 Ill. App. 3d at 466, 366 N.E.2d at 1062 (Reardon, J., specially
concurring). On that basis, Wright is distinguishable because here, as we have noted, the trial
court applied the Montgomery balancing test.
¶ 30 Further, recent opinions have allowed a conviction for aggravated battery to impeach the
defendant’s believability when the trial court performs the Montgomery balancing test and
admits the evidence for impeachment. See Davis, 193 Ill. App. 3d at 1007, 550 N.E.2d at
680-81 (upholding admission of evidence of two prior convictions for aggravated battery in an
aggravated battery case); see also Williams II, 173 Ill. 2d at 83, 670 N.E.2d at 655 (upholding
ruling allowing the State to impeach defendant with a prior aggravated battery conviction in a
murder case). As the record demonstrates, the trial court fully understood and applied the
Montgomery standard here.
¶ 31 Defendant also argues his 2006 conviction was highly prejudicial because it involved a
crime similar to the crime with which he was charged. However, “[c]ase law is clear that a
prior conviction for a crime which is similar to the crime now charged does not mean it cannot
be introduced.” People v. Hall, 117 Ill. App. 3d 788, 799, 453 N.E.2d 1327, 1337 (1983); see,
e.g., Tribett, 98 Ill. App. 3d at 676, 424 N.E.2d at 697; People v. Fleming, 91 Ill. App. 3d 99,
109, 413 N.E.2d 1330, 1337 (1980). “Instead, similarity is a factor which the court must
consider when balancing the probative value against prejudicial impact.” Davis, 193 Ill. App.
3d at 1006, 550 N.E.2d at 680. Defense counsel here advised the trial court the 2006 crime was
the same crime for which defendant was on trial here and explained the similarity increased the
danger of prejudice. The court appropriately considered this fact and concluded the probative
value outweighed the potential for prejudice. The trial court’s conclusion was not an abuse of
discretion.

¶ 32 B. The Court’s Statements Regarding a Victim’s Age at Sentencing
¶ 33 Defendant also argues the trial court improperly used the fact a victim in this case was 80
years old as an aggravating factor for sentencing where defendant’s father’s age was also an
element of the offense. Defendant notes his postsentencing motion did not address this
argument but argues we should address the issue under the plain-error doctrine. The State does
not address whether defendant forfeited this argument. It is well established forfeiture of an
issue is a limitation on the parties and not on this court. People v. Inman, 2014 IL App (5th)
120097, ¶ 11; People v. Carter, 208 Ill. 2d 309, 318, 802 N.E.2d 1185, 1190 (2003). “This
court may overlook forfeiture when necessary to obtain a just result.” Curtis v. Lofy, 394 Ill.
App. 3d 170, 188, 914 N.E.2d 248, 263 (2009). Consequently, we have considered this issue
and conclude the trial court did not improperly consider William’s age as an aggravating factor
where it was also an element of the offense.
¶ 34 “ ‘[D]ouble enhancement’ refers to the use of a single factor that is implicit in the offense
for which the defendant was convicted as an aggravating factor in sentencing for that offense.”
People v. Dixon, 359 Ill. App. 3d 938, 945, 835 N.E.2d 925, 932 (2005). Generally, double
enhancement is prohibited because courts assume “that, in designating the appropriate range of
punishment for a criminal offense, the legislature necessarily considered the factors inherent in

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 the offense.” People v. Phelps, 211 Ill. 2d 1, 12, 809 N.E.2d 1214, 1220 (2004). As double
enhancement is a rule of statutory construction, the standard of review is de novo. Id.
¶ 35 At sentencing, the trial court considers many relevant factors, such as “ ‘ “the nature and
circumstances of the offense, including the nature and extent of each element of the offense as
committed by the defendant.” ’ ” People v. Saldivar, 113 Ill. 2d 256, 268-69, 497 N.E.2d 1138,
1143 (1986) (quoting People v. Hunter, 101 Ill. App. 3d 692, 694 (1981), quoting People v.
Tolliver, 98 Ill. App. 3d 116, 117-18, 424 N.E.2d 44, 45 (1981)). The court also properly
considers the degree of harm caused to the victim, even in cases where serious bodily harm is
arguably an implicit element of the offense. Id. at 269, 497 N.E.2d at 1143. In cases where the
victim’s age is an element of the offense, the court does not err simply by mentioning the
victim’s age at sentencing, as it is relevant to the nature of the case. People v. Thurmond, 317
Ill. App. 3d 1133, 1144, 741 N.E.2d 291, 301 (2000).
¶ 36 As defendant was convicted of aggravated battery under section 12-3.05(d)(1) (720 ILCS
5/12-3.05(d)(1) (West 2010)) for committing battery on a person 60 years of age or older, the
victim’s age was an element of the crime but also part of the nature of the offense. Like
Thurmond, the trial court’s two references to the victim’s age before pronouncing the sentence
related to the general circumstances of the crime. First, the court stated, “your conduct did
cause or threatened serious harm to your father who is eighty years old, undergoing cancer
treatment, and because of that his skin was very thin ***.” Second, the court said, “a sentence
is necessary to deter others ***. You did commit the offense against a person sixty or older.
Your father was eighty at the time and it was in his own home, not yours or out on the street.”
These comments related to the nature and circumstances of the offense and do not imply the
court used these factors to enhance defendant’s sentence.
¶ 37 Even if the court used William’s age as an aggravating factor, such use is not necessarily
error. In Thurmond, the court stated when age is an element of the crime, the court can consider
whether the victim is particularly young. Thurmond, 317 Ill. App. 3d at 1144, 741 N.E.2d at
301. The court reasoned “there is a difference between being under age 18 and being
significantly under age 18,” as our society considers sexual abuse of a much younger child
even more reprehensible. Id. The judge in this case could have concluded the victim, who was
80 years old, was of an age significantly older than 60. We conclude the court did not err by
mentioning the victim’s age at sentencing.

