People v. Lane

Defendant, Chad M. Lane, was tried in absentia for predatory criminal sexual assault (720 ILCS 5/12 — 14.1(a)(1) (West 2006)) and aggravated criminal sexual abuse (720 ILCS 5/12 — 16(c)(1)(i) (West 2006)). The jury found defendant guilty of all charges, and the trial court sentenced him to 30 years’ imprisonment. Defendant filed a motion to reconsider, which the trial court denied. On appeal, defendant argues that (1) he should not have been tried in absentia, (2) the trial court did not properly instruct the jurors as required by Supreme Court Rule 431(b) (177 Ill. 2d R. 431(b)), and (3) the…