People v. Slabaugh

Following a jury trial, defendant, Nathanial Slabaugh, was convicted of mob action (720 ILCS 5/25—1(a)(2) (West 1996)), aggravated battery (720 ILCS 5/12—4(b)(6) (West 1996)), and resisting or obstructing a peace officer (720 ILCS 5/31—1(a) (West 1996)). He appeals, contending that (1) the trial court erred by allowing the prosecutor to impeach two defense witnesses with evidence that they pleaded guilty to misdemeanors arising out of the same incident as the charges against defendant; and (2) the prosecutor’s closing argument deprived defendant of a fair trial. We reverse and remand.

On June…