¶ 38 C. Ex-Wife’s Son’s Victim Impact Statement
¶ 39 Defendant argues the trial court abused its discretion by admitting and considering his
ex-wife’s son’s (Matthew’s) victim impact statement because the statement was “irrelevant,
unsubstantiated, and prejudicial.” The State argues the court did not abuse its discretion in
considering the statement because the statement was admissible under the relaxed rules at
sentencing hearings and defendant opened the door by injecting his desire to overcome his
longtime substance-abuse issues.
¶ 40 First, we note defendant failed to object to Matthew’s victim impact statement at the
sentencing hearing, although he included it in his pro se motion for reduction of sentence. By
failing to object at the sentencing hearing, defendant forfeited the issue. People v. Mimms, 312
Ill. App. 3d 226, 231, 726 N.E.2d 130, 134 (2000); People v. Gonzales, 285 Ill. App. 3d 102,
104, 673 N.E.2d 1181, 1183 (1996). Moreover, the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses
Act (Act) (725 ILCS 120/9 (West 2010)) provides, “Nothing in this Act shall create a basis for

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 vacating a conviction or a ground for appellate relief in any criminal case.” See Mimms, 312 Ill.
App. 3d at 231, 726 N.E.2d at 134. See also People v. Richardson, 196 Ill. 2d 225, 230, 751
N.E.2d 1104, 1107 (2001); People v. Hestand, 362 Ill. App. 3d 272, 281, 838 N.E.2d 318, 325
(2005); People v. Harth, 339 Ill. App. 3d 712, 715, 791 N.E.2d 702, 705 (2003) (even though
the trial court erred in admitting an impact statement from the victim’s mother, section 9
precluded relief on appeal).
¶ 41 However, defendant argues the trial court erred in admitting Matthew’s statement and
further contends, by doing so, the court violated his due-process rights by considering
irrelevant, unsubstantiated, and prejudicial information. Under the plain-error doctrine, we
may consider unpreserved error when (1) a clear or obvious error occurred and the evidence is
so closely balanced the error alone threatened to tip the scales of justice against the defendant,
regardless of the seriousness of the error; or (2) a clear or obvious error occurred and that error
is so serious it affected the fairness of the defendant’s trial and challenged the integrity of the
judicial process, regardless of the closeness of the evidence. People v. Piatkowski, 225 Ill. 2d
551, 565, 870 N.E.2d 403, 410-11 (2007); People v. Kopczick, 312 Ill. App. 3d 843, 852, 728
N.E.2d 107, 114-15 (2000) (plain-error review applies to sentencing proceedings). Defendant
has the burden of persuasion under both prongs of plain error. People v. Wilmington, 2013 IL
112938, ¶ 43, 983 N.E.2d 1015. The first step in a plain-error review is determining whether
any error occurred. People v. Walker, 232 Ill. 2d 113, 124, 902 N.E.2d 691, 697 (2009).
Accordingly, we determine first whether the consideration of Matthew’s victim impact
statement was error.
¶ 42 Section 6 of the Act (725 ILCS 120/6 (West 2010)) provides, where a defendant, as here,
has been convicted of a violent crime and a victim of the violent crime or the victim’s
representative is present in the courtroom at the time of the sentencing hearing, the victim or
his representative shall have the right to address the trial court about the impact defendant’s
conduct had on the victim. Further, immediate family members may be permitted to address
the court regarding the impact defendant’s criminal conduct had on them and the victim.
¶ 43 Here, Matthew’s statement did not relate to the impact of the crimes for which defendant
was being sentenced. In People v. Hope, 184 Ill. 2d 39, 702 N.E.2d 1282 (1998), our supreme
court noted, while the details of prior crimes are admissible and relevant to aggravation at a
sentencing hearing because they “illuminate the character and record” of a defendant, the
impact of those crimes on their victims do not provide “such assistance.” Id. at 52, 702 N.E.2d
at 1288. Thus, Hope holds the impact of defendant’s past crimes on other people is not
relevant. We recognize Hope involved a sentencing decision by a jury in a death penalty case,
but see no reason not to consider its application here. See Richardson, 196 Ill. 2d at 232, 751
N.E.2d at 1108-09 (courts should consider the relevance and materiality of a victim impact
statement; impact evidence from victims other than victims of the offense on trial is irrelevant
and inadmissible). Additionally, we note evidence of other crimes is admissible through live
testimony at a sentencing hearing. See People v. Harris, 375 Ill. App. 3d 398, 411, 873 N.E.2d
584, 595 (2007), aff’d on other grounds, 231 Ill. 2d 582, 901 N.E.2d 367 (2008). “[C]riminal
conduct for which there has been no prosecution or conviction may be considered in
sentencing. Such evidence, however, should be presented by witnesses who can be confronted
and cross-examined, rather than by hearsay allegations in the presentence report, and the
defendant should have an opportunity to rebut the testimony.” People v. Jackson, 149 Ill. 2d

