People v. Smith

Following a bench trial, defendant Arthur Smith was found guilty of aggravated criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual assault, and robbery. This court affirmed his conviction on appeal. Defendant filed a pro se petition for post-conviction relief; the circuit court dismissed the petition, finding it to be without merit. Defendant appeals that dismissal, raising the issue of whether the court erred in dismissing his post-conviction petition.

In February 1987, defendant was charged with criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault, and robbery, for acts alleged to have occurred…