People v. Crowder

On September 4, 2001, defendant, Robert Crowder, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular hijacking and armed robbery (720 ILCS 5/18— 4(a)(3), 18 — 2 (West 2000)), in exchange for dismissal of another charge. Although defense counsel stated “there is no agreement as to sentence,” the prosecutor, when later asked by the trial court if the sentences would run concurrently, responded, “[tjhat is correct, Your Honor.”

On October 15, 2001, prior to the sentencing hearing, defense counsel filed a motion to withdraw the plea, contending defendant did not understand the plea and was innocent of the…