People v. Williams

The defendant, Charles Williams, represented by appointed counsel, was convicted on September 17, 1969, in a bench trial in the circuit court of Cook County of the murder of Arthur Pearson, and sentenced to a term of 50 to 75 years’ imprisonment. By motion dated December 5, 1969, and filed February 16, 1970, the indigent defendant, pro se, sought a transcript of his trial, and on the latter date the public defender was appointed to represent him. On May 27, 1970, a notice of appeal was filed by counsel in the trial court. In late 1972 the public defender filed a brief on behalf of defendant,…