People v. Adams

Following a bench trial, the defendant was convicted of involuntary manslaughter, usually considered a Class 3 felony. Because the victim was the defendant’s son, the offense was elevated to a Class 2 felony. 720 ILCS 5/9 — 3(f) (West 2000). Defendant was sentenced to 12 years in prison. The major issue in this case is whether the change in class violates the defendant’s right to due process of law. We conclude it does not.

FACTS

On February 28, 2001, defendant was taking care of his son, Stanton Adams, Jr. Stanton was two months old. According to defendant, he began bouncing Stanton on his…