State v. Johnson – Hill

Hill, J.:

We reverse Daquantrius S. Johnsons firearm convictions because the trial judge fell asleep during his trial. We see no option other than granting Johnson a new trial for such an error.

The State charged Johnson with criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aggravated assault, and criminal discharge of a firearm. After his conviction, the court imposed a 43-month sentence, 12 months’ postrelease supervision, and lifetime registration. In this direct appeal, Johnson raises 10 issues, but we focus on the first. Basically, we must answer the question: What are the legal…