People v. Brisker

William Brisker was charged with armed violence (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1983, ch. 38, par. 33A — 2), aggravated battery (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1983, ch. 38, par. 12 — 4), and attempted murder (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1983, ch. 38, pars. 8 — 4, 9 — 1) for allegedly stabbing a tavern patron during an altercation on the evening of January 17, 1984. Brisker was found guilty of attempted murder after a trial without a jury and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment. Brisker now appeals the judgment, contending that the necessary finding of specific intent was based on an unconstitutional presumption that “one intends the…