People v. Dotson

A jury found defendant Robert Dotson guilty of murder and unlawful use of weapons. He was sentenced on the murder count to 40 years in the penitentiary. He appeals, asserting that reversal is necessary because (1) he was not proven guilty of murder and unlawful use of weapons beyond a reasonable doubt; (2) an incriminating statement was obtained from him in violation of his sixth amendment right to counsel; (3) he was deprived of a fair trial by the State’s improper final argument; and (4) the trial court abused its discretion in sentencing him to 40 years’ imprisonment.

At trial, the…