People v. Dawson

The issue in this appeal is whether petitioner had competent representation in his post-conviction proceeding.

In 1965, after a non-jury trial, petitioner was found guilty of possessing marijuana and he was sentenced to serve 7 to 20 years. On March 12, 1968, this court affirmed his conviction. (People v. Dawson, 93 Ill.App.2d 98, 237 N.E.2d 561.) Thereafter, acting pro se, petitioner filed a post-conviction petition. The State made a motion to dismiss. Before hearing, the trial court appointed the public defender to represent petitioner. After hearing, the trial court dismissed the petition.…