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 540, 548, 599 N.E.2d 926, 930 (1992) (citing People v. La Pointe, 88 Ill. 2d 482, 498-99, 431
N.E.2d 344, 351 (1981)).
¶ 44 Many courts have noted, for evidence to be admitted at a sentencing hearing, it must be
reliable and relevant. See, e.g., Harris, 375 Ill. App. 3d at 409, 873 N.E.2d at 594; Jackson,
149 Ill. 2d at 549, 599 N.E.2d at 930. The ordinary rules of evidence which apply at trial are
relaxed at a sentencing hearing, where a court has the ability to consider a variety of sources
and types of information when determining a sentence. Harris, 375 Ill. App. 3d at 408, 873
N.E.2d at 593. As noted above, while hearsay evidence is allowable at a sentencing hearing,
such evidence should be presented in the form of live testimony, rather than hearsay
allegations contained in an attachment to a presentence report. Id. at 411, 873 N.E.2d at 595. If
a defendant has been prejudiced by the procedure used or the material considered by the trial
court, the sentence cannot stand. Id. at 409, 873 N.E.2d at 594.
¶ 45 Here, probation attached Matthew’s victim impact statement to the PSI. Matthew’s
statement recounted defendant’s misconduct when defendant lived with Matthew and his
mother. The impact of that conduct on Matthew was irrelevant at this sentencing hearing
because it was not a result of the conduct for which defendant was charged. Matthew could
have been called as a witness to testify about defendant’s misconduct (as opposed to
submitting a written statement about the impact defendant’s prior misconduct had on him), as
such behavior reflected on defendant’s character. However, it was error for the statement to be
attached to the PSI and considered by the court in the fashion it was.
¶ 46 Merely finding error in this procedure does not necessarily justify reversal of defendant’s
sentence. We will reverse only if defendant was unfairly prejudiced or his right to due process
was violated. “Due process bars the introduction of evidence that is so unduly prejudicial that it
renders the sentencing hearing fundamentally unfair.” Harth, 339 Ill. App. 3d at 715, 791
N.E.2d at 705 (citing Payne v. Tennessee, 501 U.S. 808, 825 (1991)); Richardson, 196 Ill. 2d at
233, 751 N.E.2d at 1109.
¶ 47 While it is clear the trial court considered Matthew’s victim impact statement, it is also
clear defendant was not so unduly prejudiced his sentence must be vacated. Matthew’s mother,
Carol, gave an extensive victim impact statement covering many of the items Matthew
discussed in his statement. There has been no contention Carol’s statement was improperly
allowed. Further, after reading her statement, Carol was questioned by defendant’s counsel.
¶ 48 Defendant’s PSI reflects the following convictions, ranging from 1987 to 2006: (1)
resisting a police officer, (2) aggravated battery of a police officer, (3) criminal trespass to a
residence, (4) aggravated battery, (5) battery, (6) battery, (7) felony domestic battery, (8)
domestic battery, (9) battery, (10) felony domestic battery, and (11) driving under the
influence. Several of the batteries and an aggravated battery involved three separate spouses.
One of the batteries was of William, who was the victim of the aggravated battery in the
present case.
¶ 49 Moreover, the State did not rely on Matthew’s statement when making its sentencing
arguments. Instead, the State noted defendant had not contributed financially to the support of
his six-year-old son and, thus, there would be no financial hardship to his dependent. The State
argued defendant was likely to reoffend based on his extensive criminal history and pointed
out defendant had been placed on probation for battery-related offenses six times. During four
of those probations, petitions to revoke were filed. The State also noted defendant violated a
court’s order of protection by going to Carol’s home and further had threatened her during the

