People v. Jackson

This case once again brings before this court a question involving the Supreme Court’s decision in Apprendi v. New Jersey, 530 U.S. 466, 147 L. Ed. 2d 435, 120 S. Ct. 2348 (2000).

Defendant Kizzy Jackson was charged with the Class 3 felony of aggravated battery (720 ILCS 5/12 — 4 (West 1996)) for attacking the victim, Rebecca Fanning, with a box cutter. Defendant pled guilty to the offense in exchange for the State’s recommending a sentence within the normal range of imprisonment. After accepting defendant’s plea, the court sentenced her to an extended term of 10 years’ imprisonment. Defendant…