People v. Stokes

Norman Stokes and Charles Lawrence were charged by indictment with attempted first degree murder, armed robbery, home invasion, aggravated battery, and armed violence. The State nol-prossed the aggravated battery and armed violence counts. Defendants were found guilty on the charges of attempted first degree murder, armed robbery and home invasion. The court sentenced Stokes and Lawrence to 15 years’ imprisonment to be served concurrently on each count. Stokes appeals from this judgment.

On October 5, 1994, defendant’s case was called for jury trial. Neither defendant nor his attorney was…