People v. Fields

After entering a plea of guilty to the charge of murder (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1985, ch. 38, par. 9—1(a)) defendant, James M. Fields, was sentenced to an extended term of 70 years’ imprisonment. Defendant filed a motion to withdraw his guilty plea which was denied. Defendant appeals, contending (1) that he is entitled to a new sentencing hearing because the trial court based its sentencing decision on misperceptions, an improper aggravating factor and an error in the admission of a victim impact statement; and (2) that his extended-term sentence of 70 years’ imprisonment was an abuse of discretion…