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 pendency of this case, demonstrating a base indifference to the pending proceedings and court
orders.
¶ 50 The trial court also considered Carol’s victim impact statement, defendant’s lengthy
criminal history, the circumstances of the crime, the court’s finding the crime resulted from
conduct likely to recur, and defendant was unlikely to comply with terms of probation. Each
factor weighed in favor of a lengthier sentence. The court also had little evidence in mitigation
because defendant failed to attend three appointments regarding the PSI.
¶ 51 We find the trial court would have imposed the same sentence even if it had never read
Matthew’s statement. Therefore, defendant cannot show unfair prejudice or a violation of due
process.

¶ 52 D. Defendant’s Posttrial Claim of
Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
¶ 53 Defendant argues the trial court erred in failing to conduct any inquiry into his
postsentencing claims of ineffective assistance of counsel. The State concedes error. We
accept the State’s concession.
¶ 54 “The law requires the trial court to conduct some type of inquiry into the underlying factual
basis, if any, of a defendant’s pro se posttrial claim of ineffective assistance of counsel.”
People v. Moore, 207 Ill. 2d 68, 79, 797 N.E.2d 631, 638 (2003). In Moore, the supreme court
remanded for “the limited purpose of allowing the trial court to conduct the required
preliminary investigation” because the trial court failed to conduct any examination into the
factual basis of defendant’s ineffective-assistance allegations. Id. at 81, 797 N.E.2d at 640-41.
This limited investigation is often referred to as a Krankel hearing, in reference to People v.
Krankel, 102 Ill. 2d 181, 464 N.E.2d 1045 (1984) (developing the common-law procedure,
refined in subsequent cases, for pro se defendants’ claims alleging ineffective assistance of
counsel). See People v. Patrick, 2011 IL 111666, ¶ 42, 960 N.E.2d 1114.
¶ 55 Here, defendant filed a pro se posttrial motion for reduction of sentence alleging, among
other issues, his counsel at sentencing refused to subpoena witnesses on his behalf. The trial
court appointed defendant’s sentencing attorney to represent defendant at the hearing on
defendant’s motion and a new judge, Judge Freese, presided over the hearing. At the hearing,
the court did not mention defendant’s allegations relating to his counsel’s performance, nor did
counsel bring them to the court’s attention. (We note, while defendant contends the trial court
ordered his attorney to subpoena witnesses for the sentencing hearing, the record reflects the
court was interested in no further delays of the matter. The State’s sentencing witnesses had
appeared on at least two occasions where the sentencing hearing was continued because
defendant was either not present or not ready to proceed. Thus, the court appeared to be saying,
“if you are planning on having witnesses, subpoena them so I do not have to continue the
sentencing hearing again.”) We also note defendant would have to show the witnesses would
have made a difference in the sentence imposed. See Jackson, 149 Ill. 2d at 553-54, 599
N.E.2d at 932.
¶ 56 As the trial court made no inquiry into defendant’s ineffective-assistance-of-counsel claim,
we remand for an informal Krankel inquiry. If the court determines the allegations show
possible neglect of the case, the court should appoint new counsel to represent defendant in a
hearing regarding his ineffective-assistance-of-counsel claim. Moore, 207 Ill. 2d at 78, 797

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 N.E.2d at 637. However, “[i]f the court determines that the claim of ineffectiveness is spurious
or pertains only to trial strategy, the court may then deny the motion and leave standing
defendant’s convictions and sentences.” Id. at 81, 797 N.E.2d at 640. See also People v. Jolly,
2013 IL App (4th) 120981, 999 N.E.2d 735.

¶ 57 III. CONCLUSION
¶ 58 For the reasons stated, we remand the cause with directions to conduct an initial Krankel
inquiry and otherwise affirm. Because the State successfully defended a portion of this appeal,
we grant the State its $50 statutory assessment against defendant as costs of this appeal. See
People v. Williams, 384 Ill. App. 3d 327, 342, 892 N.E.2d 620, 633 (2008); see 55 ILCS
5/4-2002(a) (West 2012).

¶ 59 Affirmed in part and remanded in part with directions.

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